15 Best Information Systems Schools

The best elements of business, IT, and computer science are combined in information systems. To start a new career, take a look at these best information systems schools.

Graduates entering the job market with bachelor’s in information systems degrees have a wealth of opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that from 2019 to 2029, employment of managers of computer and information systems would increase by a healthy 10%. Degree holders can pursue careers in a variety of areas and thrive in a profession that is continually expanding.

Readers can use our rated list, which highlights the top information systems degrees, as a starting point for their academic research. This top-notch tool for students looking for degrees offers comprehensive details on each program. Additionally, our guide covers employment in computer information systems and degree requirements.

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What are Information Systems?

Although they did not reach private users until the 1980s, computers first appeared in the business world in the 1970s. Organizations require reliable information systems to run their digital operations and defend against cyberattacks because cloud-based computing has become a modern standard of business across industries.

Graduates of computer information systems (CIS) programs are qualified for a wide range of rewarding positions. Directors of IT and security must have CIS backgrounds. Employees can become chief information officers with experience. Information security analysts and network and computer systems administrators are vocations that are related.

As of 2019, there were 461,000 computer and information systems managers employed in the nation, and from 2019 to 2029, employment is expected to increase by 11%. The administration of businesses and organizations, scientific and technical consulting services, insurance carriers, and computer systems design and related services are among the industries with the highest employment rates for computer information systems managers.

Information systems degrees may appeal to prospective students who are interested in both business and computers. To solve difficulties, CIS managers need to have excellent analytical and decision-making abilities. Strong communication abilities also enable CIS workers to explain circumstances to managers who might lack a particular technical expertise.

Information systems degrees should be considered by prospective students who excel in computers and business strategy and have excellent analytical and leadership skills.

Why Get a Bachelor’s in Information Systems?

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in information systems have a wide range of career options. Certain jobs may require an associate’s degree, and a bootcamp can teach students the fundamentals of coding to help them understand the concepts. A bachelor’s degree expands on computer proficiency by teaching business abilities. Graduates leave their studies with a solid grasp of how to use their technical skills to advance their potential employers.

A bachelor’s degree in information systems also has the following advantages:

1. Employability:

From 2019 through 2029, the BLS predicts an 11% employment growth rate for all computer and information technology jobs. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in information systems have many of work options.

2. Expertise:

CIS experts must stay up to date with developments in a subject that constantly makes new discoveries. Holders of degrees in information systems have the foundations necessary to comprehend and apply technological advances.

3. Earnings Potential:

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree are eligible for positions with typical starting salaries of $80,000 as of 2019. CIS workers may make even more money based on their position and amount of experience.

Should You Earn an Online CIS Degree?

In the world of online education, degree seekers might discover new opportunities. With this increasingly common alternative, students can attend the institutions of their choosing without having to uproot their lives. Students can pursue their education while juggling their home lives, obligations, and jobs thanks to distant learning.

An information systems degree adapts well to an online setting because it lacks demanding supervisory requirements and on-site internships. Through online lectures, group projects, and forum discussions, students can study the fundamentals of business and computing.

Prospective students should think about their preferred learning environments because online degrees take the same amount of time and attention as on-campus programs. While some people thrive in a hectic campus environment with active in-person interactions, others do best in a quiet setting.

Online courses can either be delivered asynchronously or in real-time, with meetings taking place via video conferencing. When looking for programs, students should take these preferences into account. Strong time management and self-motivation abilities are two personal qualities that are conducive to online learning success.

The Best Information Systems Schools

Here are the top 14 schools for people looking to pursue an undergraduate, graduate, or online degree in information technology.

1. Cornell University — Ithaca, NY

One of the finest information technology programs is located at Cornell University, a famous Ivy League institution and top-ranked national research university.

Three separate colleges offer the following bachelor’s degree programs in information technology:

• BA in Information Science (College of Arts and Sciences)
• BS in Information Science (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences)
• BS in Information Systems and Technology (College of Engineering)

Small class sizes, the chance to do independent research under the guidance of esteemed faculty, and a variety of IT-focused student organizations, such as the Information Science Student Association and Women in Computing at Cornell, are all advantages for students.

Last but not least, Cornell provides a few online professional certificate programs in IT-related disciplines like website design and digital leadership.

