Faculty in Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts Graham Kindred, MFA, and Cosmin Chivu, PhD, alongside Mel Zago ‘27, a senior in the BFA in Production and Design for Stage and Screen, recently brought their creative expertise to Romania for the premiere of The Land of Whims, an original musical production created for the renowned Teatrul Luceafărul in Iași.

Written and adapted with original music by Chivu, also an alumnus of the acting program at the National Theater and Arts Academy in Iasi, The Land of Whims marks a directorial return to his hometown stage after 30 years. Based on themes inspired by French author André Maurois, the musical follows Mira and her brothers as they navigate an enchanted digital realm where children can have anything they wish for, only to discover that boundless freedom requires responsibility and self-awareness.

Kindred, chair of Sands College's BFA in Production and Design for Stage and Screen program, designed the production's sets and lighting, while Zago designed the costumes. Together, their work brought a distinctive visual identity to the musical and demonstrated the creative possibilities of faculty-student collaboration.

A multicultural learning experience in artistic craft

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The unique faculty-student partnership in The Land of Whims served as a lively platform for mutual learning between American and Romanian theatrical traditions.

The production, brought to life through the vision of Romania’s Teatrul Luceafărul Children and Youth Theatre, featured a local artistic team comprising seven cast members and more than 40 designers, assistant designers, and technical professionals. While local artists brought emotional intensity, a deep connection to text, and a rich history of ensemble storytelling, the American team from Sands (named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of The 25 Best Drama Schools in the World, 2026), contributed specialized approaches in character research, immersive visual technology, and hands-on production methodology.

Reflecting on both the shared spirit and pedagogical foundation of the project, Chivu noted, “Development of new work does not function through imposition, but through trust, dialogue, and collaboration.”

Setting the stage for a more lasting human connection

Another noteworthy aspect of this musical production is that The Land of Whims is now part of the permanent repertory of Teatrul Luceafărul and will continue to be performed for audiences in Iași for years to come. Beyond its home stage in Iași, the production will also travel to various international festivals across Europe, sharing the team’s cross-cultural collaboration with even wider audiences.

Said Kindred, “It is pretty special that something the three of us created together in Romania is now going to have a life well beyond our time there.”

The joint effort is also a testament to the artistic world moving toward a synthesis of these distinct global traditions rather than their separation, as observed by Chivu.

He said, “Romanian actors bring rare emotional strength and total dedication, while American traditions emphasize rigorous character development and physical design. When these approaches meet, both sides learn from each other's craft, expanding how we think about theatre as a universal space for human connection across cultures and generations."

Experiential learning for a new generation of artists

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Chivu also reflected on how, along with Kindred, his longtime collaborator, the inclusion of Zago in this project as a student brought the energy of a new generation of artistic talent, demonstrating how fertile the dialogue between experience and youth can be.

He said, “Together, we gave life to a magical world where the story can be experienced not just with the mind, but with the heart."

For Zago, working alongside their professors, as well as with the actors and production staff at the Teatrul Luceafărul Children and Youth Theatre, was a truly eye-opening experience.

“Not only did I get to learn about the theater taking place outside my classroom doors, but I was also able to experience it on the other side of the world! I learned significantly from experiences and perspectives outside my own, as well as further developed my skills as a designer and collaborator through the unique challenges and experiences I worked through.

Throughout this process I worked through everything from language barriers to materials I had never heard of, and amazing relationships and collaborations were built alongside the costumes I designed."

Creativity knows no boundaries

Whether discovering new creative possibilities in Romania or bringing stories to life at One Pace Plaza East, home to Sands College’s new state-of-the-art theaters, rehearsal studios, and production facilities, Pace students are finding inspiration and opportunities to hone their craft.

Through opportunities to learn from industry professionals and connect with creative communities around the world, they are broadening their perspectives, exchanging ideas, and finding inspiration in experiences that extend well beyond campus.

Want to get connected with the Sands College of Performing Arts? Follow them on Instagram for information on programs, events, and more.

With championship stakes, postseason competition, and basketball home openers, Pace Athletics is giving the Pace Community plenty to cheer about November 10–15.

The biggest matchup? Saturday's football showdown against Assumption University, with a Northeast 10 (NE10) Conference championship on the line.

The Setters enter the game following a commanding 39–14 victory over Southern Connecticut State University, led by quarterback Tray Mauney's four touchdowns. The performance earned Mauney NE10 Offensive Player of the Week honors and secured Pace's sixth win of the season.

Saturday's noon kickoff marks one of the most significant games in program history, along with Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day. The stakes are high, and the Setters need the home crowd behind them.

Get tickets to upcoming games

Postseason Action, Home Openers, and More

Football isn't the only team making headlines. Pace Field Hockey hosts Bentley University on Tuesday, November 10, in the opening round of the NE10 Championship, with a chance to advance in postseason competition.

Basketball is also back, bringing four home games to campus this week. Men's Basketball opens its home schedule against Mercy University on Tuesday evening before facing Molloy University on Saturday. Women's Basketball tips off its home schedule against Caldwell University on Friday, followed by another matchup against Dominican University of New York on Saturday.

And there's more to celebrate across Pace Athletics. Women's Soccer recently placed four student-athletes among the NE10 postseason honorees, with Alyssa Blanchette earning conference Rookie of the Year recognition.

Your Week in Setter Sports: November 10–15

Tuesday, November 10

• 3:30 p.m. | Field Hockey vs. Bentley University — NE10 Championship First Round
• 7:00 p.m. | Men's Basketball vs. Mercy University — Home Opener

Friday, November 13

• 5:30 p.m. | Women's Basketball vs. Caldwell University — Home Opener

Saturday, November 14

• 12:00 p.m. | Football vs. Assumption University — NE10 Championship Showdown, Senior Day, and Military Appreciation Day
• 1:00 p.m. | Men's Basketball vs. Molloy University
• 5:30 p.m. | Women's Basketball vs. Dominican University of New York

Sunday, November 15

• 4:00 p.m. | Women's Swimming and Diving vs. Saint Peter's University
• 4:00 p.m. | Men's Swimming and Diving vs. Saint Peter's University and Felician University

Your Team. Your Campus. Your Moment.

Our student-athletes have put in the work. Now it's our turn to bring the energy.

Grab your friends, wear your blue and gold, and make some noise for the Setters. From championship stakes to the first baskets of the season, this is what Setter pride looks like.

