Program overview

Study at one of only a handful of NJ schools with AACSB accreditation. You will combine your interest in computers with a career-oriented business curriculum. This program will provide the coursework to develop an understanding of business and how to use technology to help the business enterprise realize its goals. 

The Information Systems (IS) degree is a STEM degree which combines computer technology courses with business courses to teach students the application of computer technology in a business environment. It prepares students for a number of jobs in information technology (IT) departments. 

Information systems vs computer science

An information systems degree differs from a computer science (CS) degree in its focus. The computer science degree is an engineering degree which includes coursework in mathematics, science and engineering with a focus on the programming and development of computer systems. The information systems degree blends business and technology, and features courses on the application of computer systems to train students how to use them practically within a business environment. This degree prepares students for a range of jobs in the business enterprise, including network administration, cloud computing and operating system administration, cybersecurity management and application development.

While both degrees are great preparation for a career in information technology, the information systems degree prepares students for jobs that support the use of computers in a business enterprise. Students seeking roles related to the development of new computer applications and electronic components will prepare for those opportunities with a computer science degree.

Three students look at laptop and have discussion

Internships and co-ops

Take advantage of our internship program, during the summer of your junior or senior year, to earn academic credit, hone your skills and build your résumé in a paid position. Recent placements for internships and co-ops include Bloomberg, Dow Jones, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Fidelity Investments.

By the Numbers

15%

job growth projected through 2032, much faster than average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)

$164K+

median annual salary for computer and information systems managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)

100%

of 2020-21 IS graduates are employed full-time or continuing their education

Where potential becomes a plan

Entry-level IS professionals are well paid and have strong future earnings potential. 

Common careers:

  • Information systems consultant
  • Computer systems administrator/Cloud administrator
  • Cybersecurity analyst
  • Application developer
  • Social media consultant
  • Computer programmer
  • Business intelligence analyst
  • Database administrator
  • Network administrator
  • Data analyst
  • Enterprise Architect
Musa Aioub
Rider stands out from other schools through the opportunities it presents to students ranging from organizations, internship opportunities and more.”
Musa Aioub '22
Information Systems major
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Norm Brodsky College of Business with flowers in the foreground

Program requirements

Our 120-credit program focuses on the interaction between technology, core business principles and strategies. As an IS major you will also complete studies in network administration, system analysis, application development, security auditing, database management, e-commerce, game design and social media systems. In addition you will learn the latest technologies used in the industry such as HTML and Python.

Financial aid resources

Learn more about financial aid, tuition and the various options we offer to make your college education affordable.

Contact

Arthur Taylor

Professor

Department of Information Systems, Analytics and Supply Chain Management

Sweigart Hall

ataylor [at] rider.edu

609-895-5514

Academic Focus: Information Systems

Outside of the Sweigart Building at Night