2. New York University — New York, NY

At the undergraduate and graduate levels, NYU is a great place to pursue a degree in information technology and related subjects. This well regarded private institution offers the following IT majors:

• BS in Information Systems Management (through NYU’s School of Professional Studies)
• BS in Applied Data Analytics and Visualization (through NYU’s School of Professional Studies)
• BS in Computer Science

Students learn in intimate settings and enroll in a wide range of courses, from networking and database design to arithmetic and economics. At NYU, there are numerous graduate IT degrees available, some of which are also offered online.

• MS in Management of Technology (on-campus or online)
• MS in Cybersecurity (on-campus or online)
• PhD in Information Systems
• MS in Information Systems
• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Computing, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation

3. Carnegie Mellon University — Pittsburgh, PA

Though its major strengths are more targeted toward graduate students than they are undergraduates, CMU is currently ranked #1 by Niche for best information technology schools and is known throughout the world for its interdisciplinary research.

On US News’ list of the top graduate programs in computer science, CMU is placed number two.

A BS in Computer Science is an option for undergraduates. Students can select from a number of IT graduate programs at CMU’s Heinz College, some of which can be completed totally online (see below):

• Master of Information Systems Management
• MS in Information Security Policy and Management
• MS in Information Technology Management (online)
• MS in Information Security and Assurance (online)

4. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — Troy, NY

RPI, a famous technological research institution, approaches the topic of IT in an original multidisciplinary manner.

Graduate-level programs at RPI’s School of Science include the MS in Information Technology and the PhD in Multidisciplinary Science (including an IT track), while undergraduates can choose to earn a BS in Information Technology and Web Science.

Students can select an area of expertise from a list of more than 20 specializations in both the bachelor’s and master’s IT degrees. These concentrations include the following:

• Arts
• Medicine
• Finance
• Economics
• Science of Data
• Information Security
• Psychology
• Law
• Communication

Students in these programs study security and privacy concerns, the moral and legal ramifications of technology, and effective technological communication.

5. Lehigh University — Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University, a top-tier academic institution with more than 7,000 students, provides a number of challenging information systems and technology degrees.

Students can enroll in the BS in Business Information Systems degree at Lehigh’s College of Business and Economics, which requires them to complete courses in management information systems and business data management. Additionally, courses in risk management, cloud computing, and software enterprises are available to students.

Lehigh University’s College of Arts and Sciences also offers a BA in Science, Technology, and Society. This curriculum focuses on the societal impact of scientific discovery and technical innovation. (Note that no new majors or minors are being accepted for this program at the moment.)

Lehigh University offers a PhD in Teaching, Learning, and Technology in addition to an MS in Instructional Technology if you’re interested in the use of technology in education.

6. Brigham Young University — Provo, UT

The excellent IT program at BYU will appeal to those who want to study IT in a more conventional setting that is also openly Christian.

Two IT-related majors are available at BYU: a BS in Information Technology and a BS in Cybersecurity. There are six possible areas of specialization for both majors:

• Internet of Things (IOT)
• Penetration Testing
• Digital Forensics
• User Experience Design (UXD)
• Mobile and Web Development
• System and Network Administration

A year-long capstone project is required of IT students, and it entails addressing the technical requirements of a sponsoring business. Cyber-physical systems, digital forensics, database administration, and web technology are examples of elective topics.

BYU provides an MS in Technology and Cybersecurity in addition to undergraduate IT studies.

7. Purdue University — West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University is an excellent option for people who want to study information technology and associated subjects. It is a top-20 computer science institution and is home to more than 30,000 undergrads.

Information technology majors in the Computer and Information Technology Program at Purdue Polytechnic Institute have a variety of options, including:

• Computer and Information Technology
• Cybersecurity
• Computing Infrastructure and Network Engineering Technology
• Systems Analysis and Design

Additionally, Purdue offers an MS in Computer and Information Technology with concentrations in areas like information security, cyber learning, and bioinformatics. Some IT master’s programs, like the MS in Information Technology Project Management and the MS in Information Technology Business Analysis, are even accessible online.

8. University of Washington — Seattle, WA

For its information systems program, UW is now ranked #2 by US News, making it one of the best public research universities in the country and an excellent choice for IT students.

Students can obtain a BS in Informatics at the Seattle campus, a field that draws on computer science, sociology, design, psychology, and information science and is related to information technology.