Find game locations, schedules, and more at Pace Athletics.

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Some students arrive at college with a business idea. Nicholas Skjeveland ’28 arrived ready to make his happen.

On the first day of his freshman year, Skjeveland, a business management major in the Lubin School of Business, sought out Professor Kathy Winsted, PhD, to pitch an idea: a student-run cleaning company that would make life easier for students living on campus.

Today, that idea is Pace Cleans, a business headquartered in Martin Hall on the Pleasantville Campus, offering residence hall cleaning, mobile car detailing, and laundry services. And Skjeveland isn't just its founder. He's its general manager, gaining firsthand experience in everything it takes to build and operate a business.

"I didn't have everything figured out, but I knew I wanted to give it a shot," he says.

From Classroom Concepts to Real-World Business

Skjeveland recognized a simple problem: busy college students don't always have the time to maintain their living spaces. Rather than accept it as part of college life, he saw an opportunity.

Through Lubin's Center for Student Enterprise (CSE), which helps students launch and manage businesses on the Pleasantville Campus, he found the mentorship, resources, and opportunity to turn that observation into a working business.

"The Center for Student Enterprise has been a huge factor in that," Skjeveland says. "It has given me the opportunity to start my own business while gaining hands-on experience in what it takes to build and operate a successful company."

He credits Professor Winsted with helping make that opportunity possible.

"She gave me the opportunity and support to take my idea and run with it," he says. "Without her guidance, and willingness to give me a chance, none of this would have been possible."

"Just go for it. Don't hesitate, overthink, or wait for the perfect timing," he says.

That combination of mentorship and real-world responsibility is central to CSE's mission, giving Lubin students opportunities to develop managerial skills while operating businesses that serve the University community.

Making His Mark Beyond Campus

Skjeveland's entrepreneurial ambition is already earning recognition beyond Pace.

At the 2026 Entrepreneurs' Organization New York Global Student Entrepreneur Awards, he placed third among student entrepreneurs competing from across New York City.

For Skjeveland, the experience offered more than an opportunity to pitch Pace Cleans. It connected him with fellow founders navigating the same challenges of launching, managing, and growing a business.

"Getting to meet other like-minded, motivated, and goal-oriented students was one of the best parts," he says. "Having conversations about growth, exchanging ideas, and discussing the challenges we've faced while running our business gave me a completely different perspective on entrepreneurship."

And entrepreneurship is only one part of his Pace experience. Skjeveland is also a safety on the Pace Football team, a vice president of the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, and a Northeast-10 Conference Spring Academic Honor Roll honoree with Academic Distinction.

Balancing those commitments while building a company demands discipline, leadership, and the ability to turn ambition into action.

An Entrepreneurial Mindset

For other Lubin students considering their own ventures, Skjeveland's advice is straightforward: Don't wait until everything is perfect.

"Just go for it. Don't hesitate, overthink, or wait for the perfect timing," he says.

It's a philosophy that has taken him from a first-day conversation with a professor to managing a student-run business and competing against some of New York City's promising young entrepreneurs.

"As I like to say, if you wait for the rain to water your garden, your crops will never grow. Take the initiative, put yourself out there, and don't be afraid to get started. You never know where one idea might take you."

Have a business idea of your own? Discover how Lubin’s Center for Student Enterprise helps students turn ideas into real-world ventures.

Pace University graduates are employed at higher rates and earning more than their peers nationwide, according to new data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Among Pace's Class of 2025, 93% of graduates were employed, continuing their education, or participating in service by December. At both the bachelor's and master's degree levels, Pace graduates exceeded national employment and salary benchmarks.

The employment rate for Pace’s bachelor's graduates was almost eight percentage points higher than national rates. Their average starting salaries were higher as well, at $75,827, exceeding the national average by $5,510. Among master's graduates, employment rates were 11 percentage points higher than those nationwide, with average starting salaries of $86,030, also above the national average.

The results reflect a sustained advantage and a focus on employment. Across five graduating classes from 2020 through 2024, Pace's combined bachelor's and master's employment rate averaged 10 percentage points above the national benchmark.

The Experience Behind the Outcomes

At Pace, career preparation extends beyond the classroom. Students completed more than 9,000 career-connected experiences last year, including internships, clinical placements, research, on-campus employment, student teaching, and community-based projects.

That emphasis on experiential learning is supported by extensive employer connections. More than 15,000 employers posted over 280,000 jobs and internships for Pace students last year, while more than 275 employers participated in over 60 career-focused events.

Those connections create opportunities for students to work alongside professionals, build industry relationships, and apply their knowledge to real challenges.

This year, for example, accounting and finance students at Pace's Lubin School of Business participated in engagement experiences, including recruiting events and visits to firms such as JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, and BNY Mellon. The Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC—reported hiring a combined 45 Pace students for internships and full-time positions.

For Lubin accounting student Anastasiya Yasinski '27, an internship at BDO USA led to an offer to join the firm's New York office as an assurance associate after graduation.

"Pace Career Services helped me strengthen my resume and provided interview practice, which helped me feel more prepared and confident throughout the recruiting and interview process," she said.

Turning Opportunity into Impact

Pace's Community Impact Funded Internship Program provides another pathway to professional experience. In Summer 2026, 75 students participated in paid internships with 45 nonprofit organizations, gaining experience while contributing to causes ranging from environmental conservation to public health.

The program also demonstrates how experiential learning can open career doors. Zhala Shahveranli ’25 turned her internship at Gotham Park into a full-time position in finance and development.

Together, these examples illustrate what distinguishes the Pace experience: opportunities to apply knowledge, build meaningful professional connections, and develop skills that employers value.

The latest national findings put measurable results behind that approach and show how Pace students are translating opportunity into career success.

For Karen O’Connell ’26, Pace’s Lienhard School of Nursing offered more than an accelerated path to a new career. It provided a caring community of classmates, dedicated faculty mentors, and transformative clinical experiences, including a labor and delivery placement at Montefiore Einstein. Inspired by the support she received throughout her journey, Karen is ready to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and underserved communities.

Pace’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABS) is an accelerated nursing degree for career changers and second-degree students. Initially a photographer, how did you become interested in nursing?

