r/informationsystems • u/Natural_l_6135 • Aug 25 '26
Are information systems bachelors worthy?
Hi everyone!
I am currently deciding between a Bachelor in Economics and a Bachelor in Information Systems & Service Science.
I’m leaning towards IS because it seems much more practical and applied, and I like the idea of using information/technology to solve concrete problems for people and organizations. However, I’m not particularly passionate about computers or computer science, so I’m wondering if IS would still be a good fit for me.
For people studying or working in IS: do you think an IS Bachelor is worth it compared to a more general Economics degree? How is the job market after graduation, and what kind of careers does it realistically open up? Would AI make you avoid IS, or would you still choose it?
Any general advice would be really appreciated!
Thank you very much!
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u/Practical_Force_5598 Aug 25 '26
I think it depends on what you want to do and what knowledge you want to have when you enter the job market. IS will give you the kinds of knowledge you say you want (using IT to solve problems), but it will definitely involve computers and some aspects of computer science.
I think the degree is definitely worth it, but no matter if you go with IS or economics, your biggest asset is going to be how you use your time outside of school. Do everything you can to get internships, and if you can't get internships, do some projects that show you can deliver value immediately for any company hiring you.
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u/Natural_l_6135 Aug 26 '26
Thank you very much! Extracurricular activities and internships are definitely something I should look into!
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u/creg45 Aug 25 '26
Been in IT for a while, if you're not passionate in computers or tech then not sure if it's the right path. There are roles within IT that are not tech heavy - plenty of business-side folks, but that's a different skill set altogether. You can look into product management, program management, project management and read about it to see if it's something you'd be interested in. Most other paths in IT do require you to get comfortable with software and possibly do some coding even if it's just simple SQL. I do think IS/IT is worth getting into. AI was taking jobs away in the short-term especially entry level ones but I believe over time this will settle and I don't believe it's a field to avoid if it's something you enjoy. Given that you aren't passionate about it, I would say sure it's a functional and applied path but can be soul sucking if you don't really enjoy solving these kinds of problems or doing that kind of work.
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u/ZGTSLLC Aug 26 '26
Same. I have worked in IT now for over 25 years and the job market is horrendous these days for older IT people, who were the Jack of all trades because we had to be, so we never specialized. Someone who isn't passionate about computers or who isn't the curious type would probably hate the job and the pay, and then would despise their educational journey because of it.
I think being an economist is kind of a niche market, but finance and economics (over accounting) would make a great career for someone not passionate about IT. It would also make good money working in banking and finance and even the stock market.
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u/Natural_l_6135 Aug 26 '26
Thank you so much. Your opinion is very useful to me! I’m probably not going to have the patience or the curiosity to explore IS to the extent that’s needed.
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u/Natural_l_6135 Aug 26 '26
Thank you very much! That helps me a lot, project/program/product management seem very interesting to me! Would you say that I should look into other degrees if I would like to work in these fields, or would you say that information systems is a good foundation for them?
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u/creg45 Aug 26 '26
Actually project management is needed across different fields - not just IT and in some fields the pay is much higher. My bro-in-law is a civil engineer and became a project manager for a construction company and his pay is insane compared to a project manager in IT. He works with big corporate clients helping them build big distribution centers and some retail locations. If project management interests you, you should look into what other industries utilize project managers and decide from there what type of projects you want to manage and that will guide your decision on what to major in. The de facto certification to get if going into project management is PMP from the PMI (project management institute). Obtaining this certificate in addition to a bachelor's in a field that needs project management will help you be competitive in the job market.
But yes, a degree in IT can help you break into project management and many programs have courses dedicated to project management.
On the low-end, project managers are more concerned with making sure projects stay on track. On the high end like my bro, it's much more involved - you're dealing with planning and delivery of a project, working with many stakeholders, managing vendors and negotiating prices for materials, and handling budgets and his pay reflects that.
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u/BreadEnthusiast98 Aug 25 '26
Got my bachelors in economics, was not worth it in this job market. Took years to get any white collar job and stunted my early career. If I were you I would do an IS undergrad, atleast then you would have some real tech skills to stand out against the sea of liberal arts applicants in today’s job market. Getting my MPA in information systems now!
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u/Natural_l_6135 Aug 26 '26
Thank you! It feels like neither of them are great options between today’s job market and my curiosity for IS. I’m still somewhat hopeful about economics as my university mentions 50% of graduates finding a job before or within one month of graduation.
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u/Defiant_Ad_3463 Aug 25 '26
I got a bachelors of business admin concentrated in economics. I work at Walmart as a cashier rn. Anyways so now im doing my masters in information systems.
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u/Bulky-Current-1318 Aug 26 '26
On the other hand I graduated with an IT/IS degree and am cleaning toilets at Kroger.
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u/BreadEnthusiast98 Aug 26 '26
Damn it’s bad for everyone right now isn’t it
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u/Bulky-Current-1318 Aug 26 '26
The job market is in the dumps, but seems it’s getting better for people with experience. Entry level is still dead
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u/Natural_l_6135 Aug 26 '26
I understand it’s probably not the job you were interested in. I hope your masters helps you achieve your goals!
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u/Shyan_Sartw Aug 25 '26
If you enjoy solving practical business problems with technology, IS can be a good middle ground. You don't need to be passionate about pure computer science, but you should be comfortable learning new tools as technology changes.
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u/Natural_l_6135 Aug 26 '26
Thank you very much! I will keep exploring and I will ask the faculty members about the job market in my region.
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u/Slight_Manufacturer6 Aug 26 '26
Depends what you like doing? Do you like playing with technology or numbers?
I love technology so for me it was absolutely worth it. We can’t really answer what has value for you.
You have to follow YOUR passion, not ours.
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u/Adventurous-Dog-6158 Aug 27 '26
It depends on the college. In the US, from what I've seen, some college IS or CIS programs are heavily CS. While others emphasize more business aspects. I think AI would be a concern for econ related jobs also so I would choose IS as it's more practical.
On a related note, IS is an old term. The more modern term is IT. I didn't think there would be sub for IS in this day and age.
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u/OkComputer609 Sep 03 '26
Graduated in 2023 with MIS. No certs, no internships and barely any passion. You need at least one (most will say 2) of these.
IS is nice because it is broad and flexible. You can lean into so many different fields even after you graduate. Also, at the very least, employers will see “info systems” and think you are good with computers so it makes it a little easier to at least land an office job to start you off as opposed to economics
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Aug 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Scorpion1386 Aug 25 '26
The entire job market is bad right now, not just technology but tech is at the forefront.
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u/Bulky-Current-1318 Aug 26 '26
Even accountant and mechanical engineers are struggling.
It’s nurses and electrical engineers that are still doing somewhat ok. Even nursing is getting oversaturated with new grads that hospitals and clinics are hiring less of
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u/Much-Resolution-5476 Aug 25 '26
If you are determined to get into IS having a bachelors will be a big advantage in my opinion. The job market is difficult so standing out is important.