10 (Very Legit) Reasons to Get a Master’s Degree in Information Systems

In 2017, college loan provider Sallie Mae surveyed 1,587 American graduate students to learn how (and why) they fund their advanced degrees. They found that students paid an average of $24,812 per year in tuition, and that 53 percent of those funds were borrowed. Sallie Mae also learned that students’ top reason for attending graduate school was to invest in their future.

Developing your career through higher education is a big investment indeed—one that requires careful attention to your interests, goals, and priorities. If you’re considering earning a master’s degree program in information systems, you’re probably wondering whether this degree will improve your career opportunities. Is it a good investment in your future?

We think the answer is yes. Information systems is an in-demand field that requires high-level skills and training. That’s what Master of Science programs provide, and it’s why many employers favor job candidates who hold an advanced degree.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the market for information systems managers should grow by 16 percent between 2021 and 2031. That should create nearly 50,000 job openings in information systems each year.

And there are other compelling reasons to earn your master’s degree in information technology. We provide 10 of them below.

1. Your master’s degree could boost your earnings

According to a Indeed, a master’s degree typically results in a 20 percent increase in income. It also improves job prospects and reduces the likelihood of unemployment.

Indeed lists the median salary for information systems managers at $112,700, with top salaries approaching $200,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that computer and information systems managers earn over $164,000 annually. According to Emsi, nearly 30 percent of those working in this field hold a graduate degree.

2. You will develop essential management skills

Transitioning into a management role isn’t easy, but a master’s degree will give you the tools you need to do so effectively.

A master’s in information systems will increase your expertise in both technology and business. You’ll learn how to apply your tech know-how while also developing your communication and leadership skills.

3. Employers want well-educated candidates

A 2017 survey from CareerBuilder revealed that 33 percent of employers hired master’s degree holders for positions formerly filled by those with four-year degrees.

These results align with general employment trends over the past decade. Even jobs that didn’t initially require post-high-school education now prefer employees with at least a bachelor’s degree. The information systems sector offers various levels of education and potential certifications for people who want to increase their career prospects. By taking advantage of these opportunities now, you will maximize your hireability later.

4. A master’s degree will train you in leadership skills

The National Association of Colleges and Employers finds that outside of academic achievement, problem-solving and teamwork are the attributes most desired by today’s hiring managers.

Earning an advanced degree in information systems will help you improve those skills. As a master’s degree student, you will learn how to solve problems and get work done independently and with others. These skills will likely be built into your master’s in information systems curriculum.

5. You will build your brand more effectively

In this age of social media and influencers, it’s especially important to develop your brand, which requires an all-encompassing strategy. You can use your master’s degree to show that you’re serious about becoming a thought leader and to speak authoritatively about a variety of topics related to information systems.

While earning your master’s degree, you’ll learn to think critically and ask key questions. This will come in handy in an interview setting. In addition to helping you develop your understanding, a master’s will lend some credibility to your perspective.

6. You will impress your current employer

Oftentimes, workplaces offer educational perks to their employees. These include the chance to get master’s degrees while working simultaneously. Embracing the opportunity to earn your master’s degree in information systems will demonstrate to your employer that you want to excel and provide maximum value to your organization.

Technological advancements that allow distance learning make it even easier to earn a master’s while working. If you choose this path, your boss will likely see you as a standout worker who prioritizes personal development. And you’ll have the opportunity to apply your new technical skills immediately to real world situations.

7. A master’s will open up new career paths

Additional careers will be available to you after earning your master’s in information systems. Professionals with this background maintain a company’s tech infrastructure, including the network configurations, software used, and hardware required. A master’s can put you in line for management and executive roles, all the way up to chief information officer.

It’s possible to use your master’s degree in information systems to specialize, too. You might focus on app development or cloud architecture, for example. Even if you already have an undergraduate degree in the field, a master’s degree could pave the way for more exciting and fulfilling work.

8. You will contribute to advancements through research

Do you have an endlessly curious mindset about your field and a desire to move information systems developments forward? Pursuing a master’s degree positions you to author research papers and explore the matters that fascinate you—all while collaborating with other academics. As a bonus, listing published work on your résumé will help you impress employers and assert your knowledge.

9. You will qualify for more job opportunities

Most job search websites allow you to filter the openings by entry-level, mid-level and senior-level roles. After you earn your master’s degree in information systems, you will be able to meet many of the requirements of those high-level jobs.

10. You will be prepared for the tech revolution

According to a report from Accenture, human-machine collaborations could increase revenue by 33 percent by 2022.

An information systems master’s degree equips you to help companies ramp up their tech investments and thrive during these changing times.

A worthwhile endeavor

Earning a master’s degree in information systems will require diligence, a strong work ethic, and fantastic time-management skills. At the same time, this degree will prepare you for top job opportunities and give you an advantage over others.

(Last Updated on February 26, 2024)

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