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Growing up, I was an anxious child and always struggled in school. Seeking a creative outlet as an undergraduate at SUNY Purchase, I decided on a BFA in photography. For the first time, I excelled in school, and through portraiture, developed a deep interest in individuals and their stories. After graduating, the COVID pandemic hit, and I lost my job. I also wanted to work with an underserved population and support children and young adults who needed extra help, just as I did as a child.

So, I first took on a nanny role, and later, worked as a teaching assistant at the Rebecca School for children and young adults with behavioral and neurodevelopmental disabilities. This experience changed my life. I met incredible students and co-workers and learned that I wanted to be a lifeline to families in need, and nursing would be that path.

Congratulations on recently passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). How is becoming a nurse meaningful to you and what difference do you hope to make as a part of this profession?

I was once a child who needed a lot of extra support, and, as a nurse, I want to view each child holistically and understand both their culture and history, so I can provide relevant, respectful care that they can actually follow through with. At the Rebecca School, I learned how much a care team can do when it both listens to parents and their concerns without judgment and sets realistic goals for each child, and I want to give families hope and improve their children’s lives in a way that is collaborative, holistic, and realistic for them.

Why did you choose to enroll at Pace?

The ABSN program is just 11 months long and I also loved the hospitals that Pace partners with. I completed my preceptorship in Labor and Delivery at Montefiore Einstein in the Bronx and learned about so many cultures while gaining experience on providing medications, checking vital signs, witnessing emergency C-sections, and assessing newborns. I was lucky to have such an awesome placement. Pace was also a short commute from home and is considered a great nursing program in New York City, so all these were deciding factors.

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What have your experiences been like as a student at the Lienhard School of Nursing within the College of Health Professions? What faculty have been particularly instrumental in your academic journey?

If you’re considering Pace for your nursing degree, I couldn’t recommend it more. My preceptors were always engaged and wanted to give students the best placement experiences. My faculty, Assistant Professor Elizabeth Berro, PhD, RN, CHSE, CNE and Assistant Professor Joana Velasquez, PhD, RN, CNOR, were passionate and I felt so supported and inspired by them. My role models in the field were Sarah Browne, RN, my pediatrics preceptor, and Claire Megie, RCN, my med-surg preceptor. I also felt so supported by my classmates and professors during an especially difficult time when my dad passed. I kept going because I felt so encouraged and inspired by them, and they were patient and understanding as I worked to finish the program.

What are your post-graduation/career plans?

I’m keeping an open mind, but I would like to work in psychiatry, labor and delivery, or pediatrics, and in a public hospital. Even though I understand it’s less glamorous, I believe I’ll get the best hands-on experience there and work with an underserved population.

Through Pace University’s Community Impact Funded Internship Program, Thomas Scopino '27 put his classroom knowledge to work, studying tree canopy coverage at New York Public Library locations and exploring the vital role libraries play in building climate-resilient communities. Drawing on courses taken in geographic information systems, statistical analysis, and sustainability economics, he helped advocate for greener urban spaces across New York City, and the experience both broadened his perspective on environmental policy and sparked new career interests.

You are pursuing an MS in Environmental Science and Policy at Pace. What first sparked your interest in environmental science and sustainability? Was there a particular experience or moment that made you want to pursue this field?

As an undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon, I began as a chemistry major, and, as I learned about some of the more negative actions of my fellow tribe of chemists towards the environment and public health, coupled with my own understanding of the climate crisis, I decided to double major in environmental sustainability studies. At Pace, I wanted to further focus on the environment, and I think this moment, right now, is an important one in sustainability, with regards to topics such as chemical remediation and energy usage, both from a policy perspective.

Recently, you completed a Pace Community Impact Funded internship with the New York Public Library (NYPL), working on an urban climate infrastructure project in partnership with New York City government. Tell us more about your role and what you learned from this experience.

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My work was to determine the scope of the tree canopy at NYPL managed locations, how it could be protected and expanded, as well as advocate why that work was valuable. This project was related to the city’s goal to increase the urban canopy to 30% by 2040, one that very few megacities can boast, and has spanned multiple mayoral administrations, which is something I found encouraging. The biggest challenge for me was underscoring that goal throughout the many city agencies under the mayor, prioritizing expanding, and protecting the tree canopy, while addressing other important needs such as city housing.

What surprised you most about the role libraries play in New York City's sustainability efforts?

I was not surprised to learn that NYPL has a sustainability focused team, given how important such efforts are at any large organization. However, I was surprised to learn about the immense value of that work. NYPL has over 90 locations across the city, and I was shocked how important these branches are as a piece of city infrastructure. All libraries are considered cooling centers at times of extreme heat, a critical role in areas where AC is limited to New Yorkers. Balancing that power usage with demand response on the city's grid to prevent rolling blackouts, however, was work I was entirely ignorant of. And this is just one example of how NYPL seeks to balance sustainability and human needs.

How did your experience as a Pace student prepare you to contribute to this project? Were there particular classes, professors, or skills that helped you tackle real environmental challenges?

At the time I began this role, I had only taken one semester of courses at Pace, but each course already proved an essential tool to my work, and, in subjects such as Geographic Information System (GIS), environmental statistical analysis, and the economics of sustainability. For example, I built GIS data sets to help visualize the ecological survey and statistical analysis I worked on, as part of my overall role to ascribe ecosystem service values to the tree canopy. And this was an essential aspect of making an economic case for why the urban tree canopy was so important.

How has this internship informed what you would like to do after graduation?

I worked closely with the Energy team at NYPL, and their focus on efficiency and practical solutions impacted me and changed my outlook on sustainability a bit. Early in my academic career, I was very interested in the hard science of the climate crisis and sustainability. After my experience at NYPL, I am more focused on topics such as energy efficiency rather than just renewable energy. My experience at NYPL has also been valuable in the event that my career leans more towards a corporate path versus one with ground engagement work.

Want to get connected with Pace’s Career Services? Follow them on Instagram or LinkedIn for events, programs, and resources on both campuses.

Key Takeaways

• Computer information systems degrees integrate technology and business, preparing students to manage an organization's systems and tie that work to business goals.
• The careers pay very well. Median pay for the six roles ranges from $105,850 to $175,140, well above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs in 2025.
• Demand is growing quickly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 35 percent growth for data scientists and 21 percent for security analysts through 2035, versus 3 percent overall.
• Pace offers the degree in New York City and Westchester. Its in-person MS in Information Systems includes tracks in data science, security, and database management.

