Is Information Systems a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Information systems is often perceived as a demanding major, blending technical skills with business knowledge. While some students find the coursework challenging, the degree's difficulty varies widely depending on a student's background. According to recent data, about 25% of information systems graduates in the U.S. report high academic stress, reflecting both the complexity and evolving nature of the field.

This article will explore course rigor, typical workload expectations, and the essential skills needed to succeed. It will also discuss factors like prior experience and learning styles that influence how hard students find this major, helping prospective students make informed decisions about their academic path.

Key Benefits of Information Systems as a Major

Information systems offers practical skills in data analysis and project management, benefiting career changers and full-time workers by enhancing employability in diverse industries.
The curriculum supports traditional undergraduates by blending technical knowledge with business insights, promoting academic growth and adaptability crucial for evolving job markets.
Students build confidence through hands-on projects and collaborative learning, which helps them manage challenging coursework and meet professional expectations effectively.

Where Does Information Systems Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

Information systems generally ranks in the middle tier in national difficulty assessments, falling below computer science but above many non-STEM fields. These rankings often consider factors like workload intensity, technical and analytical skill requirements, and practical learning components such as labs or projects. For instance, information systems scores around 67.21 in difficulty metrics, reflecting moderate to high demands on students.

The major requires proficiency in programming basics, data management, cybersecurity, and business system analysis. Coursework typically blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on problem-solving, leading to a substantial but manageable time commitment for most students.

Difficulty perceptions in information systems can vary widely depending on institutional rigor and individual student backgrounds. Compared to majors like electrical or mechanical engineering, it is usually more accessible but generally requires more effort than business or communication studies.

Students with strong logical reasoning and technological aptitude often find information systems manageable, while those new to programming may face initial challenges. The workload and complexity differ among universities, making it important to consider personal strengths and prior experience when evaluating the difficulty of this field.

What Factors Make Information Systems a Hard Major?

The difficulty of information systems as a major stems from a blend of academic and skill-based demands that challenge many students. Balancing rigorous coursework with developing strong technical abilities requires dedication and a strategic approach to studies.

Academic Rigor: Programs often require completion of numerous upper-division technical courses and core business classes. For instance, universities like the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse mandate at least 40 credits at the 300/400 level with a minimum GPA of 2.00 for graduation, demonstrating the academic rigor in information systems programs that can pressure students to maintain consistent performance.
Quantitative and Technical Demands: Coursework includes mastering subjects such as data management, SQL, Python programming, and systems analysis. These areas require strong quantitative skills and logical thinking, highlighting the quantitative and technical demands of the information systems major, which can be a steep learning curve for many students.
Time Commitment: Degree plans usually involve 120 or more semester credits combined with general education and business electives. Additionally, project-based assignments, group work, and internships often extend study time beyond scheduled class hours.
Field-Specific Demands: Students must stay current with rapid technological changes and integrate business strategies with technical solutions. This interdisciplinary expectation requires ongoing learning and adaptability in both academic and practical environments.

For those considering advanced education, exploring options like a 1 year master's programs could provide focused study paths that build on this challenging foundation.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Information Systems Major?

Understanding the best personality traits for information systems majors helps students gauge if their skills and interests align with this interdisciplinary field. This insight is essential for succeeding in a program that blends technology and business concepts.

Students who excel in information systems typically share these key traits:

Analytical thinkers: These students enjoy breaking down complex problems and designing practical solutions, which fits well with the program's technical and strategic coursework.
Curious about technology and business: Their interest extends beyond how systems operate to understanding how organizations use digital tools to achieve goals, providing a broad perspective helpful in their studies.
Effective communicators: They can translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences, fostering teamwork and collaboration essential in project management tasks.
Adaptable learners: The fast-evolving tech landscape demands a willingness to learn new methods and tools, both in class and on the job, making continual growth a natural fit.
Strong problem-solvers: Enjoying challenges motivates them to innovate and improve processes, a critical skill among the skills needed to succeed in information systems.

For those aiming toward certified jobs that pay well, developing these attributes can be especially valuable.

How Can You Make a Information Systems Major Easier?

Many students struggle with information systems because it merges technical and business knowledge, creating a demanding workload. Effective strategies tailored to these interdisciplinary challenges can make the major more manageable and improve academic success.