The informatics major offers a number of concentration options, such as data science, cybersecurity, human-computer interface, and others. The curriculum for the informatics major includes the following six key areas:

• Foundations
• Data
• Design
• Development
• Organizations
• Society

In addition to finishing a capstone project, students in this program are required to attend classes on design approaches, databases, and data modeling.

Additionally, UW undergraduates have the option of earning a BA in Business Administration from the Foster School of Business, which allows them to include the study of information systems and operations management as a major.

The University of Washington also provides highly regarded master’s and doctoral degrees in information systems.

9. Illinois Institute of Technology — Chicago, IL

The outstanding array of engineering and technology programs Illinois Tech offers, particularly its esteemed Information Technology and Management Program, make it a small, private university that attracts students from across the country.

There are a total of seven career-focused specialties offered in this program:

• Data Management
• IT Entrepreneurship and Management
• Networking and Communications
• Software Development
• System Administration
• Systems Security

Students cooperate with academics on cutting-edge projects as part of this school’s IT department; examples of these projects can be seen on the official website.

Additionally, Illinois Tech offers a number of online management and information technology courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

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10. Rochester Institute of Technology — Rochester, NY

RIT is a reputable private university with its headquarters in New York and is a pioneer in the education of computer science and technology. Students can choose from a variety of IT degrees at RIT’s B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, including the following:

• BS in Computer Science
• BS in Computer and Information Technologies
• BS in Computing Security
• BS in Web and Mobile Computing

Most of these IT programs have a cooperative education component that pays students to work full-time in technology corporate settings as part of RIT’s value of experiential learning.

Additionally, RIT offers a number of graduate IT degrees, ranging from a PhD in Computing and Information Sciences through an MS in Computing Security.

Finally, RIT’s online learning platform makes a variety of IT courses available online, giving students some scheduling freedom.

11. Florida State University — Tallahassee, FL

A well-known public university with a thriving IT program is FSU.

Students can get a bachelor’s degree in information technology or information, communication, and technology at FSU’s School of Information. The second degree program is more focused toward social networking, PR, and promotion, whereas the former program places more of an emphasis on project management, networking, security, and informatics.

Numerous skills are taught in courses, including as information literacy, technological communication, website and visual design, and application development. A graduate program in information technology is also provided at FSU.

Undergraduates who have at least 60 semester hours of credit can enroll in online computer science courses at FSU to achieve a BA or BS in computer science.

The MS in Information Technology and the MS in Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies are two of the graduate degree programs in IT that are offered online.

12. Pennsylvania State University — University Park, PA

A highly regarded public institution with an esteemed information technology curriculum and—possibly most impressively—hundreds of alternatives for studying IT online is Penn State, founded in 1855.

The College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State provides numerous IT degrees, including:

• AS in Information Sciences and Technology
• BS in Information Sciences and Technology
• BS in Security and Risk Analysis
• BS in Data Sciences
• BS in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations

13. New Jersey Institute of Technology — Newark, NJ

There are several alternatives available at NJIT, a top technological university, for students who want to pursue IT as an undergraduate or graduate degree. The following degrees in IT and related fields are available:

• BS in Information Technology
• BA in Information Systems
• BS in Business and Information Systems
• BS in Human-Computer Interaction
• BS in Web Information Systems
• BS in Computer Science
• BS in Computing and Business
• MS in Cybersecurity and Privacy
• MS in Computing and Business
• MS in Computer Science
• PhD in Computer Science

One of NJIT’s most adaptable majors is the BS in Information Technology, which enables students to select a concentration from a variety of possible specializations:

• Criminal Justice and Law
• Management Information Systems
• Game Development
• Multimedia
• Network and Information Security
• Web Applications

This IT program offers classes in Information Design Techniques, Internet and Applications, Technical Writing, Introduction to Network Technology, and a capstone project that must be finished in the last year of study.

The MS in IT Administration and Security, the MS in Information Systems, and the graduate certificate in IT Administration are among the online master’s degrees and graduate certificate programs NJIT offers prospective graduate students.

14. DePaul University — Chicago, IL

DePaul University, a for-profit university with its headquarters in Chicago, is well renowned for integrating experiential learning into all of its academic programs, including its IT department.

Since DePaul’s College of Computing and Digital Media is situated right in the middle of Chicago, students have plenty of possibilities to engage with digital companies and practice their talents in practical settings.