An information systems degree prepares graduates to manage the technology an organization depends on and, just as importantly, to connect that technology to the decisions a business has to make.

The field tends to draw two kinds of students. Some arrive from a business background and want the technical command to work on a technology team, or one day lead it. Others come from computer science and are looking for a way into strategy, management, and the business side of the work.

Pace University designed its Master of Science in Information Systems for both backgrounds. The program grounds students in the technical foundation and in the business context that surrounds it, and that pairing is what appeals to employers when filling these roles.

What Is an Information System?

An information system is the combination of people, processes, data, and technology an organization uses to gather information and act on it. A hospital's patient records, a retailer's inventory data, and a bank's transaction processing are all information systems in practice.

What Is an Information Systems Degree?

An information systems degree is the interdisciplinary program built around them, one that combines computer technology with business management to solve organizational problems. Students learn to design and manage these systems and to translate between the engineers who build them and the leaders who depend on them.

The field goes by several names. Computer information systems, information systems, and management information systems all describe closely related programs that differ primarily in emphasis. A title with “management” in it usually leans toward business strategy; a title with “computer” in it leans toward technical depth. In practice the two overlap heavily, and most programs teach both the technical and the business sides.

What Do You Study in a Master's in Information Systems Program?

A master's in information systems generally takes about two years of full-time study and comprises roughly 30 to 40 credits. Most programs begin with a shared core in the fundamentals of the field, including systems analysis and design, database management, project management, and the networks and infrastructure that move and store an organization's data. Many also incorporate data analytics and a grounding in information security, since both are essential in almost every technology role.

In addition to the core curriculum, students typically choose a concentration suited to their preferred career path, then close out the degree with a capstone project or thesis.

Skills You Develop in a Master’s in Computer Information Systems Degree Program

The coursework helps students develop a set of capabilities employers hire for, including:

• Analyzing a business problem and designing the system that solves it
• Working with data, from writing database queries to presenting the analysis to a non-technical audience
• A practical grasp of information security, now part of most technology work
• Project management, and the skill to explain technical work to the people who fund it
• Enough programming to collaborate with developers and follow the code they write

The Master of Science in Information Systems at Pace

Pace offers the Master of Science in Information Systems through its Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. The program offers students the flexibility to fit graduate study around a career, hands-on training at the center of the coursework, and a campus set within one of the country's densest technology markets.

A Degree That Fits Your Schedule and Goals

Pace's MS in Information Systems is a 30- to 36-credit program that can be completed full time or part time, with start dates in fall, spring, and summer. The program begins with a set of core courses, and from there students choose one of six specializations:

The degree culminates in a capstone that pulls the full program into a single project. It carries a STEM designation, so international students on an F-1 visa can qualify for extended U.S. work eligibility, and tuition is $1,730 per credit.

Hands-On Experience and a Portfolio

At Seidenberg, much of the learning happens through practice, and students finish the program with work they can put in front of an employer. That experience comes from three places on campus:

• Faculty-led tech labs. The Pace Cyber Range, the Mobile Lab, the Location Analytics and GIS Lab, and other Seidenberg labs put students to work on live problems in cybersecurity, robotics, and data analysis.
• Real client projects. At the NYC Design Factory, students work with real clients on projects they carry from concept to finish, which is the kind of work that fills a portfolio.
• Active student groups. The Cybersecurity Club and Pace Women in Tech, among others, take on work beyond the classroom.

Access to New York's Tech Industry

New York is now the largest tech-talent market in the United States. Its 394,300 tech workers surpassed the San Francisco Bay Area in 2026, the first time the city has led in the 13 years of CBRE's Scoring Tech Talent report. For students at Pace's campuses in New York City and Westchester, that means studying next to the employers doing the hiring.

Behind that shift is a hiring pattern that suits information systems graduates well. Much of New York's tech growth comes from finance firms building out their technology and AI teams, the exact kind of work that combines business and technology.

Students also have access to Pace's career services team to plan a job search and join an alumni network with connections across the industry.

Is Computer Information Systems a Good Field?

By most measures, yes, computer information systems is a good field to work in. Nearly every organization now depends on technology, and each one needs people who understand both the systems and the business behind them. That combination is difficult to hire for, which keeps information systems graduates in demand and their salaries high.

The major is rigorous, though in a different way than computer science. Students take courses in programming, databases, analytics, and systems design, and they also study how organizations operate and make decisions. The field is great for people who enjoy solving practical problems and working with others. Those who prefer to focus on writing code may prefer a computer science track.

The pay is strong. The lowest median salary among common information systems roles belongs to computer systems analysts, at $105,850, roughly double the $50,980 median salary for all occupations that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2025. The highest, information systems management, has a median salary of $175,140.

Top Information Systems Careers

An information systems degree qualifies graduates for a range of well-paid technology roles. The six roles here are especially common, with median pay and projected growth from the BLS for 2025.

All six pay well above the national median for all occupations, and each one is expected to keep growing over the next decade.

Career Outlook for Information Systems

The outlook across these roles is strong. Every one is projected to grow at least as fast as the national average through 2035, and several to grow far faster, compared with 3 percent for all occupations. Two trends explain this increasing demand:

• More work is moving to digital systems. As organizations migrate more of their operations onto software and the cloud, they need people to design and manage it.
• New technology creates new problems. Artificial intelligence, connected devices, and larger data volumes expand what these systems do, along with the risks that come with them.

Professionals who understand both the technology and the business are the hardest for companies to hire, which keeps demand and pay high.

Earn Your Degree at Pace

For anyone interested in following this career path, Pace's Master of Science in Information Systems offers a direct route.

Graduates leave ready for a range of roles, from systems analyst to information security analyst to computer and information systems manager, with the technical and business skills employers consistently ask for. Visit the Master of Science in Information Systems program page for complete details on curriculum, admission requirements, and deadlines or request information to speak with an admissions counselor directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a computer science background to study information systems?

No, you do not need a computer science background to study information systems. Many students come from business, finance, or other non-technical fields and develop their technical skills during the program. Pace designed the Master of Science in Information Systems for career changers as well as computer science graduates. Some comfort with technology and quantitative work helps, but a computer science degree is not required.

What do you need to apply to the MS in Information Systems?

