Careers in Computer Systems
Careers in computer systems can be very rewarding as the demand for computer systems professionals is increasing in various industries. Earning a degree in computer systems can lead students to better career opportunities in this lucrative field. Computer systems professionals can earn $47,000 to $140,000 annually. There is immense scope of growth for computer system professionals.
Major Industries for Computer Systems Professionals
There are a number of industries and sectors in which computer systems professionals can find rewarding jobs including:
IT consulting firms
Software companies
Public accounting firms
Defense industry firms
Hospitals
Management consulting firms
Federal and state government
Telecommunications companies
Web design firms
Computer Systems Educational Programs
Students can choose from various degree programs in computer systems. The choice of a program depends on the personal career aspirations of a student. The popular educational programs for computer systems professionals are:
Associates degree in computer systems
Bachelors degree in computer systems
MBA in computer systems
Associate’s Degree in Computer Systems
Students can pursue entry level positions in different industries by earning an associate’s degree in computer systems. They learn to create solutions for business using computer systems and technologies. Some of the courses covered in this program are Data Structures, Software Development and Computer Networking. Students with associate’s degree in computer systems can work as:
Computer Support Technicians
Computer Security Specialists
Network Administrators
Computer Systems Administrators
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Systems
This degree prepares students to apply practical computer applications in business scenarios. Courses in this degree program include communications, business, networking and software design.
MBA in Computer systems
Earning an MBA degree in computer systems enables students to pursue most rewarding jobs in the world of IT. Systems development, security and emerging trends in enterprise technology are some of the courses covered in the advanced program. Software development and computer networking are some of the disciplines covered in MBA programs.
Online Programs
Computer systems studies are also offered by a number of online institutes. The online programs are very beneficial as they give the students to study from any location. Also, the online programs in computer systems are cheaper than the regular programs in this area of specialization.
Specializations in Computer Systems
Some of the specializations in the field of computer systems are:
Business Intelligence
Information Technology Consulting
Computer Security Management
Information Technology
Business Process Management
Computer Forensics for Business
Top Jobs
Computer systems professionals can pursue various jobs in different industries. The top jobs for individuals with degrees in computer systems are:
IT Risk Advisor
Business Analyst
Project Manager
Management Consultant
Network Manager
Security Analyst
Software Engineer
Business Application Developer
Business Intelligence Specialist
Computer system professionals can also work as systems analysts, computer forensics specialists, customer support managers, database analysts, systems integration consultants, technical sales managers and telecommunications analysts.
States with the highest employment level in this occupation:
State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|
| California | 1660 | 0.11 | 1.26 | 18.13 | 37720 |
| Florida | 1130 | 0.14 | 1.68 | 17.97 | 37370 |
| Illinois | 960 | 0.16 | 1.92 | 17.9 | 37240 |
| Texas | 760 | 0.07 | 0.78 | 16.62 | 34570 |
| New York | 650 | 0.07 | 0.85 | 20.12 | 41840 |
Source: bls.gov