OVERVIEW
What is an Information Systems Manager?
One of several rewarding careers available to information technology (IT) students, the role of an information systems manager requires both strong communication and technical skills. These managers serve as technology advocates for companies or clients, helping them to equip all employees with optimal technology solutions.
Information systems managers typically need to obtain both an undergraduate and a master’s degree. Before employment, you might also need to gain a few years of experience in a relevant technology field.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does an Information Systems Manager Do?
Information systems managers fulfill a wide variety of responsibilities. On some days, you might spend time communicating with company executives while you familiarize them with several hardware or software options. On other days, you may collaborate with a company’s technology team to implement specific IT strategies.
The exact responsibilities of an information systems manager include:
- Identifying hardware and software options that benefit company operations.
- Consulting with company representatives or executives to discuss how specific technology solutions can be implemented.
- Helping IT teams integrate devices and programs across company networks.
- Implementing devices and programs that offer employees the tools they need to succeed.
- Researching any new or developing technologies that could potentially improve a company’s output.
- Upgrading a company’s existing networks and programs to continually accommodate changing security protocols.
- Training company employees in the use of any newly implemented technologies.
These and other responsibilities keep information systems managers busy each day as they work to connect companies with the technological tools they need.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does an Information Systems Manager Need?
Before you can begin a career as an information systems manager, you’ll need to satisfy a few academic requirements. First, it helps a great deal to earn a bachelor’s degree in IT management, or a closely related field. This program will improve your skills in data management, network security, and critical thinking, all immediately applicable when you begin a professional IT career.
Many information systems managers continue their education by obtaining a master’s degree in information technology management. This program helps to complete your technology skill set, further improving your abilities in IT management, data analysis, and accounting. You’ll also gain valuable leadership skills to help you guide company executives toward informed technology decisions. Additionally, an MBA in IT management could be a good fit if you already have an extensive IT background.
Best Degrees for an Information Systems Manager
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,835 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 35 total courses in this program.
Stackable CompTIA certifications that you can earn in this program:
- IT Operations Specialist (earned with A+ and Network+)
- Cloud Administration Professional (earned with Network+ and Cloud+)
- Secure Infrastructure Specialist (earned with A+, Network+, and Security+)
- Secure Cloud Professional (earned with Security+ and Cloud+)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Business
MBA Information Technology Management
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper...
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper management:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,805 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Management
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Communications
- Information Systems Security
Learn to navigate emergencies, execute strategies, and optimize systems with the competencies within this specialty MBA.
Technology
Information Technology – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.
- Time: 67% of graduates finish within 19 months.
- Tuition: $4,090 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Scrum Alliance Certified Agile Leader 1 (CAL 1) certifications.
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Solutions development
- Project management
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.
Technology
Accelerated IT Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in Information Technology at...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in Information Technology at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $3,945 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $4,090 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42-43 total courses in this program.
Stackable CompTIA certifications that you can earn in this program:
- IT Operations Specialist (earned with A+ and Network+)
- Cloud Administration Professional (earned with Network+ and Cloud+)
- Secure Infrastructure Specialist (earned with A+, Network+, and Security+)
- Secure Cloud Professional (earned with Security+ and Cloud+)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Automation with Python
- Cloud and networking security
- IT service management
- Data and AI fluency and integration
- Agile project and product management
- Microsoft IT strategy in cloud, data, AI, and security
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
How Much Does an Information Systems Manager Make?
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According to Salary.com (as of July 1, 2025), the average annual salary for an Information Systems Manager in the U.S. is (((information_systems_manager.averageSalary)))—about $65 per hour. Most professionals earn between $113,830 (10th percentile) and $157,770 (90th percentile), with the majority earning between $124,300 (25th) and $147,300 (75th percentile).
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for Computer and Information Systems Managers—including Information Systems Managers—will grow by (((information_systems_manager.jobGrowth))) from 2023 to 2033. This represents a much faster than average increase in demand, driven by expanding IT needs across organizations.
SKILLS
What Skills Does an Information Systems Manager Need?
Information systems managers depend on a variety of skills each day. Whether you’re communicating with company leaders or personally integrating software programs, you’ll depend on a deep technology-related skill set.
The skills you’ll need as an information systems manager include:
- Technological proficiency. The ability to use all required hardware and software systems that a company depends on.
- Network management. The ability to manage all aspects of a company’s networks, allocating proper user permissions to connect all employees with the resources they need.
- Research. The ability to identify and selectively integrate new technology-based tools that can further improve a company’s output.
- Interpersonal communication. The ability to correspond effectively with team members, company executives, and technology representatives.
- Instruction. The ability to teach employees how to effectively use a company’s hardware and software.
- Public speaking. The ability to confidently address employees and company executives regarding a company’s use of technology in the workplace.
- Teamwork. The ability to collaborate well in a shared work environment to integrate programs according to company needs.
These and other skills help information systems managers in their efforts to guide companies toward success by integrating technology applications that make operations easier.
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