To apply to the MS in Informations Systems program at Pace you need to submit a personal statement, a resume covering at least the past five years, and official transcripts from every college they have attended. Two letters of recommendation are optional but recommended. Because the admissions committee reviews academic and professional history together, relevant work experience can strengthen an application even without a computer science degree.

What is the difference between information systems and information technology?

The two fields overlap, but they emphasize different things. Information technology focuses on the hardware, software, and networks themselves, and on keeping them running. Information systems looks more broadly at how people and organizations use that technology to meet business goals. That scope shows up in the coursework, which includes the strategy and decision-making a purely technical program leaves out.

Is a master's in information systems worth it?

For many students, yes, a master's in information systems is worth it. The degree opens access to higher-paying and leadership roles that often call for a graduate credential. A number of them pay six-figure medians, with information systems managers earning a median of $175,140. The return depends on your goals, but the earning potential is well documented.

What industries hire information systems graduates?

Nearly every industry hires information systems graduates because almost all organizations now rely on technology. The largest employers include finance and insurance, healthcare, computer systems design firms, consulting, and government. That range is one of the degree's advantages: because the same core skills apply in a hospital, a bank, a software company, or a government agency, graduates can move between industries as their interests change.

Can you earn the Pace MS in Information Systems online?

No, you cannot earn Pace's Master of Science in Information Systems this degree online. This degree is an in-person program, based in New York City, with study also available in Westchester. Students can enroll full time or part time, with start dates in fall, spring, and summer.

Many people know they want to work in technology long before they know exactly what they want their daily responsibilities to be. The person who loves untangling security threats and the person who would rather build models from a mountain of data both work under the umbrella of information technology (IT), but their careers share almost nothing on a daily basis. The first real decision when pursuing a career in IT is which side of tech appeals to you.

Comparing the options is how you find your answer, since they differ in almost every way that counts. A few of these roles pay well above the rest, while others are growing fast or hiring in large numbers. Some call for a bachelor's and the right experience, and some require a master's. Once you see how a role measures up, you can pick a direction and earn the degree that gets you there.

Key Takeaways

• IT encompasses five disciplines: software and web development, data and analytics, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence and research.
• Computer and IT occupations are projected to grow faster than average through 2035, with about 280,000 openings each year.
• Pay ranges widely by role, from about $62,890 for support specialists to $175,140 for IT managers, with New York metro figures higher still.
• Data and AI lead the growth, with data scientists at 35 percent and security analysts at 22 percent, and a graduate degree from Pace's Seidenberg School separates candidates for senior roles.

What Are IT Jobs?

IT, short for information technology, is the work behind the computers, software, and networks that modern organizations have become accustomed to operating with. Some IT professionals write the applications everyone uses, some keep company data organized and secure, some maintain the networks that connect it all, and some turn raw information into decisions a business can act on. A hospital protecting patient records, a bank processing millions of transactions, and a streaming service predicting what you want to watch next all depend on the same underlying set of skills.

The field of information technology can be broken down into five broad disciplines:

• Software and web development produces the applications people use and the interfaces they interact with.
• Data and analytics deals with how information gets stored, managed, and interpreted.
• Cybersecurity concentrates on defending systems from attack.
• Infrastructure keeps the networks and servers behind everything online.
• Artificial intelligence and research develops the models and methods that push the whole field forward.

Every IT career fits one of these five disciplines. Once you know which discipline appeals to you, the next step is exploring the specific jobs it includes.

Career Outlook For IT Professionals

Demand for IT work is strong, and across the field it keeps climbing. Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2035. The field is projected to add roughly 280,000 openings a year, a figure that counts both new positions and the ones that reopen as people retire or move on. By comparison, all occupations combined are projected to grow 3.5 percent over the same period, a fraction of the IT rate.

Those gains are not spread evenly, as some roles are expanding at several times the national rate while a few are contracting as automation absorbs routine work.

The roles built around data and AI are pulling ahead of the rest, led by data scientists and followed by research scientists and information security analysts. Employers are investing heavily in all three, which is why a graduate degree in one of these disciplines lines up with where the field is expanding most.

The jobs in decline tell a quieter story that traces back to the same automation behind the gains elsewhere. Programming, systems administration, and user support all lean on tasks that automation and AI now handle in part, which trims how many people companies need. The drop is modest, and with thousands of openings posted each year from retirements and turnover, these jobs aren't disappearing.

12 Top IT Roles

To show what these disciplines look like in practice, here is a sampling of 12 jobs drawn from across all five branches of IT. They differ widely in daily work, pay, and the education they ask for, which is exactly what makes one of them likely to fit you better than the others.

Software developers, QA analysts, and testers

Software developers are the architects behind the software economy, and demand for them extends into nearly every industry. Some work at tech companies and startups; a greater share work inside banks, hospitals, retailers, and government agencies that depend on custom software. QA analysts and testers work alongside them as the last line of defense before a product ships to the people who rely on it.

What they do:

• Design applications that let people complete specific tasks, along with the underlying systems that operate devices and networks
• Build models and diagrams that show programmers the code an application needs
• Keep programs working over time through ongoing maintenance and updates
• Execute tests that surface defects, then document and track those issues until they are resolved

A bachelor's degree is typically enough to get started as a software developer. This is also one of the better-paid corners of IT, with national pay well above the average for the field and higher figures still across the New York metro area. A master's degree can be a difference-maker for senior and lead roles, where you own the architecture of an entire system.

To make that jump, consider Pace's MS in Software Development and Engineering. As the only IEEE Registered Education Provider in the eastern United States, it teaches you to build, deliver, and maintain large-scale systems, and graduates are eligible for the IEEE Computer Society's Certified Software Development Associate credential. Developers who want a deeper grounding in algorithms and computing theory can consider the MS in Computer Science instead.

Web developers and digital designers

Web developers and digital designers share responsibility for a site, but from opposite ends. Developers depend on engineering skills, ensuring that a site stays fast and stable under heavy traffic. Designers take a human behavior approach, with attention to layout, navigation, and the feel of the experience. They often find employment at design agencies and media companies, on the in-house teams of retailers and nonprofits, and in freelance work for clients who need a presence online.

