By Jennifer W. Eisenberg
September 2019
Ready or not, in this brave new world of the 21st Century, information is the modern gold–or maybe even platinum–and everyone knows that precious elements must be kept safe. Major users of information struggle to keep their data out of the hands of unauthorized users, but the battle lines have been drawn, and the enemy often wins. Today, in order to keep their data secure, businesses, corporations, and government agencies are eager to hire job candidates who have degrees in Computer Information Systems because of their skills in comprehending and defeating threats to information security. Those who manage computer and information systems are often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers. Their typical duties in an organization are to plan, coordinate, and oversee all computer-related work.
The outlook for growth in the field of computer and information technology occupations is expected to be 13% through 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations. More than half a million new jobs are projected to be added, arising from the increasing demand for information security, the archiving of big data, and cloud computing.
Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems can expect to be handsomely rewarded for their valuable skills and knowledge. The following list of jobs available for those with a bachelor’s degree shows the median salary in 2018 (BLS).
Network and Computer System Administrator – $82,050
Computer Programmer – $84,280
Computer Systems Analyst – $88,740
Database Administrator – $90,070
Information Security Analyst – $98,350
Software Developer – $105,590
Computer Network Architects – $109,020
Meeting the need for the boom in job openings in the field, colleges and universities have expanded their online offerings to include degrees in computer information security. Obtaining an online degree will allow you to have a career on your terms while giving you the freedom to keep up with your daily obligations. The following schools have been thoroughly researched and ranked according to the information in the charts below. Where a tie in points occurs, weight is given to lower tuition costs.
Tuition Rate Ranking
- $350 and under – 5 points
- $450 and under – 4 points
- $550 and under – 3 points
- $700 and under – 2 points
- Above $700 – 1 point
Acceptance Rate Ranking
- 90% or above – 5 points
- 80% or above – 4 points
- 70% or above – 3 points
- 60% or above – 2 points
- 45% or above – 1 point
Student to Faculty Ratio Ranking
- 11 and under – 5 points
- 19 and under – 4 points
- 30 and under – 3 points
- 40 and under – 2 points
- Above 40 – 1 point
Regional Accreditation: 5 points
#1 – Peru State College
Peru, Nebraska
BS in CMIS (Computer and Management Information Systems) Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition (No out of state upcharge): $296.50
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Points: 18
Website
Peru State College asks only for transcripts from those applying for their bachelor of science in CMIS degree. No application fee is required. The courses for the 57 credit hour major are delivered via Blackboard with the same outcomes and objectives as the on-campus curriculum. No additional software is needed. Typical courses include Organizational Communications, Cyber Security, Database Development and Programming, Systems Project Development and Management, Network Administration and Implementing, International Business, and Legal Environment and Contract Law. Peru State College offers their BS in CMIS in 8 or 16 week class formats.
#2 – Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Online BS in Business Administration – Information Systems and Technology
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state): $407
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 17
Website
Old Dominion University has over 30 years experience in distance learning and a 24/7 help line. The 120 credit hour, online bachelor of science in business administration – information systems and technology degree firmly grounds students in the following areas: software engineering; systems analysis and design; database management; network engineering; and e-business. The curriculum includes courses such as Probability/Decision Analysis/Business Statistics, Operations Management, and Strategic IT Administration. The application process for the Old Dominion University online BS in business administration – information systems and technology degree calls for transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and a $50 application fee.
#3 – University of Maryland University College
Adelphi, Maryland
BS in Information Systems Management Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state): $499
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 17
Website
The University of Maryland University College has an online bachelor of science in information systems management that is a 120 credit hour program. IT employers regularly help to update the curriculum, and coursework includes such courses as Ethics in Information Technology, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Enterprise Architecture, Business Continuity Planning, and Trends and Practical Applications in Information Systems Management. Transcripts and an application fee of $50 are required to apply to the University of Maryland University College’s online BS in information systems management degree, but SAT/ACT and/or GRE scores are not needed.
#4 – Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, Tennessee
OnlineB.S. in Computer Information Systems
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (No out of state upcharge): $533.15
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 17
Website
Austin Peay State University offers an online B.S. in computer information systems program with four concentrations: systems development; information assurance and security; internet and web technology; and database administration. Up to 23 hours may be satisfied by your pre-existing military-awarded credits. Courses include introductory computer programming, Java language basics, programming and data structures using C++, data modeling, object-oriented programming, and principles of information security. Austin Peay State University asks for the following to apply for their online B.S. in CIS: ACT or SAT scores; official transcripts; and a $25 nonrefundable application fee.
#5 – Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, New Hampshire
Online BS in CIS
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (No out of state upcharge): $320
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Points: 16
Website
The online bachelor of science in computer information systems degree offered by Southern New Hampshire University is a “Degree in Three” program designed to be completed in three years without weekend, evening, or summer classes. The online BS in CIS has similarities to the Computer Science degree but with more emphasis on business, and with CIS majors serving as an essential bridge between the user and technology. Higher-level courses may include analysis and implementation of enterprise systems and creating implementation plans. Southern New Hampshire University’s admission process calls for filing a transcript release form. There is no application fee.