Follow a structured study cycle: Divide your learning into phases like previewing material, attending lectures, reviewing content, and self-testing, which helps build lasting understanding and fills knowledge gaps.
Apply spaced repetition: Spread study sessions over time rather than cramming to enhance retention and problem-solving skills, essential for mastering complex concepts.
Employ visual tools and active recall: Use diagrams and flashcards to clarify systems and processes, then test yourself regularly to reinforce learning.
Strengthen foundational skills early: Prioritize basics in statistics, communication, and programming, which form a critical base for succeeding in advanced coursework.
Engage academic resources and peers: Join study groups, consult professors, and utilize tutoring centers to gain new perspectives and reduce stress on challenging projects.

Are Admissions to Information Systems Programs Competitive?

Admissions to information systems programs are quite competitive, primarily due to high applicant volumes combined with limited enrollment slots. Many schools see strong demand because the major offers promising career opportunities. Additionally, prerequisite courses in math, computer science, or business often act as a barrier, narrowing the pool of eligible candidates and increasing selectivity.

Selective programs typically expect GPAs above 3.5 and may require relevant experience or extracurricular participation related to technology or business. The pressure intensifies at prestigious institutions, where thousands of qualified applicants apply each year. Demand for these programs continues to grow as technology becomes even more integral across industries, driving further competition for admission.

Is an Online Information Systems Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

Online information systems degree programs are neither inherently harder nor easier than their on-campus counterparts, though they present distinctive challenges that influence difficulty. Factors such as course structure and student support differ, shaping the overall academic experience.

Here is a comparison highlighting key differences in the online Information Systems degree vs on-campus format, focusing on aspects critical to student success and perceived difficulty:

Academic expectations: Both formats typically share the same curriculum, assignments, and exams, maintaining consistent academic standards across delivery modes.
Workload and pacing: Online programs offer more flexible scheduling that benefits students with strong time management but can challenge those who struggle with self-motivation.
Interaction and support: On-campus students enjoy immediate face-to-face access to professors and peers, while online learners rely largely on digital communication, which may feel isolating and delay feedback.
Learning environment: Online students navigate multiple technologies and platforms, which may pose barriers for those less comfortable with digital tools; in-person learners face fewer such technical challenges.
Challenges unique to each format: Online learners need greater self-discipline and motivation, whereas on-campus students often contend with rigid schedules and less personalized instruction.

Those weighing the challenges of online information systems major should consider their learning style and technology comfort. For students seeking flexible options, exploring an accelerated associate's degree online can also offer alternative pathways to fast-track their education.

Are Accelerated Information Systems Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated information systems programs are generally considered harder than traditional formats due to the condensed timelines and increased pacing, which put considerable pressure on students to manage their time and workload effectively. The intensity of these programs often leads to a heightened sense of stress and challenges in mastering complex material within a shorter period.

The challenges of accelerated Information Systems courses can be understood by comparing key aspects of accelerated and traditional formats:

Course pacing and content density: Accelerated programs deliver the same amount of complex technical content in half the time, requiring faster comprehension and less downtime between topics.
Workload management for different students: While working professionals may find accelerated schedules more manageable, students with multiple commitments often struggle to balance the demanding weekly workload.
Academic expectations and skill demands: Accelerated courses demand consistent engagement and rapid mastery of skills such as databases, networking, and systems architecture.
Learning retention and stress levels: The compressed format can reduce retention due to less time for review, increasing stress as students feel rushed to keep up.
Flexibility and day-to-day scheduling: Traditional 16-week formats offer more flexibility and distributed learning, whereas accelerated courses require tight scheduling and sustained focus.

Students often report that accelerated information systems program workload feels like "double the work" compressed into half the time, making time management a critical skill. Institutions should carefully assess whether courses heavy in content or assignments are suitable for accelerated delivery.

Prospective students seeking colleges with low tuition programs that accept financial aid may benefit from exploring online options that offer flexibility alongside affordability at colleges with low tuition programs that accept financial aid.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in Information Systems?

Students majoring in information systems can manage a part-time job, but success depends on factors like course difficulty, hours required weekly, job flexibility, and personal study habits. The workload often includes technical assignments, programming labs, and business-related readings, which vary across semesters. Students with demanding schedules may find balancing work challenging, while others with lighter credit loads or flexible jobs manage more easily.

Those who juggle part-time jobs with their information systems studies typically adopt strategies such as carefully choosing credit hours each term and seeking roles with adaptable hours, like campus tech support or remote positions. The nature of this major involves significant out-of-class time for projects and labs, making consistent study crucial.

