Do you enjoy using technology to devise new and more efficient solutions to problems? Are you organized, articulate, and skilled at computing? Can you picture yourself in a leadership role? If so, you should consider a major in information systems.

PLNU information systems majors learn how to build and protect computer networks, as well as how to create, collect, store, and use information to support decision-making in various types of organizations. Furthermore, a career in information systems provides opportunities to become critical members of senior leadership teams.

PLNU’s information systems program combines elements from business and computer science resulting in a powerful degree. You will take classes in the Fermanian School of Business and the Department of Mathematical, Information & Computer Sciences, which will allow you to operate comfortably in both areas, ultimately increasing your value to future employers.

In addition, you will be able to gain practical experience by working outside the classroom in the information systems internship program, and leverage PLNU’s network of connections in a variety of San Diego industries.

Student Profile

Tim Little

Tim Little toggles between the business and software development worlds, helping to bring them together. He’s a software development systems analyst for Qualcomm, a Fortune 500 mobile technologies company. He completed his degree in information systems and a minor in computational science in 2016.

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For information about the courses required for the Information Systems, B.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

The expansion of the digital world has led to information systems taking on a significant role in research and innovation. With a degree in information systems from PLNU, you will be equipped for seemingly endless opportunities in leadership, entrepreneurship, website development, and internet security.

At PLNU, our information systems program focuses on two goals:

• Helping you learn how to build and protect computer networks
• Teaching you how to create, collect, store, and use information to support decision-making in various types of organizations 

In addition to the courses which set you up for these goals, you will gain hands-on experience by working in the information systems internship program and leveraging PLNU’s network of connections in San Diego industries.

Job outlook for information systems careers

Employment in careers related to a degree in information systems is projected to increase. For database administrators, employment is projected to grow 10% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What can you do with an information systems degree?

Graduates with degrees in this area are in high demand across a multitude of industries. PLNU information systems alumni have found success at companies like Qualcomm, SAIC, and even their own businesses, where they have helped design advanced business processes, provided support to organizational decision-making, built and secured computer networks, created websites, and managed complex technology projects.

Some of the positions PLNU graduates currently hold:

Database Administrator

2020 Median annual salary: $98,860

Database administrators utilize specialized software to stock and organize data (ex: financial information and customer shipping records). Through their database systems, they make sure the information is accessible to selected users within the business, while also being safe from unauthorized access. Additionally, some database administrators oversee the creation of new databases. They must keenly design the inner workings and facets of the database based on the needs of who will be using it. 

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Ability to ensure the security of organizational data
• Knowledge of how to back up and restore data to prevent loss
• Communication and problem solving to identify user needs and create/administer databases
• Efficiency in addressing issues to ensure that databases operate with no error 
• Creativity to make and test modifications to the database structure

Computer Systems Analyst (Systems Architects)

2020 Median annual salary: $93,730

Computer systems analysts, also known as systems architects, familiarize themselves with an organization’s current computer systems in order to design solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently. Especially with a background in information systems, they are able to bring together business and information technology (IT) by understanding the needs and limitations of both.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Communication to consult with managers on the role of IT systems in an organization
• Efficiency in analyzing numbers and the prospects of using emerging technologies
• Creativity to devise ways to add new functionality to existing systems and implement new systems
• Knowledge of how to conduct certain tests to ensure that the systems work as expected
• Leadership to train the systems’ end users
• Writing skills to create instruction manuals

Software Developer and Software Quality Assurance Analyst

2020 Median annual salary: $110,140

Software developers design and create computer applications or programs. Software developers also determine other requirements, such as security. They design the program and then work closely with programmers who write computer code. However, some developers write code themselves instead of giving instructions to programmers. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report the defects. 

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Programming and coding knowledge
• Knowledge of how to create test plans, scenarios, and procedures for new software
• Creativity and ingenuity for model and diagram making
• An understanding of designing and developing software

Information Security Analyst

2020 Median annual salary: $103,590

Information security analysts plan and implement security precautions to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as cyberattacks increase and become more complex. IT security analysts are heavily involved with their organization’s disaster recovery plan, which includes preventive measures such as regularly copying and transferring data to an offsite location.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Attention to detail with monitoring their organization’s networks for security breaches
• Knowledge of how to install and use software (ex: firewalls and data encryption programs)
• Ability to prepare reports documenting security breaches and the extent of the damage
• Creativity to devise ways to add new functionality to existing systems and implement new systems
• Communication to help computer users when they need to install or learn about new security products

Dive into the digital world and utilize your knowledge of information systems to be at the forefront of innovation and technology

PLNU’s Information Systems B.S. will set you up for success in the wide-ranging opportunities available post-graduation. Whether you pursue computer systems analysis, network security, or an intersection of these and more, you will be well prepared with the creativity and skills fostered on PLNU’s campus.

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.