IS&T Careers

Why Major in Information Systems?

Career opportunities for IS graduates remain strong. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the fastest growing occupations are the very jobs that our degree prepares you to enter. Other studies indicate that the most highly sought after graduates are those that possess both business and computing skills.

The supply of qualified college graduates with this combination of skills is not keeping pace with employer demand. Department of Commerce projections suggest that the gap in supply and demand will continue to increase through 2015. This means that both current and future career opportunities and earning potential will continue to be very favorable for IS majors.

What are the Career Opportunities in IS?

Career options for Information Systems majors are diverse. The information provided below represents the types of positions in corporations and large organizations that are likely to be occupied by Information Systems majors. A blend of business and technical knowledge is required to be successful in most of the listed positions - this is why they are often filled by individuals who possess information systems degrees.

Information Systems majors can also take advantage of corporate management opportunities outside of IT that lead to senior level management/executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The IS major also provides the background needed to strike out on your own as an entrepreneur.

What Will I Study

IS graduates help organizations solve business problems and take advantage of business opportunities. To do so requires both an understanding of basic business functions and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art information technologies.

  • Core Business Knowledge: IS majors complete the same core business courses taken by all business majors in UVU's AACSB-accredited Woodbury School of Business. These provide the foundation in accounting, operations, finance, marketing, and strategic management upon which successful careers in business organizations depend.
  • Technology: Beyond the business courses, IS majors develop a wide range of technical skills as they complete computing courses, including courses in programming, systems analysis and design, networking, database systems, web development and project management.
  • "Hot" Topics: To ensure that they are well positioned to enter today's workforce IS majors choose elective courses in hot topic areas such as E-Commerce applications, decision support systems, data mining, computer/network security, ERP applications, and wireless communications.