An online degree can cost as little as $3,000 – or over $100,000. More than 12,000 online degrees and certificates – and no two charge the same tuition. Our affordability rankings reveal who offers the best – and worst – buys in online degrees.
Enrolled in an online degree program? Alumni of an online college? Visit your college or degree program in our directory and "grade" – rate and rank – its performance. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life ratings of thousands of online college programs.
Not all online colleges rate the same in the eyes of the public or potential employers. How does the public rate your online degree? Do they rank it high – or rate it low? Help rate and rank all the choices. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life reputation of thousands of online colleges.
"Anybody who's thinking of enrolling in an online degree ... take a good look at GetEducated.com . Go ... get a free download of a detailed guide ."
Searching for an Online MBA?: "Several websites can help .. first, GetEducated.com offers free rankings of distance-learning MBA programs."
"Beware diploma mills... Go to GetEducated.com and ask the Diploma Mill Police."
"For a distance MBA you can pay from $6,000 to $120,000. To get the most bang for your buck ... check out GetEducated.com"
GetEducated.com – "a great source for weeding out phonies" (among online colleges).
"Thanks much for your wonderful site! I've recommended it to my students and entered a program I found at GetEducated.com." --Charles Balch, MBA, Ph.D. --Professor, Arizona Western College
Career Center
CAREER CENTER HOME
Computers & Information Technology Computer and Information Systems Manager
Outlook & Growth
This career is expected to grow 16 percent—faster than average—through 2016.
Businesses need networks (Internet, intranets, web) and other evolving technologies, and keeping these technologies running smoothly is essential.
The need for network security and the growth of web-based commerce will drive much of this demand. Managers with security expertise and experience in web applications and Internet technologies will become increasingly vital to their companies.
Salary & Wages
In 2006, computer and information systems managers enjoyed an average salary greater than $101,000. The middle 50 percent made $79,000 to $129,000. Those overseeing computer systems design earned the most; those employed by colleges, universities and professional schools made the least.
What is a Computer and Information Systems Manager?
Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct research and facilitate the computer-related activities of firms. They help set technical and business goals and make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals. They must understand both technology and business in depth.
There are many different kinds of computer and information systems managers. Chief technology officers (CTOs), for example, keep an eye out for the newest and most innovative technologies and develop a vision for using them effectively to improve the business. Management information systems (MIS) directors or information technology (IT) directors make sure that the workers of an organization have the computing resources they need to do their jobs properly, and that clients have the resources they need to access the company’s products and services. Project managers develop requirements, budgets and schedules for their firms’ information technology projects.
Education & Degree Path
Employers usually want to see candidates with a bachelor’s degree. The bachelor of science in business administration with a major or concentration in MIS (management of information systems) is the most common degree.
Many employers today want candidates with graduate degrees, especially an MBA with technology management as a core component or a master’s of management in MIS.
Many online universities offer degrees in management information systems. These degrees blend technical subjects with business, accounting and communications courses.
A few computer and information systems managers attain their positions with only an associate degree in computer science, but the most successful of these have acquired skills on the job. To aid their professional advancement, many managers with an associate degree eventually earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree while working.
Certification: Although certification is not required for most computer and information systems manager positions, getting private certification in a particular product or technology can be helpful.
Entering the Field: To prepare for an MIS career, investigate any associate degree in computer science or computer information systems or computer programming. The associate degree will help lay a foundation in computer science. Continue to earn your bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in MIS online.
Career Changers: If you have on-the-job experience with specific computer technologies, such as databases, programming, network configuration or web development, consider adding business and management coursework.
Most computer and information systems managers have previously worked as systems analysts, computer support specialists, programmers, or other information technology professionals.
If you have earned a bachelor’s degree in an area other than computers but hold a solid computer job, such as programming or database development, consider an online graduate level certificate in information systems or an MBA with a specialty in MIS.
Source for salary and growth data is the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information on careers in computer and information systems management, salaries and job prospects visit: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Computer and Information Systems Managers, at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos258.htm.
Ask GetEducated!
I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them?
—Roberta, Gary, IN
The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA...
I was laid off from my job as a real estate agent and want to be a high school math teacher, but my bachelor’s degree is in psychology. Do I need a new degree in education? Will an online bachelor’s in education qualify me to become a licensed teacher?
—Willis, Houston, Texas
If you didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree in education years ago and you now want to teach in the public schools, don’t fret. Every state maintains what are termed “alternative teacher certification” programs...
I’m considering earning my MBA online because there are no colleges nearby. But I’m skeptical about online education. Can you cite any objective research that “proves” that online MBAs are as good as the old-fashioned classroom?
—Tammy, Wyoming
The answer: YES. Online education has been scientifically shown to be as effective—if not more so—than the old-time classroom lecture....
Western Governors University Online Programs -- Online. Accelerated. Affordable. Accredited. A non-profit online university founded by the governors of 19 western states, WGU offers a convenient, flexible online education. WGU is the only accredited university in the U.S. offering competency-based degrees. Your progress is determined by your ability to pass rigorous assessments—typically tests, projects and a portfolio—that measure your knowledge and skills as you move through your degree program. WGU offers bachelors degrees in Education, IT, and Business.
Liberty University’s Master of Education- Early Childhood Program Specialist program prepares you for effective leadership in Christian, public, and private schools. Along with core courses, students will follow a robust program specialist curriculum focusing on early childhood development. Liberty University is NCATE accredited and provides outstanding quality education at the lowest tuition rate of leading online universities. See why LU Online has been ranked in the top 10 for two years in a row!
For active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and military families.
More than half of military students use online education. What do you need to know to find schools that best fit your needs? How can you find the best financial aid and scholarship package at your online school? Answers are here.
Job and Career Opportunities in Online and Distance Education
Online and distance schools need teachers.
The field of online education is growing and so is the need for teachers who can teach online. Check out our regularly updated list of online job opportunities, post your job availability, and visit our Online Resource Center, with tips, advice and free downloads for online educators.
Facts from GetEducated's National Survey of Online MBAs. Who offers the cheapest online MBA? Do you need an AACSB-accredited distance MBA? Online MBA rankings and ratings. Everything you need to know to compare 390 accredited online MBAs from 168 online business schools.
I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them?
—Roberta, Gary, IN 
The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA... 
