Student Resources

Careers

The USF School of Information BSIS program ensures our students are prepared for high-demand jobs in the workforce. To learn more about how each of our undergraduate concentrations will prepare you for a future career, review the information below.

Data Science and Analytics

The BSIS concentration in Data Science and Analytics emphasizes deep knowledge discovery through data exploration, analysis, and inference.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook does not yet have a specific designation for data scientists and analytics professionals; however, there is a category for “Mathematicians and Statisticians.” The function for that category is to "analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems." The top employers of mathematicians and statisticians are the federal government and scientific research and development companies. Mathematicians and statisticians may work on teams with engineers, scientists, and other specialists. The May 2021 (the most recent BLS date) median pay for “Mathematicians and Statisticians” (the closest to Data Science) was $96,280 per year. The median annual wage for mathematicians was $108,100 in May 2021, and the median annual wage for statisticians was $95,570 in May 2021. Employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. The average growth rate for all occupations is 8%. About 5,200 openings for mathematicians and statisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

At the State level, according to the 2022-23 Regional Demand Occupations List, "Database Administrators" (there is no category for data scientists) are designated as an Enterprise Florida “targeted industry.” There 725 annual openings for database administrator jobs, and demand for these jobs is expected to grow at a rate of 2.38% each year. In the state of Florida, the average annual wage is $46.29 per hour. Currently (July 2022), at least 267 job openings for data scientists are listed specifically in the Tampa area on Indeed, and 297 are listed on LinkedIn.

Information Security

The BSIS concentration in Information Security emphasizes cybersecurity and protecting information or data from unauthorized, access, use, misuse, disclosure, destruction, modification, or disruption.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook has a designation for “Information Security Analysts.” The function for that category is to “plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.” Most information security analysts work for computer companies, consulting firms, or business and financial companies. The May 2021 (the most recent BLS date) median pay for "Information Security Analysts" was $102,600 per year. The ten-year (2020-2030) job outlook projected a growth of 33%, which they classify as “much faster than average,” because “demand . . . is expected to be very high, as these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks.”

At the State level, according to the 2022-23 Regional Demand Occupations List, "Information Security Analysts" are designated as an Enterprise Florida “targeted industry.” There 883 annual openings for information security analyst jobs, and demand for these jobs is expected to grow at a rate of 4.93% each year. The average annual wage is $45.77 per hour. Currently (July 2022), at least 585 job openings related to information security are listed specifically in the Tampa area on Indeed, and 384 are listed on LinkedIn.

Health Informatics

The BSIS concentration in Health Informatics emphasizes design, development, adoption, and application of IT-based innovations in healthcare services delivery, management, and planning.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook does not yet have a specific designation for health informaticists; however, they do have a category for “Medical Records and Health Information Technicians.” This is clearly designated as a “technician-level” job, typically requiring only a post-secondary certificate or an associate’s degree. This does not accurately reflect the scope of the health informatics function, which aligns more closely with “Computer and Information Systems Managers.” The BLS, the healthcare sector, and the ten-year outlook healthcare occupations predicts growth of 18%. Software developer positions in the healthcare sector (with median pay of $101,790) have a projected growth rate of 31%. Statistician positions in the healthcare sector (with median pay of $84,060) have a projected growth rate of 34%.

According to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), "Health Informatics Consultants" typically earn annual salaries in the upper $80,000’s, while "Health Informatics Directors" typically earn between $80,000 to over $100,000 per year. According to Indeed, there are currently (July 2022) at least 320 open health informatics jobs in Florida. Currently (July 2022), at least 32 job openings related to health informatics are listed specifically in the Tampa area on Indeed, and 190 are listed on LinkedIn.

Web Development Technologies

The BSIS concentration in Web Development Technologies emphasizes full-stack (front-end and back-end) web development and design.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook has a designation for “Web Developers and Digital Designers.” The function for that category is to “create and maintain websites,” including a site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability. Some web developers and digital designers work in the computer systems design and related services industry. Others are self-employed. Still others work in industries including publishing, management consulting, and advertising. The May 2020 (the most recent BLS date) median pay for "Web Developers and Digital Designers" was $77,200 per year. The ten-year (2020-2030) job outlook projected a growth of 13%, which they classify as “much faster than average,” because “demand . . . will be driven by the growing popularity of mobile devices and ecommerce.”

At the State level, according to the 2022-23 Regional Demand Occupations List, "Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers" are designated as an Enterprise Florida “targeted industry.” There are 803 annual openings for "Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers" jobs, and demand for these jobs is expected to grow at a rate of 2.35% each year. The average annual wage statewide is $32.55 per hour. Currently (July 2022), at least 441 web developer job openings are listed specifically in the Tampa area on Indeed, and 200 are listed on LinkedIn.

Intelligence Analysis

The BSIS concentration in Intelligence Analysis introduces the profession and practice of intelligence, emphasizing analytic methods for generating actionable knowledge to inform critical decisions

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook does not have a specific designation for intelligence analysts; however, they do have a category for “Operations Research Analysts.” The function for that category is to "use mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues." "Operations Research Analysts" use analytical methods to help organizations investigate complex issues, identify and solve problems, and make better decisions. Positions for intelligence analysts and operations research analysts share core knowledge, skills, and abilities. The May 2021 (the most recent BLS date) median pay for "Operations Research Analysts" was $82,360 per year. This estimate lies between Career Builder’s estimate for "Intelligence Analysts" ($80,000) and Indeed's estimate for "Business Intelligence Analysts" ($89,612).

The BLS ten-year (2020-2030) job outlook projected a growth of 25% for "Operations Research Analysts," which they classify as “much faster than average.” About 10,200 openings for "Operations Research Analysts" are projected each year, on average, over the decade. According to the BLS, “as technology advances and companies seek efficiency and cost savings, demand for operations research analysis should continue to grow.” Currently (July 2022), 11,802 U.S. job openings are listed for intelligence analysts on LinkedIn and 1,142 intelligence analyst openings are listed specifically in the Tampa area on Indeed. Many occupational analysis sites use the term synonymously with criminal investigator or detective, but in our view that is likely to yield inaccurate estimates. Currently (July 2022), at least 36 intelligence analyst job openings are listed specifically in the Tampa area on Indeed, and 980 are listed on LinkedIn.