Post job

Information systems operator education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become an information systems operator. Information systems operators usually study computer information systems, computer science, or business. 45% of information systems operators hold a bachelor's degree, and 32% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 1,058 real information systems operator resumes to see exactly what information systems operator education sections show.

The most common colleges for information systems operators are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

There are also many online information systems operator courses to help get the education required to be an information systems operator.

There are certain information systems operator certifications that you should consider. These information systems operator certifications include Information Systems Professional (ISP) and Information System Analyst (ISA).

What education do you need to become an information systems operator?

What degree do you need to be an information systems operator?

The most common degree for information systems operators is bachelor's degree, with 45% of information systems operators earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 32% and associate degree degree at 12%.
  • Bachelor's, 45%
  • Associate, 32%
  • High School Diploma, 12%
  • Diploma, 4%
  • Other Degrees, 7%

What should I major in to become an information systems operator?

You should major in computer information systems to become an information systems operator. 15% of information systems operators major in computer information systems. Other common majors for an information systems operator include computer science and business.

Most common colleges for information systems operators

Information systems operators often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, DeVry University, and American University. Here are the most common colleges for information systems operators in the US based on their resumes.
Information systems operator common collegePercentages
University of Phoenix14.46%
DeVry University12.05%
American University8.43%
Western Washington University7.23%
University of Maryland - College Park4.82%

Best majors for information systems operators

Best colleges for information systems operators

The best colleges for information systems operators are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.

An information systems operator with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for information systems operators. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become information systems operators.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

3. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

4. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$18,454

Enrollment

40,108

5. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

6. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

7. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

8. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,530

Enrollment

4,571

10. Georgetown University

Washington, DC • Private

In-state tuition

$54,104

Enrollment

7,089

20 best online courses for information systems operators

Advertising disclosure

1. Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

coursera

Get ready to enter the thriving field of Information Technology (IT), with job ready skills! This beginner friendly course provides the core hardware and operating system knowledge needed by anyone new to IT and computer hardware who wants to start a new career in technology, including IT Support, Networking, Cybersecurity, and Software Development. You will first be introduced to computing fundamentals, the four functions of computing, and the benefits of computing. You will become...

2. Computer Hardware and Software

coursera

This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics...

3. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking

udemy
4.1
(314)

For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...

4. Certificate Program In Management Information Systems

udemy
4.1
(261)

Learn about the exciting world of Management Information Systems and its impact on the way organisations now function...

5. Introduction to Computer Information Systems

coursera

This Specialization is intended for anyone seeking to learn basic computer skills. Through 3 courses, you will study computer hardware, software, and data safety. You will also learn about digital literacy and productivity tools. These courses will prepare you for a number of jobs within the field of computer information systems...

6. Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance

coursera

The course is awarded The Best Free Online Courses of All Time, and Best Online Courses of the Year (2021 Edition) by Class Central (http://www.classcentral.com). --- Information systems (IS) are important assets to business organizations and are ubiquitous in our daily lives. With the latest IS technologies emerging, such as Big Data, FinTech, Virtual Banks, there are more concerns from the public on how organizations maintain systems’ integrity, such as data privacy, information security, the...

7. Operating Systems from scratch - Part 2

udemy
4.7
(1,078)

Learn memory management in operating systems as operating system forms the core of computer science...

8. Information Technology Essentials

udemy
4.4
(575)

Introduction to Information Technology and Information Systems...

9. Information​ ​Systems

coursera

This specialization provides a robust introduction to the key principles and practices of Information Systems Management.\n\nThe first course describes how Information Systems address business problems. This takes the form of an IT alignment model that describes how Information Systems provide capabilities that enable or support organizational strategy. This component also includes an economic analysis of the Information System.\n\nThe second course in the specialization entails the practice of...

10. Embedded Hardware and Operating Systems

coursera

This course is intended for the Bachelor and Master's students, who like practical programming and making IoTs applications! In this course, we will talk about two components of a cyber-physical system, namely hardware and operating systems. After completing this course, you will have knowledge of both hardware components and operating systems. You are able to plan and use embedded operating systems in resource-constraint devices for Internet-of-Things (cyber-physical system) applications. In...

11. Practical Aspects of Information System Audit (For Beginner)

udemy
4.5
(409)

Practical Aspects of Information System Audit (For Beginners)...

12. Operating Systems Final Part (4): File Systems & Threads

udemy
4.6
(518)

Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

13. Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)

udemy
4.5
(656)

Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO) Certification Exam Prep Course...

14. Operating Systems Part 3: Synchronization and Deadlock

udemy
4.4
(684)

Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

15. Windows 10 System Administration & Basic Computer Skills

udemy
4.2
(441)

Learn the basics of system administration for the Windows 10 operating system, as well as some basic computer skills...

16. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support

udemy
4.7
(1,213)

Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...

17. Operating Systems from scratch - Part 1

udemy
4.5
(4,324)

Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

18. Information Systems Security for Professionals: CISSP

udemy
4.5
(2,165)

Making Next Gen Information Security Leaders...

19. Fundamentals of Unix and Linux System Administration

udemy
4.2
(1,085)

Master Linux/Unix System administration through a practical and hands on approach...

20. The Absolute Beginners Guide to Information Technology 2023

udemy
4.6
(1,835)

Gain a solid foundation knowledge of all 4 main branches of Information Technology...

Top 10 most affordable universities for information systems operators

The most affordable schools for information systems operators are Baruch College of the City University of New York, california state university - bakersfield, and california state university - long beach.

If the best universities for information systems operators are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for information systems operators.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

2. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

3. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

4. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

6. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

7. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

8. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

9. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

10. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for information systems operators

The hardest universities for information systems operators to get into are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.

Some great schools for information systems operators are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for information systems operators based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

3. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

4. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

5. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

6. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

7. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

9%

SAT average

1,516

8. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

9. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

10. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for information systems operators

The easiest schools for information systems operators to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, notre dame college, and cardinal stritch university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an information systems operator without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for information systems operators.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

3. Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI • Private

Admissions rate

71%

SAT average

1,035

4. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

5. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

6. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

7. Iona College

New Rochelle, NY • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,089

8. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

9. Presentation College

Aberdeen, SD • Private

Admissions rate

97%

SAT average

1,050

10. Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,017

Average information systems operator salary by education level

Information systems operators with a Bachelor's degree earn more than those without, at $55,431 annually. With a Associate degree, information systems operators earn a median annual income of $54,513 compared to $47,152 for information systems operators with an High School Diploma degree.
Information systems operator education levelInformation systems operator salary
High School Diploma or Less$47,152
Bachelor's Degree$55,431
Some College/ Associate Degree$54,513

Information systems operator education FAQs

Search for information systems operator jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse production and manufacturing jobs