Many large organizations and corporations that rely on computers and databases to manage records and data need a technology director or systems manager to oversee operations in their information technology department. Systems management schools prepare students for careers in this area, offering a rigorous educational program that allows business and IT professionals to gain an in-depth understanding about business processes and operations, learn leadership skills to plan and organize in a team-based setting, and provide the necessary knowledge about software and database management for a specialized field.
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in business, information technology or a related field may take systems management courses at the graduate level or as an extension of their educational career program. A systems management degree can lead to a rewarding career as a supervisor or manager in a variety of business settings and industries.
Attending Systems Management School
Systems management schools are rigorous educational and training programs that allow students to develop their technical and management skills, fine-tune project management skills, enhance their analysis and design skills, and increase their knowledge in the field of operational management. Systems management courses and degree programs allow students to take on leadership roles in their career where they may be in charge of supervising a team of analysts, or taking on a role that is in charge of conducting in-depth research for an organization.
Information systems management degrees are typically graduate-level programs, allowing students the opportunity to learn business leadership skills and supervise teams of systems analysts, developers and other IT professionals. Some systems management schools and training programs offer a graduate certificate opportunity for those who want to further enhance their skills and specialize in a particular field or industry. The majority of these programs encourage students to gain hands-on experience in the field by taking on an internship role or working on several projects with area businesses.
Career Opportunities with a Systems Management Degree
Systems management courses prepare students for senior level and management positions in their career, providing them with expert knowledge and essential planning and organizing skills to coordinate projects in a team environment. Career opportunities with a systems management degree include:
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Programmer Analysts
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Programming Managers
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Systems Analysts
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Systems Engineer Supervisor
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Systems Managers
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Technology Director
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Information Systems Director
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Information Systems Manager
Students who complete formal training in the field may also decide to narrow their educational focus to earn certification in a specialized field.
Systems Management Degree Specializations
The basic concepts of systems management courses can be applied in a number of fields and industries that rely on computer information systems to manage business operations.
A graduate of systems management school may choose to specialize in a particular industry to gain a strong understanding of business operations and apply important concepts and practices for that particular field. The field of systems management can extend into the information technology sector, or healthcare and medical field, or financial industry. Systems management degree specializations may also include the fields of:
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Communications
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Financial Management
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Government
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Manufacturing/Construction
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Education
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Medical Research
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Retail
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Research and Development
Students who already hold a high-level degree in management or a related field may decide to take just one systems management class or a few courses to enhance their educational resume.
Systems Management Classes
Systems management course programs are typically divided into two or three modules beyond a basic business or information technology degree. Systems management courses may include:
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Database Concepts
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Networking Applications
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Project Management Systems
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Organizational Change
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Managerial Applications of Information Technology
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Information Security and Privacy
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Leadership and Organizational Change
Students who decide to pursue a specialization or concentration as part of their degree program may also pursue courses such as:
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Business Intelligence Systems
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Enterprise Data Management
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Global IT Outsourcing
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Software Development Project Management
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Wireless Networks
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Network Security
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Network Design and Management
Systems Management Degrees: Employment Prospects and Salary Information
Job prospects for those who hold a systems management degree look promising, as more companies and organizations search for skilled and experienced professionals who can oversee teams and design efficient systems to ensure smooth business operations.
Still, this is a very competitive field as the technology sector continues to grow at a rapid pace. Systems managers who specialize in a particular field may have an additional advantage when pursuing various positions, as they will have advanced training and expertise. Individuals who work on developing their interpersonal and leadership skills offer the most value for an organization, and this can be developed from experience and continuing education in the field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Occupational Statistics, the median annual earnings of management analysts were $68,050 in 2006, and salary ranges vary significantly based on years of experience, expertise and the location and type of employer. Systems managers may also choose to work on a consulting basis to help organizations develop efficient systems in operations and improve production processes through effective project management.
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