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Computer and information systems managers take leadership roles in planning, directing and analyzing information technology- and computer-related issues for their organizations. Their specific duties and responsibilities vary depending on the size of their company. This career attracts analytical, organized, tech-savvy people with good communication, business and leadership skills.
The job outlook and salary potential for computer and information systems managers is excellent. If you’re interested in this career, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline and anywhere from five to 15 years of professional experience in a relevant position. Many employers also prefer candidates with a Master of Business Administration.
Potential job titles include information technology (IT) manager, IT director, chief information officer and chief technology officer.
The rest of this guide explains how to become a computer and information systems manager. We discuss education and experience requirements, typical job duties and the salary and job outlook for this career.
Key Takeaways
- Computer and information systems managers oversee all computer-related activities at their organizations. Typical tasks include analyzing computer-related needs, planning hardware and software maintenance and upgrades, and managing IT workers.
- You need at least a bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant professional experience to become a computer and information systems manager. Some employers also require a graduate degree in a field such as business administration.
- Computer and information systems managers earn much higher than average salaries and can look forward to an excellent job outlook.
What Is a Computer and Information Systems Manager?
Computer and information systems managers oversee computer and information technology goals, tasks, personnel, costs and systems for their organizations. Most of the time these professionals start in a lower-level management role and can advance over time to positions with greater responsibility.
But just what do computer and information systems managers do? Daily tasks and overall responsibilities vary depending on the position and the size and structure of the company. However, typical duties may include the following:
- Supervise IT workers, including computer programmers, project managers, analysts, support technicians and software developers
- Analyze technology needs and make recommendations to CEOs and other high-level members of the organization
- Help establish IT goals and research best practices and new technologies
- Oversee the installation and maintenance of software and hardware
- Establish budgets, evaluate costs and benefits of IT projects and negotiate to get the best prices with vendors
- Improve and maintain IT and computer system security for the organization
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), popular employing industries for this profession include the following:
- Computer systems design
- Information
- Finance and insurance
- Management
- Manufacturing
How To Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems managers need a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of relevant professional experience. Some employers also require a graduate degree for this career. Below, we explain how to become a computer and information systems manager.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to becoming a computer and information systems manager is to complete a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science or a related field. This usually takes four years. You’ll study computing theory, software development, information security and computer programming and gain technical proficiency and analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
Get Relevant Work Experience
You’ll need significant experience in the field if you’re interested in this career. If you can, start getting hands-on experience through an internship while you’re still in school. Not only will you get the chance to put your learning into practice, you’ll also get to network with other professionals in the field.
The amount of required experience varies by position, employer and company size. The bigger the organization, the more experience it typically requires, while smaller companies often ask for fewer years of experience.
Computer and information systems managers typically need at least five years of professional experience in a related IT or computer role in the same or a similar field. High-level roles, such as directors, may require as much as 10 years of experience or 15 for a chief technology officer at a large organization.
Consider Earning a Graduate Degree
Many employers prefer or require a computer and information systems manager with a graduate degree. Many of these professionals earn a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), which usually takes two years to complete. M.B.A. programs can help you develop important skills needed for this profession, including general business proficiency and communication, leadership and decision-making capabilities.
Consider Professional Certifications
Professional certifications are voluntary credentials that demonstrate competency. Many employers in the tech industry prefer job applicants with a professional certification, and earning the right one might help you qualify for more and better jobs with higher salaries. You can also pursue certifications to continue your professional education and stay on top of new technologies and industry changes.
Computer and Information Systems Manager Salary and Job Outlook
The BLS projects a 15% job growth rate (much faster than average) for this profession between 2022 and 2032. Computer and information systems management is a large field. You can expect about 46,900 new openings for this career each year between 2022 and 2032.
It’s also a very well-paying field. The BLS reports that computer and information systems managers earn a median annual salary of $169,510. This is much higher than the average for all occupations of $48,060.
Certifications for Computer and Information Systems Managers
In the tech field, employers often prefer candidates with a relevant professional certification that demonstrates their skills and knowledge. You might negotiate a higher starting salary or even qualify for a job you wouldn’t have otherwise with a certification. We describe some popular certifications for this role below.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®)
The CISSP certification from ISC2 recognizes cybersecurity professionals with the skills to lead an organization’s IT security program. Applicants need at least five years of relevant work experience to qualify for the credential. They must pass an exam that covers topics including security and risk management, security operations and software development security. The exam costs $749.
This is a good certification for professionals in roles such as chief information security officer, director of security and IT director.
CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification shows that you can manage computer networks effectively. You must pass an exam that costs $369 and covers topics including network security, network operations and network troubleshooting. Eligibility criteria include nine to 12 months of work experience in the IT field.
Project Management Professional (PMP)®
The PMP certification from the Project Management Institute shows that you can effectively plan and lead projects in any industry. You must pass a 180-question exam and pay $425 (members) or $595 (nonmembers).
Eligibility criteria include a four-year degree, 36 months leading projects in the last eight years and 35 hours of project management education or CAPM® certification. Alternatively, you can qualify with just a high school diploma if you have 60 months of project management experience, plus 35 hours of project management education or CAPM certification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Computer and Information Systems Managers
What do computer and information systems managers do?
Computer and information systems managers oversee various computer- and information technology-related issues and activities at their organization. Specific duties vary by job but may include setting goals, making recommendations and assessing needs related to technology and computer systems and networks.
Is being a computer and information systems manager stressful?
It depends on the specific role and where you work, but it can be sometimes. As a manager, you’ll be accountable for a lot, which can be stressful. If something goes wrong, you may need to take responsibility for it and work overtime to solve the problem.
Is it hard to become a computer and information systems manager?
Becoming a computer and information systems manager takes time, but it’s possible if you’re willing to work hard and refine your leadership, business and communication skills. Plan on four years to earn a bachelor’s degree and another two years if you pursue a master’s degree. You’ll also need five to 15 years of relevant professional experience to qualify for this role.
Are IT managers in demand?
Yes, IT managers are in incredibly high demand. The BLS projects a 15% job growth rate (much faster than average) for computer and information systems managers between 2022 and 2032. This amounts to about 46,900 job openings on average for this career each year during this decade.