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Course Requirements

Visit our page for a complete listing of Information Systems course requirements.

Information Systems

The Information Systems (IS) Major is designed to prepare professionals in Information Systems including such areas as systems analysis and design and software engineering. This degree focuses on the use of computer technology and information management methods to solve business problems. This requires an understanding of both the organizational context of the problem and the technologies, methodologies, and tools typically utilized. There are three sequences within this program:

  • Option 1: Systems Development/Analyst Sequence - The Analyst sequence provides breadth and depth in analysis and design techniques preparing students to work in a variety of information technology environments.
  • Option 2: Web Application Development Sequence - The Web sequence emphasizes the development of Web/Internet-based business information systems.
  • Option 3: Information Assurance and Security Sequence - This sequence is designed to give students the knowledge and tools necessary for protecting information and information systems.

The Information Systems program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Specific Objectives

The IS degree prepares students to analyze, design, develop, implement, coordinate, and control computerized information systems for use within organizational contexts. The objectives of the IS program are to prepare students to:

  • Possess a foundation of technical skills needed to begin a career in the area of information systems
  • Understand intricate hardware, software, and organizational environments in which software developers work
  • Use critical-thinking skills and invoke a variety of general problem-solving strategies and techniques
  • Apply systems theory concepts and methods to the solution of problems
  • Effectively model work flows and work group interactions
  • Communicate effectively
  • Develop application systems by employing appropriate methodologies, techniques, tools, and languages
  • Understand current trends in technology and learn to adapt to ta changing computing environment
  • Understand conceptual skill, resources, and learning approaches needed for continuous professional development and growth

Career Opportunities

Statistics compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and published in Occupational Outlook Quarterly project major growth in job openings for computer professionals. According to data issued in February 2000, the positions of computer engineer, computer support specialist, system analyst, and database administrator are the four fastest growing occupations in America. Between 1998 and 2008 the demand for computer engineers will increase by 108 percent; the demand for computer support specialist will increase by 102 percent; the demand for systems analysts will increase by 94 percent; and the demand for database administrators will increase by 77 percent. This translates into an additional 1,046,000 new positions in information technology between 1998 and 2008.