#6 – Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
BS in CIS Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (No out of state upcharge): $425
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 40:1
Points: 16
Website
Bellevue University has a 127 credit hour, online bachelor of science in computer information systems (CIS), which combines the study of database and information systems, computer programming, and management of information systems. There are four emphasis options: applications development; business intelligence; cybersecurity; and networking. Typical courses include structural systems analysis and design; business telecommunications; information technology project management; and information systems strategy, management and acquisition. To apply to Bellevue University’s online BS in CIS, submit transcripts and a $50 application fee. Bellevue has many military-friendly policies, such as credit for military training/service, 6-week courses, and classes that start every month.
#7 – Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
BS in CIS – Management Science Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (No out of state upcharge): $450
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 16
Website
The online bachelor of science in computer information systems – management science degree offered by Loyola University New Orleans is a 120 credit hour program. Loyola was established in 1904 and is a private, coeducational, Jesuit university dedicated to the mission of pursuing “truth, wisdom, and virtue; and to work for a more just world.” The curriculum includes information systems theory and practice, introduction to programming I & II, introduction to relational databases, and decision support systems. To apply to Loyola University New Orleans for their online BS in CIS – management science, submit transcripts or GED, and SAT/ACT scores unless you are 22 or older. No application fee is required.
#8 – Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Online BS in CIS
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (No out of state upcharge): $370
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 14
Website
Saint Leo University offers a 120 credit hour, online bachelor of science in computer information security degree focusing on computer applications in business organizations. The curriculum was designed using recommendations from IEEE and ACM, two of the largest technical professional associations for educational and scientific computing. Coursework for the online BS in CIS program includes decision support systems, system analysis and design, IT and project management, and introduction to information security. The Saint Leo University Student Life Department assists online students with joining virtual student clubs, Virtual Open House, and graduation coordination. Submit proof of high school graduation and a $40 application fee.
#9 – Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota
BS in CIS Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state): $460.85
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 16
Website
The online bachelor of science in computer information systems program at Dakota State University has rigorous admission requirements: a minimum 2.6 GPA; a minimum ACT score of 18 or an SAT sub-score on Reasoning Test Math and Critical Reading of 950 or above; specific required courses you must have taken; and ranking in the upper 60% of your high school graduating class. The curriculum may include structured systems analysis and design, project management, database management systems, and information system planning and management. To apply to Dakota State University’s online BS in CIS degree program, submit ACT/SAT scores, transcripts, and $20 fee.
#10 – Brandman University
Irvine, California
Online BS in Computing Technology, Business Systems Administration
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (No out of state upcharge): $500
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 14
Website
Brandman University’s 120 credit hour, online bachelor of science in computing technology, business systems administration degree program teaches you the skills needed to install, test, and administer networking systems that have data security features and that emphasize the newest technologies. The curriculum requires 48 hours in core courses, and their core includes information system security, organizational information systems, principles of macroeconomics, and leadership and professional ethics. Brandman University calls for at least 12 transferable credits, 2.0 minimum GPA, and no fee to apply for their online BS in computing technology, business systems administration degree.
#11 – DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
Online BS in Information Systems
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (No out of state upcharge): $655
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 14
Website
DePaul University has an online bachelor of science in information systems degree that is a 192 quarter credit hour, 48 course program. Long-term career occupations for this major include systems analyst, business analyst, IT management director, IT project manager, and IT consultant. The following are some sample first and second year courses: applied networks and security; introduction to human-computer interaction; interactive web scripting; and enterprise architecture. An ethics course is required. DePaul University’s admission process for their online BS in information systems degree asks for transcripts. ACT/SAT scores are optional, and there is no application fee.
#12 – Upper Iowa University
Fayette, Iowa
BS in Information Systems Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (No out of state upcharge): $1,172 (for fewer than 12 hours
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 11
Website
Upper Iowa University boasts an online bachelor of science in information systems degree that is a self-paced, asynchronous program with five 8-week classes and an accelerated 6-week summer session. The information systems professional must comprehend not only technical but also organizational factors, and the curriculum is designed for both aspects. Coursework includes the following classes: IT infrastructure; business process management; IT audit and controls; microeconomic principles; and strategy, management, and acquisition. To apply to Upper Iowa University for their online BS in information systems, submit transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a $50 application fee.
#13 – Webber International University
Babson Park, Florida
BS in CIS Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (No out of state upcharge): $915
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Points: 10
Website
Webber International University was founded as a business school in 1927 by Roger Babson, who was a noted individual in the fields of economics and finance. The university has an online bachelor of science in computer information systems degree that requires 30 credit hours in the major. The curriculum includes digital forensics, presentation management, web design for e-commerce, seminar in information systems, and Visual Basic programming. Webber International University maintains a fully-staffed email-support help-desk for online students. Application for the school’s BS in CIS online asks for SAT/ACT scores, transcripts, and a $35 application fee.
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