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

In 2017, megalith 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 $18,812 per year in tuition, and that over 53 percent of these 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 in information systems, you might be wondering whether this degree will increase your career opportunities.

The first thing to know about information systems is that it is an in-demand field. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the market for information systems managers will grow 12 percent through 2026. And there are other potential benefits to earning your master’s in this area.

Here are 10 more compelling reasons to get a master's in information systems and enter the field as a well-educated and qualified professional.

1. Your master's degree could boost your earnings

According to a 2015 study from Georgetown University, professionals with a master’s in information systems make about $16,000 more per year than those with a bachelors.

Indeed lists the median salary for information systems managers at $84,682. But there are many jobs in this field that earn well over $100,000. While a master’s is not a guarantee of a higher income, an advanced degree is a practical way to increase the amount you could make in this field.

2. You will be better prepared for a management role

Transitioning into a management role isn't easy, bu 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 people 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.

This survey aligns 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. Some tech professionals decide to get associate training in information technology or information systems later in life to appeal to their employers’ increasing demands for educational credentials.

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 help you develop valuable traits

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 qualities. As a master’s degree student, you will learn how to solve problems and get work done independently and with others. In fact, 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 understandings, 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.

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

You should also consider the careers that 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.

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 will put you in a prime position 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 resumé 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.

In this way, your master's degree will make it easier for you to put yourself forward for positions that match your background.

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 will equip 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.

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