As technology continues to advance – with no signs of slowing down – an increasing number of apps, software, and hardware will stay present in both our personal and professional lives. Business information systems are integral to organizations large and small and help run everyday operations as well as develop the long-term plans of the company.
If you have an interest in tech, consider exploring business information systems jobs, which include research and intelligence, project management, and IT. In this guide, you will gain an understanding of what the degree entails, find answers to questions such as What can I do with a BA in business information systems?, and see examples of jobs you can pursue after graduation.
Overview: BA in Business Information Systems
Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems is an enriching experience that can lead to an exciting career. You can expect to develop your critical and analytical thinking, along with other essential skills to help you succeed. On top of that, author Joy Cromwelle explains in Is Information Systems a Good Major? [2023 Guide]: “Technology know-how is needed in nearly every industry these days, so having a degree in information systems can help set you up for success in a variety of fields and positions.”
Cromwelle elaborates that with a BA in business information systems, you can gain some of these in-demand skills companies need — such as how to store, organize, understand, and protect data. You can also help foster communication between organizational departments and keep teams informed on operating systems.
What Can You Do with a BA in Business Information Systems?
With the unique combination of business and technology expertise you’ll gain from your BA in business information systems, you’ll be prepared to take on a variety of roles and responsibilities. Indeed suggests a variety of roles you would be prepared for after completing your degree, all of which focus on employing information technologies, understanding operational objectives, and optimizing business processes. Take a look below at some business information systems jobs that might be right for you.
What Are Some BA in Business Information Systems Degree Jobs?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Handbook outlines a variety of jobs that require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for those interested in information systems. All have an emphasis in technology with business expertise – perfectly suited for your tech-focused degree. Whether computer and information systems manager, database architect, computer programmer, or information technology project manager, let’s take a more in-depth look at 11 careers you can choose to pursue.
1. Project management specialist
A unique blend of technology and project management, project management specialists keep teams accountable for projects and are the backbone of task completion and productivity. If you like a to-do list, add this title to your list of potential careers. Checking boxes and organizing work are central to this role. Project management specialists are skilled at using various types of software, says O*Net Online, while possessing soft skills such as communication to get the job done. In 2021, project management specialists earned an annual average salary of $98,420, or $47.32 per hour, according to the BLS. In the same year, 743,860 jobs with this title were held.
2. Information technology project manager
Data and communication networks are the backbone of organizations, and information technology project managers are the owners. In this role, you can expect to design and build these types of networks for use within organizations. The BLS cited an annual salary of $120,520 per year or an hourly rate of $57.94 for computer network architects, a role similar to information technology project managers. In 2021, there were 174,800 jobs with this title in the U.S., with an expected 4% rate of growth, which is about average.
3. Computer programmer
You might consider becoming a computer programmer if you enjoy writing, modifying, and testing code and scripts to help software and apps run smoothly. You can work directly for a software company or inside a larger organization that needs someone to coordinate proper functions of its technology integrations. In a similar role, the BLS found computer programmers made an average annual salary of $93,000 in 2021, or $44.71 hourly. There were 174,400 jobs available of this kind in 2021; the role, however, is expected to decline by 10% in the next decade.
4. Database architect
Responsible for creating and maintaining databases, organizations rely on data processing managers and database architects to keep systems firing. Tons of data move in, out, and through companies on a regular basis, and while database architects design and implement systems for organizing the information, database administrators maintain the complex systems. For this reason, database administrators earned a rewarding average salary of $101,000 per year in 2021, or $48.56 hourly, according to the BLS. There were 144,500 jobs of this title in 2021, and it is expected to grow faster than average at a 9% rate.
5. Computer systems analyst
By understanding users’ software trends and needs, O*Net Online describes this role as one that analyzes science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. The average salary for the related positions, software developer, quality assurance analyst, or tester, was $109,020 in 2021 according to the BLS, or $52.41 hourly. There were a whopping 1,622,200 number of positions in 2021 and this role has an expected growth rate of 25% — much faster than the average growth of similar roles.
6. Business intelligence analyst
According to O*Net Online, business intelligence analysts are responsible for understanding and creating financial and market intelligence within an organization.
7. Logistics analyst
Logistics analysts, based on O*Net Online, oversee invoicing, electronic billing, and tracking shipments.
8. Information technology manager
If you prefer to focus on one piece of technology or process, information technology manager might be the right fit for you. You can hone in on an area of the organization and provide guidance on best practices moving forward, according to O*Net Online.
9. Computer and information systems manager
Finally, web developers and digital designers design, create, and implement apps, websites, and software, according to O*Net Online. These managers may work within a company or agency or independently. In this role, you can expect to work toward understanding what the client or organization needs, manage assets such as audio, graphics, video, and copy, and create interactive technology. The BLS cited an average annual salary of $162,930 in 2021 for computer and information systems managers. Additionally, 485,190 jobs by this title were held in 2021.
What Is the Salary Potential for Graduates with a BA in Business Information Systems?
Given the above recommendations from the BLS for graduates with a BA in business information systems, there is a great salary potential if you choose to pursue this degree. The BLS found a median salary range of $78,300–131,490 in 2021.
What Skills Does One Gain with a BA in Business Information Systems?
Now that you have a good idea of the salary expectations once you graduate with a BA in business information systems, take a look at some of the skills you can gain from the degree. Imed Bouchrika, PhD points out several critical skills you will earn from your degree in information systems, ones that you will need to be successful in an information systems career:
- Computer science and programming
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Communication
- Coding languages
- Software development
- Cybersecurity
What Is the Job Outlook for a BA in Business Information Systems?
The job outlook for computer and information systems managers is extremely positive overall, based on the Job Outlook provided by the BLS for 2021–2031. The occupation is expected to grow 16% through 2031. Further, the BLS anticipates 48,500 openings for computer and information systems managers to be added each year, on average. So, if you are looking to enter the ranks of other computer and information systems managers, you can expect ample opportunities in your job search.
Review: What Can I Do with a BA in Information Systems?
With a strong job outlook and plenty of business information systems jobs to choose from, a degree in this field can set you up for success. Companies big and small have a need for diverse roles to prioritize technology and business goals. If leading the charge of networks, systems, data, and communication interests you, consider pursuing a BA in business information systems.