The following undergraduate degrees in IT are available to students at DePaul:

• BS in Information Technology
• BS in Information Systems
• BS in Cybersecurity
• BS in Computer Science
• BS/BA in Data Science
• BS in Network Engineering and Security
• BS in User Experience Design

For the latter two years of the IT and computer science bachelor’s programs, there is an online option, allowing students to complete their degrees entirely online.

DePaul also grants a number of graduate degrees in information technology, including the MS in Business Information Technology, the MS in Cybersecurity, and the MS in Information Systems, all of which may be obtained online.

15. University of North Dakota

Founded six years before North Dakota became a state, UND today has over 13,000 students enrolled. The university’s Grand Forks campus, which spans 521 acres, is the biggest in the nation.

The information systems (IS) program at UND is run by the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration. Networking possibilities are offered by student organizations like the Association of Information Technology Professionals. Through the Pancratz Mentorship Program, current students can interact with alumni who are working in their area.

The emphasis of the curriculum is on computer science abilities, such as markup languages, Microsoft SQL Servers, SQL and HTML languages, and Microsoft Access. Innovative experiences like virtual field trips are advantageous for IS majors. The department arranges internship opportunities with businesses like Microsoft and the Big Four. Scholarships designated for IS majors may be available to students.

UND advises that applicants have a minimum GPA of 2.75. Official transcripts are required for registration, but for quicker admission decisions, students may also provide self-reported grades or unofficial transcripts.

Program Overview:

• Type of School: Public
• Licensed by HLC and AACSB
• Tuition is $377 per credit for in-state students, $422 for Minnesota residents, and $566 for out-of-state students.
• 120 credits are necessary.
• Program Duration: Four Years
• Delivery Method: hybrid or on-campus

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What to Expect From Bachelor’s in Information Systems Programs

Students receive the training they need to manage complicated computer systems in commercial settings when they complete a conventional bachelor’s degree in information systems. Participants in the program gain knowledge of database development and network administration while managing teams and departmental budgets.

About 120 credits are typically needed to graduate with a degree in information systems. Although requirements differ, students should anticipate finishing their degree with 45 to 60 credits. Although completion times vary, bachelor’s degrees typically take four years to complete. Some students may transfer credits from community colleges toward their degrees, shortening the length of the program.

While tuition prices differ widely amongst programs, as of the 2018–19 academic year, students enrolled in public, four–year colleges paid an average of $20,958 in tuition and associated fees.

The computer information systems degree offers cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as concentration choices. Computer science or business administration are related degree options. The development of company information systems, database management, cybersecurity, and numerous business and management principles are frequently covered in courses.

What is the Cost of a Bachelor’s in Information Systems?

In public four-year colleges, the average cost of tuition, housing and board, and other expenses is $20,958. School location, online versus in-person study, and the reputation of the institution are all variables that might affect the price of a program.

Less expensive tuition than it is for out-of-state students to attend public colleges in their home states of residence. Although private schools don’t often charge differently depending on where you live, their per-credit costs can be greater. Prestigious institutions frequently have more expensive tuition fees.

Since colleges frequently charge in-state or otherwise reduced tuition for online programs, distance learners can find lower rates in many programs. Additionally, they lower the cost of goods, housing expenses, and future travel. Candidates for degrees can finance their education through loans, grants, and scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Picking the Right Computer Information Systems Program

Our ranking of the top information systems degrees can help students with their research and program comparisons. However, everyone has different goals. Before choosing a university, degree seekers should think about things like accreditation, tuition and financial aid, and program culture.

Every student should check the accreditation status of the institution they chose. Accreditation on a regional and national level evaluates the entire institution. Some master’s programs do not recognize bachelor’s degrees without regional accreditation status because it often depends on stricter standards.

Many people seeking degrees consider cost while making decisions. Prospective students ought to think about comparing tuition costs to available financial help. Online courses could be less expensive than their on-campus equivalents. Because a school’s cost can vary depending on where it is located, applicants should factor in the cost of living and travel.

Students may also want to research the culture of the colleges they are considering. Degree seekers can learn whether a program offers a collaborative environment or a more competitive setting by engaging with current students and graduates. Prospective students may also wish to investigate whether a school values diversity by looking at the composition of the faculty and student body.

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