Every organisation collects data related to their product or business and saves it somewhere to prevent cyberattacks. So, how do we collect that data and where do we store it? So the answer is computer information systems (CIS). It is a type of system that is responsible for the collection, organisation, and distribution of data. When we talk about data in CIS, it is not only related to software; it contains hardware, as well. If you are curious about learning what CIS is and how you can become an expert in this field, you need to read the blog mentioned below: 

What is Computer Information Systems?

Computer information systems are the management of software and hardware data on data storage and management devices (cloud storage, servers, etc). Basically, it is a type of technology that is responsible for the management of data that is transferred in the computer connected to the same network. But cyberattacks are rising rapidly, so managing and protecting data is important. CIS has many benefits, such as enhancing information security, communication, and productivity. 

Computer Information Systems Degree and Certificates

1. Information Systems Specialisation

Information system specialisation is a four-course series for the beginner level. In this online course, you will gain several skills, such as business process management, project management, critical thinking and leadership management, business transformation, and more. It takes 3-6 months to complete the course. Furthermore, the best part about this course is you will get a certificate from the University of Minnesota that you can add to your resume or CV.

2. Information Systems Auditing, Controls, and Assurance

Information Systems Auditing, Controls, and Assurance is a beginner-level online course that takes almost 4 weeks to complete. The skills you will gain in this course are security engineering, change and leadership management, strategy and operations, and more. It is a free-to-use course offered by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. By the end of the course, you will get a sharable certificate.

3. The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking

The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking is a Google course that you can enroll for free. It is also a beginner-level course that has six modules. It takes 24 hours to complete the course. In this course, you will gain skills in Domain Name System (DNS), IPv4, network models, and troubleshooting. Moreover, the course is available in 11 languages. By the end of the course, you will receive a sharable certificate. 

Computer Information Systems Skills Requirement

Here are some of the skills required to become an expert in the field of computer information systems. Let’s check them out:

1. Business Process and Management

BPM is a skill that is required to improve and manage the business process. It involves process discovery, process mapping and modelling, metrics, key performance indicators (KPI), collaboration, decision-making, and more. It fills the gap between technology and business objectives.

2. Technical Knowledge

Technical knowledge (software and hardware) is important to become a professional in CIS. A person should have hardware knowledge about computer architecture, troubleshooting hardware issues, server administration, and more. In software knowledge, you should have clarity of database management systems, cloud computing, application software, and more. 

3. Mathematics

CIS requires basic mathematical knowledge related to algebra, statistics, calculus, geometry, and algorithms. Mathematical knowledge is beneficial for analysis programs and coding functions. However, it is important to note that not all CIS jobs demand mathematical knowledge. 

4. Computer Science and Programming

Computer science and programming are the basic requirements in CIS that will be in demand in any job you apply for under CIS. So, learn about computer science fundamentals, including networking, database management, data structure, and more. Programming knowledge includes at least one programming language (C++, Python, Java, etc.) 

5. Security Threats

Knowledge of security threats is important in all CIS jobs to protect the organisation and data from cyberattacks. The basic security threat requirements are security principles, knowledge of cyber threats (phishing attacks, denial-of-service attacks, malware, etc.), vulnerabilities, and more. 

Computer Information Systems Jobs

The best computer information systems jobs that offer high packages are as follows:

1. Information Systems Analyst

Information Systems Analyst is a position under CIS. The job is to examine the current system, conduct system testing and troubleshooting, add new functionality to systems, implement technological solutions, and more. It is one of the best computer information systems jobs you can apply for. In the USA, the average salary of an ISA is approximately $103,575 annually.

2. Software developer

The job of a software developer is to deploy and design software, run codes, test software, improve existing software, and more. Furthermore, the entry-level education for the position is a bachelor’s degree, and the salary is around $98,273. 

3. Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts play an important role in the CIS by protecting the organisation from malicious attacks. The role of a cybersecurity analyst is to develop security policies, research security trends, monitor security access, and more. Furthermore, the average salary of a cybersecurity analyst is $104,108.

4. Cloud Computing Engineer

A cloud computing engineer is responsible for designing and implementing cloud-based solutions, automating cloud operations, enhancing the organisation’s productivity, and more. Moreover, the average salary of a cloud engineer is approximately $146,074 annually. 

Bottom Line

Computer information systems is a field full of jobs. In this field, the professionals are responsible for managing the software and hardware data. Furthermore, it has many benefits, such as improving security and enhancing productivity. To become a professional in CIS, you should have a computer information systems degree. The skills requirements are technical knowledge, mathematics, programming, and more. You can enroll in the above-mentioned courses to build your career. What are you waiting for? Get an entry-level education and become a professional. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques: What is the difference between CS and CIS?

Ans: The difference between CS and CIS is that in CS, the focus should be on technical aspects, and in CIS, the focus is on practical application. 

Ques: What is the role of computers in information systems?

Ans: The role of computers in information systems is to enable the storage and retrieval of a large amount of data. 

Ques: What is the main purpose of CIS?

Ans: The main purpose of CIS is to minimize the chances of data breaches, cyberattacks, privacy loss, denial-of-service attacks, and more. 

Also Read: What is Multiple Factor Authentication (MFA)?