Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Information Systems
There’s no doubt that computers, and computer systems, have become the backbone of our economy. We all rely on computers, and it’s this reason why getting an information systems associate degree is such a smart idea if you’re interested in computers and technology.
When you stop and think about it almost all businesses need some form of computer help, and all mid to large sized businesses have some kind of information management software. They need systems to help manage the information that is constantly going in and out of their business; without it, we’d be back in the world of paper files. Yikes.
If you’re in the business of managing and maintaining that all of that digital information, you won’t ever have to worry about finding a job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the field of information systems will grow by 26% by 2014. That’s much faster than most other fields, as you can imagine.
An information systems associate degree will get you started on the career path of database administrator, systems analyst, or a computer scientist. In fields like these, you’ll be doing just what we talked about above; you’ll be helping businesses record and safely maintain all the vital information they have to have to keep their business running.
Part of your job might be creating solutions for those businesses. You’ll be blending computer science with technology to come up with programs to help businesses do things like schedule employees, keep track of their finances, or manage their patient files. This is a very exciting career because you’ll be using your computer skills to solve real-world problems for these businesses.
Another big perk to getting an information systems associate degree is the fact that you can work almost anywhere. Because so many different kinds of businesses need skilled information systems professionals, you’ve pretty much got your pick when it comes to where you want to work and live. You can also pick your industry; you could find work in banking and finance, medical, education, retail, and pretty much anywhere else you can imagine.
Ok, ok, we know what you’re dying to ask: how much can I make with an information systems associate degree?
The good news is that you can make a great living in this industry. Database Administrators make around $60,000, and computer scientists make upwards of $85,000 or more.
Now, it’s important to understand that this is one of those degrees that will really pay off if you keep going with your education. This can be a complicated field, and you’ll definitely widen your options by getting your Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree. This, as you probably can guess, will enable you to earn much more money over the long run.
It’s also important to know that communications skills are very important in this industry. If you can get along well with others you’ll be a highly sought-after commodity. Why? Well, many people in the tech industry do not have great communication skills. Picture the typical “computer nerd”, sequestered in his dark office, typing away. When he tries to explain something to someone else in the office, he uses words that are so techno-complicated that no one can understand him.
Sounds funny, but that’s actually a big reality in the business world. If you spend time focusing on your people skills, and have the ability to explain technical things to non-technical people so that they can understand what you’re talking about, you can easily command $75,000 upwards to six figures in this industry. Why? Because you’ll be a rarity and that, in the business world, is a very good thing.
Click here to see some of the best associates degrees in information systems
Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs
Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.
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With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » |
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The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » |
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With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » |
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One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » |
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The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » |
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Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » |
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DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » |
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Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » |
