If you’re creative, have facility with computers, and want a practical college major, Information Systems or Information Technology just might fit the bill. There is considerable difference of opinion about what these two terms actually mean. Some people make clear distinctions between the two, while others use the terms interchangeably. Information Technology can be considered a subset of Information Systems. IT deals exclusively with the technological aspects of information systems (hardware, servers, operating systems and software etc.). IS refers to the design and use of systems and, as such, considers the people and processes involved, as well as the technology. That being said, most colleges and universities offer only one undergraduate major devoted to this study, and choose either IS or IT to describe it.
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) defines IT as “undergraduate degree programs that prepare students to meet the computer technology needs of business, government, healthcare, schools, and other kinds of organizations …. IT specialists assume responsibility for selecting hardware and software products appropriate for an organization, integrating those products with organizational needs and infrastructure, and installing, customizing, and maintaining those applications for the organization’s computer users. Examples of these responsibilities include the installation of networks; network administration and security; the design of web pages; the development of multimedia resources; the installation of communication components; the oversight of email systems; and the planning and management of the technology lifecycle by which an organization’s technology is maintained, upgraded, and replaced.”
Well-respected IS/IT programs offer a balance between theory and applied skill development. Classes frequently combine lectures, hands-on lab experience, projects and presentations. IT/IS students need strong writing, research, and presentation skills, along with the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Most programs require students to complete senior projects, so you’ll need to collaborate with others to solve real-world problems.
IT/IS programs begin with fundamental classes in calculus, discrete math, and statistics, and then move onto courses in computing and networking technologies, databases, information systems and business. You can expect to take classes in information technology and systems concepts, web design, hardware and software architecture, networking, data management, systems analysis and design, and internet security. You’ll probably also be required to take courses in technology and entrepreneurship, ethics, and technology and society. Most curricula will allow you to choose electives in an area of personal interest. When researching schools, pay careful attention to the concentrations that are offered and the research interests of the faculties.
So, you’re armed with a degree, now what? Graduates typically obtain jobs as network administrators, database administrators, web developers, technical writers, software developers, and quality analysts. Further, a wide range of employers in government, education, global consulting, manufacturing, consumer products, finance, and software development recruit graduates with IS/IT degrees.
Given the diversity of IS/IT positions, wage and employment statistics provide general indications only. In 2010 the median annual salary for those with Bachelor’s degrees in IT/IS was about $70,000 and upwards, depending on the work specialty. The really good news is that the demand for IS/IT professionals is expected to grow faster than average over the next seven to ten years.
Learn more about these modern majors:
Association for Computing Machinery – www.acm.org
Premier professional organization for computing professionals. Includes information on Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and student chapters.
National Workflow Center for Emerging Technologies – www.nwcet.org
Organization whose primary goal is the creation of innovative and industry-relevant education programs for the IT and related industries.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook – www.bls.gov/ooh
Information on job titles, work responsibilities, wages, and employment prospects