What they do:

• Build and maintain websites, along with the performance and capacity that hold up when traffic spikes
• Develop and test the layout, functions, and navigation that determine how usable a site is
• Own the look and the functionality of a website or interface
• Produce or coordinate the content that fills the pages

The path in is flexible, since some designers earn roles on the strength of a portfolio alone. A bachelor's degree can help, and a graduate degree can set you apart for senior and project-lead positions. Nationally, pay comes in slightly below the IT average, but it climbs across the New York metro area, where design talent maintains steady demand.

The creative half of this work is exactly what Pace's master's in Human Centered Design is built around. The program teaches user interface programming, hands-on prototyping, and the cognitive science behind how people actually use technology, all of which form the foundation of strong UX work.

Computer programmers

Computer programmers are often confused with software developers, and the line between them is often blurred. Developers decide what a program should do; programmers are the ones who make a computer actually do it. They work across the same industries and often the same teams, from financial firms and tech companies to the IT departments of large organizations.

What they do:

• Write, modify, and test the code and scripts that let applications function correctly
• Turn the designs handed off by developers and engineers into instructions a computer can follow
• Test new applications and confirm they produce the expected results
• Trace defects back through the code and fix the mistakes behind them

This is the one corner of software work that BLS expects to contract over the next decade, as routine coding shifts toward automation and toward developers with broader roles. The decline is modest, and several thousand jobs still reopen each year as people retire or move up. A bachelor's degree remains the usual way in, and many programmers treat the role as a springboard to development, systems analysis, or management with a graduate degree.

Pace's MS in Computer Science is the natural next step for anyone who wants that mobility. Its deep grounding in algorithms and modern development gives you the depth to move beyond writing to someone else's spec toward designing systems of your own.

Data scientists

Data scientists make sense of information that would otherwise go unused. The job rewards a rare mix of the technical skill to model messy data and the judgment to ask the right questions of it while also being able to explain the answers to people who will never see the code. Nearly every industry hires them now, from hospitals and banks to retailers, sports teams, and government agencies with vast stores of data they have yet to understand.

What they do:

• Gather or identify the right data sources, then clean and structure raw data so software can read it
• Build statistical models and algorithms to find patterns and forecast outcomes
• Write code and use visualization tools to test ideas and present findings
• Translate results into clear recommendations for technical and nontechnical audiences

Few IT careers are growing faster than this one. A bachelor's degree can get you in the door, but many roles favor candidates with a master's. Pay is strong nationally and stronger still across the New York metro area, where finance and media companies compete for analytical talent.

Two Pace programs fit this work, and the right one depends on your preferences. The MS in Data Science trains you in the tools the job demands, from Python and R to TensorFlow and Spark. For work more geared toward developing and applying AI systems, the master's in Applied Artificial Intelligence helps you turn machine learning theory into practical solutions.

Database administrators and architects

Every organization that keeps records depends on someone to hold that information together, and that is the work of database administrators and architects. Architects design new databases and decide how they will be structured; administrators keep those databases stable, secure, and available to the people who need them. The role concentrates where the records pile up, in insurance companies, hospitals, banks, and firms that provide computer design services.

What they do:

• Design and construct new databases after studying what an organization actually needs
• Store and organize data such as financial records and customer information, then keep it secure from unauthorized access
• Backup and restore data to protect against loss
• Test and adjust database structures so systems perform without errors

A bachelor's degree in a computer field is the standard entry point, and pay for architects in particular ranks toward the higher end of the IT range. Demand is growing at a steady pace, with the volume of data organizations collect keeping the work in constant supply.

Database management is a direct specialization within Pace's MS in Information Systems, which makes it a strong fit for this path. Those drawn to the architecture and analytics side may also find a fit with the MS in Data Science.

Information security analysts

Information security analysts are an organization's defenders, and it is a job that never stays stagnant, because the methods attackers use change from one month to the next. The role requires equal parts vigilance and detective work. As cyberattacks climb in both frequency and cost, demand for these skills has outrun the supply of people who have them, and employers in finance, healthcare, defense, and government compete hard for talent.

What they do:

• Monitor networks for security breaches and investigate incidents when they occur
• Install and maintain protective software such as firewalls and data encryption programs
• Test systems for weaknesses before attackers can find them
• Research emerging threats and recommend security improvements to leadership

A bachelor's degree gets you into the field, and the pay reflects the stakes involved in the role. Security analysts earn well above the IT median nationally and command higher figures still across the New York metro area, and employment is projected to grow much faster than the average across all fields.

The NSA and DHS have designated Pace's MS in Cybersecurity part of a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The program offers concentrations in cyber operations and cybersecurity leadership, the second for people who want to lead a security team of their own.

Computer and information systems managers

Computer and information systems managers, often called IT managers or CTOs, are where technology decisions meet business strategy. They set the direction for an organization's systems, lead the teams that build and operate them, and answer to senior leadership for what technology should cost and deliver. The role exists in nearly every large employer, from corporations and hospitals to universities and government agencies, wherever those decisions have real weight.

What they do:

• Plan and direct the work of IT staff, from developers and analysts to security and support teams
• Assess an organization's technology needs and recommend hardware and software upgrades
• Negotiate with vendors and monitor their performance
• Align technology strategy with the goals of the wider business

This is a leadership position, so it usually calls for a bachelor's degree plus years of experience, and some employers prefer a graduate degree. Pay tops every other role in this field, both nationally and across the New York metro area, in step with the responsibility it demands.

For those on this track, Pace's MS in Information Systems develops the mix of technical depth and management perspective the job requires, with the option to specialize in areas such as business intelligence or security.

Computer network architects

Computer network architects plan how an organization connects, from a single office to a sprawling cloud system. It's a role for people who can picture how thousands of connected devices will behave before a single cable goes in, which is why few start their careers there. Network architects often split their time between office planning and the server room, working across industries that depend on reliable connectivity to survive.

What they do:

• Design and implement data networks such as local and wide-area networks and intranets
• Model and analyze network performance, then plan for future capacity
• Work with vendors to manage upgrades and support existing systems
• Coordinate with systems managers to keep networking aligned with organizational needs

Architects rarely start out in the role, since it typically takes a bachelor's degree plus several years of experience in a related job, often as a network administrator, along with vendor certifications earned over time. Pay ranks near the upper end of the field, with a strong national median and a wide range across the New York metro area.

Pace's MS in Information Systems supports this direction, with room to develop depth in networking and infrastructure while adding the systems perspective that leads toward architecture and management roles.