Students often rely on time management tools, structured study blocks, and academic support like tutoring or group sessions to meet deadlines. These approaches help maintain equilibrium between rigorous coursework and work commitments, although individual capacity to handle this balance varies widely.

What Jobs Do Information Systems Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for information systems majors vary widely in difficulty, responsibility, and skill requirements. While some positions demand technical expertise comparable to the major itself, others may feel less challenging or require different types of skills such as management or client relations.

Information Systems Manager: Oversees the planning, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems within an organization. This role is often as demanding as the major due to the need for advanced technical knowledge and leadership skills, managing critical business operations, and supervising teams.

Database Administrator: Manages, secures, and optimizes organizational databases, requiring strong attention to detail and knowledge of database technology. The job is generally as demanding as the degree, with emphasis on reliability and problem-solving under pressure.

Systems Analyst: Improves business processes by analyzing system requirements and recommending technological solutions. This role can be less demanding than the broad major curriculum but still requires analytical skills and effective communication with non-technical stakeholders.

Network Administrator: Responsible for designing and maintaining computer networks to ensure smooth and secure operation. This technically demanding role is often less stressful than management positions, focusing more on troubleshooting and maintenance.

IT Project Manager: Leads teams to deliver technology projects on time and within budget, shifting the challenge toward people management and organizational skills. This role is demanding differently compared to the academic rigor of the major.

Information systems majors have an average GPA range of 3.08-3.24, reflecting a moderate to high workload and complexity similar to other STEM fields.

For those looking for the best jobs for information systems majors with varying difficulty levels, exploring certifications you can get online that pay well may provide additional career advantages. Overall, working in information systems depends largely on the specific role and its associated skills and responsibilities.

Do Information Systems Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

There is no concrete evidence that graduates in information systems earn higher salaries specifically because their major is harder. Although the curriculum can be demanding, involving programming and analytical skills, salary levels are more influenced by the practical skills acquired and the strong demand for technology professionals.

Academic challenge may help sharpen problem-solving abilities, but compensation tends to reflect how well a graduate's expertise matches industry needs rather than the rigor of their coursework.

Several elements shape the earning potential of information systems graduates. High demand in tech and business sectors drives pay rates upward, while job titles such as information systems manager or chief technology officer come with significantly larger salaries-some exceeding $170,000 annually.

Location also matters, with tech hubs like San Jose offering median salaries above $200,000. Additionally, experience, certifications like CISSP, and advanced degrees further enhance earning capabilities. Early-career information systems graduates generally earn between $65,000 and $75,000, outpacing many peers from other business disciplines.

What Graduates Say About Information Systems as Their Major

Luffy: "Pursuing information systems was definitely challenging, but it was equally rewarding. The technical courses pushed me to develop problem-solving skills that I use daily in my career. Considering the average cost of attendance, I believe the investment was worth it for the doors it opened. "

Rhianne: "Information systems wasn't the easiest major, but the hands-on learning made it manageable. Reflecting on the cost, I appreciated how practical knowledge translated into real job opportunities, easing my financial concerns over time. I feel more prepared professionally than I ever imagined."

Wella: "The major was tough, especially balancing complex theory with practical work, but the payoff has been significant. Despite the higher-than-average cost of attendance, the skill set I gained gave me a competitive edge in the tech industry, making the struggle worthwhile. It was a demanding yet highly valuable path. "

Other Things You Should Know About Information Systems Degrees

How much math is involved in an information systems major?

Math requirements for an information systems major are generally moderate compared to other STEM fields. Students usually need to complete courses in statistics, basic calculus, and sometimes discrete mathematics. The emphasis is more on logical problem-solving and data analysis rather than advanced theoretical math.

Is programming a must-have skill for information systems students?

Programming is an important skill but not necessarily at an advanced level for all information systems students. Most programs require familiarity with languages such as SQL, Python, or Java for data management and automation tasks. Understanding programming concepts helps in designing effective systems, but deep software development expertise is often not mandatory.

Do information systems students need to have prior IT experience?

Prior IT experience is helpful but not required to succeed in an information systems major. Many students enter the program with little or no background in technology and learn key concepts during coursework. The curriculum typically starts with foundational classes that prepare students for more technical subjects.

How important are teamwork and communication skills in information systems?

Teamwork and communication are critical components of information systems studies. Students frequently work on group projects that simulate real-world IT environments, requiring collaboration across different skill sets. Effective communication is essential to explain technical ideas clearly and coordinate with non-technical stakeholders.