I did a great job in balancing leadership experiences, academics and extracurricular activities throughout college, but I couldn’t have done it without the many support systems I had at Rider.
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.
Admission options

First-year - How to Apply
Rider is where your future begins. First-year students are defined as recent high school graduates who are attending college for the first time. There are so many opportunities ahead. Take the first step towards your tomorrow at Rider.

Transfer - How to Apply
No matter where you began your journey, Rider has the resources you need to continue moving forward. At Rider, transfer students are defined as students who are under the age of 25 and have credits from another college or university.

Continuing Education - How to Apply
Rider offers flexible pathways for adult learners aged 25 or over, including veterans and active duty military personnel, that allow you to begin or complete your college degree, prepare for an advanced degree or grow your knowledge for personal enrichment. Non-matriculated or visiting students should apply using the Continuing Education application.
Information Systems vs Computer Science
An information systems degree differs from a computer science (CS) degree in its focus. The computer science degree integrates coursework in mathematics, science and engineering to 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.
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.
Start strong to make it big
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
11%
Job growth projected through 2030, much faster than average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
$159K+
Median annual salary for computer and information systems managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
92%
Of Rider students receive a job offer by graduation
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


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.