Computer systems analysts

Computer systems analysts are the translators between business and technology. They understand what an organization is trying to accomplish and figure out how its systems can get it there, which means speaking fluently to managers and engineers alike. You will find them in consulting firms, financial companies, healthcare organizations, and government offices, anywhere technology has to serve a practical goal.

What they do:

• Consult with managers to define the role technology should play in the organization
• Research new technologies and judge whether they would improve efficiency
• Weigh the costs and benefits of proposed systems and upgrades
• Create diagrams and specifications that guide programmers and architects

A bachelor's degree is the standard requirement, and some analysts come from business backgrounds as much as technical ones. Pay holds steady near the IT average nationally and climbs across the New York metro area, and the role tends to be a stable one even as the field shifts around it.

Pace's MS in Information Systems is a natural match, since the program is built around exactly this blend of technical fluency and business judgment.

Network and computer systems administrators

Network and computer systems administrators are the reason an office stays connected, and their steady behind-the-scenes effort is the kind people notice only when something breaks. The value is in reliability, quiet and constant. Almost every organization with an internal network needs someone in it, which puts administrators in nearly every industry.

What they do:

• Install and configure network hardware and software, then handle upgrades and repairs
• Maintain network security and confirm that all systems operate correctly
• Manage servers along with desktop and mobile equipment
• Collect performance data and use it to keep systems fast and reliable

An administrator typically enters the field with a bachelor's degree, though some employers accept an associate degree paired with experience. This is another role BLS expects to shrink modestly, as cloud services and automation absorb some routine tasks, yet thousands of positions still become available each year, and the work remains a common on-ramp to network architecture and management.

Pace's MS in Information Systems helps administrators advance by deepening technical skills and adding the systems and management grounding that leads to senior infrastructure roles.

Computer support specialists

Computer support specialists receive the first call when technology fails, and are often the reason everyone else can get back to work. Some spend their days with users and talk people through fixes by phone, email, or in person; others focus on the networks an organization depends on. The role turns up everywhere technology does, from corporate help desks and hospitals to schools and call centers, which is part of why it is such a common way into the field.

What they do:

• Diagnose the cause of a user's computer problem and guide them through the fix
• Set up, repair, and configure hardware and software
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and maintain computer networks
• Document recurring problems and flag major ones to managers and administrators

Of all the roles here, this one has the lowest barrier to entry. Some jobs ask only for relevant coursework, though many employers prefer an associate or bachelor's degree, which makes it a common first step for people breaking into the field. BLS expects hiring to soften slightly as automated tools take over basic troubleshooting, but the volume of openings stays high, since support remains essential and many specialists use it as a stepping stone.

For those ready to grow from that start, Pace's MS in Information Systems offers a path from frontline support toward administration, analysis, and management.

Computer and information research scientists

Computer and information research scientists work at the frontier of what computers can do. While the rest of IT applies technology that already exists, research scientists invent what comes next, often years before it turns up in a product. Much of the recent progress in artificial intelligence, robotics, and data mining traces back to this role, which lives mostly in research labs, universities, tech companies, and government.

What they do:

• Investigate unsolved problems in computing and develop theories and models to address them
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to solve complex computing challenges
• Invent new computing languages, tools, and methods to improve how people work
• Design experiments and study the results to test new approaches

This is the one role here where a master's degree is the typical way in, since the work depends on deep theoretical grounding from the outset. The payoff is a strong national median, one of the higher upper ranges across the New York metro area, and employment growth that outpaces the field as a whole.

The AI and research path connects to two Pace programs. The MS in Artificial Intelligence centers on the theory, algorithms, and models behind AI, while the master's in Applied Artificial Intelligence suits those who would rather put that research to work on real systems.

How to Start Your Career in IT

Getting into IT comes down to showing an employer, in a few different ways, that you can do the work. Skills, a degree, and direct experience each help you answer a different question a hiring manager might ask. How you build them depends on where you are starting from. Here’s how to develop each one.

Learn relevant skills

Every IT role rests on a core set of technical skills, and the specific ones you need depend on where you are headed.

For example, software development depends on languages such as Python, Java, and C++. Data science draws on statistics, machine learning, and tools like R and TensorFlow. And security work centers on networks, cryptography, and the methods attackers use.

Online courses, bootcamps, and open-source projects are all reasonable ways to begin, and many people test the water this way before committing to a degree. At this stage, the goal is simply to confirm that the day-to-day work holds your interest.

Earn your degree

A bachelor's degree is the baseline across the field, and for the roles that pay well and offer strong room to grow, a graduate degree is what sets candidates apart. A master's does two things at once, providing depth in a specialization and signaling to employers that you can handle advanced, self-directed work.

This is where Pace's Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems fits in. Its graduate programs line up closely with the careers described above, so you can match a degree to the direction you have chosen:

• Artificial Intelligence, or its applied counterpart, for those drawn to intelligent systems
• Data Science, for students who want to work with data and analytics
• Cybersecurity, for future defenders and security leaders
• Software Development and Engineering, along with the broader Computer Science degree, for people who build the next generation of applications
• Information Systems, with six career tracks, for the connective roles across data, networks, and systems
• Human Centered Design, for those focused on how technology feels to use

Build experience

A degree gets your foot in the door, but employers hire on evidence that you can do the work. Internships are a direct way to gain experience, and many graduate programs, Seidenberg's included, connect students with them.

A portfolio of hands-on projects also delivers genuine value and can include a working app, a data analysis, a contribution to an open-source repository, or a home lab where you have configured a network from scratch.

Certifications can add another layer of expertise, especially in cybersecurity and networking, where a credential such as CompTIA Security+ or Cisco's CCNA is often expected.

What each of these has in common is proof. A project you built, an internship you finished, or a certification you earned all show an employer you can do the work, and that is what moves you toward an offer.

Finding Your Place in IT

The sheer range of careers in IT is what makes the field so welcoming, and it's also what makes picking a starting point in your education so personal.A cybersecurity analyst, a data scientist, and a research scientist all work in technology, yet each has chosen a distinct path with its own skills, salary, and daily rhythm. Once you know which of those futures fits you, a graduate degree becomes a direct way to get there.

Here’s how the five IT disciplines line up with the roles they include and the Pace program that fits each one.

These programs come from Pace's Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, and each one is matched to a specific career, so the degree you earn maps directly to the work you want to do. If one of these roles sounds like your direction, the next step is a short conversation. Request information to see how a Seidenberg degree fits your goals and where it can take you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IT and computer science?
The difference between IT and computer science comes down to building versus applying. Computer science centers on theory, algorithms, and creating new software from the ground up, while IT keeps an organization's existing technology set up, managed, and secure. The two overlap in areas such as data and cloud work, and many Seidenberg programs, from Computer Science to Information Systems, let you lean toward whichever side fits you.

Can you get an IT job without a degree?
Yes, you can get an entry-level IT job without a degree, particularly in support and help-desk roles, where certifications and demonstrated skill often outweigh formal education. Advancement is where a degree starts to count. Higher-paying and specialized positions in security, data, and management typically expect at least a bachelor's, and a master's is what separates candidates for senior roles.

Which IT career is best if you do not want to write code?
Several IT careers involve little or no coding. Information security analysts, systems administrators, network architects, and IT managers spend the bulk of their time on systems, strategy, and people, with software development left to others. Computer systems analysts and support specialists also center on problem-solving over programming. These paths still reward technical understanding, so a program like Information Systems prepares you well without a heavy coding focus.

Are IT jobs safe from automation and AI?
The majority of IT jobs are safe from automation, and many are growing in step with AI. Roles in security, data science, and AI research are expanding quickly, since people are needed to build and defend these systems. A few routine roles, such as some programming and user-support positions, are projected to shrink as automation absorbs repetitive tasks, though they continue to hire steadily through 2034.

Do IT careers allow you to work remotely?
Many IT careers offer strong remote flexibility, since much of the work happens on systems that staff can access from anywhere. Software development, data science, cybersecurity, and systems administration all support remote or hybrid arrangements at many employers. Roles tied to physical hardware, such as some network and support positions, may call for on-site presence, though even these now handle many routine tasks remotely.

On November 19, Grand Theft Auto 6 will set the gaming world alight, Rockstar Games’ first release of the beloved series in more than a decade. As the much anticipated release date approaches, industry and marketing experts are reflecting on the game’s impact on popular culture —from turning Miami into its fictional Vice City to releasing exclusive game footage on Netflix and through South Park.

Since its debut in 1997, the Grand Theft Auto franchise has sold more than 470 million copies worldwide. The anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6 has been just as extraordinary, with its second trailer racking up over 475 million views across platforms in just 24 hours. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, generated a staggering $1 billion in retail sales in just three days following its 2013 release.

To better understand the game’s influence and importance, we spoke with Carmine Guida, PhD, assistant professor and director of the game development program at Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

Much of the gaming world is buzzing for GTA 6’s long-awaited release. What are the excitement levels like for you, your industry peers, and your students?

I’ve always been more into playing games on my Nintendo Switch, like the Zelda and Metroid games, over Grand Theft Auto. But our students are definitely hyped for it. The release of this game has become such a meme, that I’m not sure if it’s all excitement, or is this thing actually going to happen. I mean, we got astronauts orbiting the moon again before GTA 6.

We’ve seen reports that GTA 6’s release could impact the US economy by $1 billion because so many people are planning to take days off from work when the game is out. Has an event like that ever happened before because of a video game? What do you think the impact will be on the Pace population and students taking an “early” Thanksgiving break?

When I was a kid, we had “Mortal Monday”—this was when the arcade game Mortal Combat was released on all the consoles (Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, Game Boy, and Game Gear) on the same day. If you watch the commercial, which as a teenager would get you totally pumped, you can see it was noticeably targeted to teens. The difference in this situation is that we have many more adults gaming than we did back then. GTA 6 will be played by people of all ages. In terms of our student population, I think a lot of them who are from out of town tend to head home that Thursday before Thanksgiving break anyway—which is perfect timing for the game’s release on November 19.

Are we seeing a growing divide between major studios that can afford decade-long development cycles and smaller studios that need to release games more frequently?

There is a “fail fast” mentality with entrepreneurs, where the idea is to focus on getting stuff out rather than it being perfect. You can find some really fun, interesting, and new game mechanics coming out of indie studios, but if the idea doesn’t work or doesn’t catch on, you can move onto the next thing. Of course, you do need something to catch on to actually stay in business. I mean does “plumber eats mushrooms and jumps on bad mushrooms and turtles” sound like a good idea to run with? You never know! But you just can’t do that with a company as large as Rockstar.

With so much time and money invested in a single game, are developers becoming less willing to take creative risks? Could this lead to fewer original titles and more sequels?

We’re already seeing less new game ideas and new IPs (intellectual properties) coming out. There have been a ton of remakes lately. I have to admit, I’m excited for the Ocarina of Time remake because I did not play the original one. But we’ve lately seen remakes of games (or graphics enhanced versions) that were released just a few years ago!

Are increasingly high expectations for blockbuster games contributing to longer development cycles? Has the pressure to deliver a nearly perfect game changed how studios approach development?

I think there is definitely pressure for a large studio to create a blockbuster, or even a “forever” game, with every release. That these games need to have hundreds of hours of gameplay, giant open worlds, and of course these open worlds then need things to do in them. We also have expectations for NPCs (non-playable characters) to be more dynamic, and so on. But, there are other factors at play in this current time span. Apple moved away from Intel and released their M1 chip in 2020. ChatGPT was officially released in 2022. When GTA 6 started development, none of these technologies existed yet. With a development cycle of more than 5 years, this could lead to developers wanting to switch to a new technology mid-development.

Is this approach financially sustainable for the broader industry, or is Rockstar an exception?

I’m wondering whether this is even sustainable for Rockstar. The company’s leadership has already said that their next projects won’t have eight- or 13-year gaps, but rather something closer to three years.

What do these industry changes mean for students interested in pursuing careers in game development? How can they prepare for an industry where projects are becoming increasingly complex?

A friend of mine who works in the industry, and who attended some of our Game Development classes as a speaker, mentioned that incoming college graduates do not get put right onto the game engine itself, or writing code directly for big console titles. Some of these game companies use proprietary engines and there is no way to have years of experience on something like that. He mentioned that a new developer might work on tools—something that is used to create quests or add text and descriptions to items. There are also other industries that use game technology. Think interactive experiences at museums, VR for training, AR for watching sports, they all use game engines like Unity. So, the students’ opportunities don’t just lie within the game industry itself all the time.