Business Information Systems

Description

Business Information Systems Program Description

The business information systems (BIS) major is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in business with a focus on information technology management or e-commerce technology. The use of information enabled by information systems is an essential element of strategy in organizations where information forms the basis for competing both nationally and globally. The responsibility of the technology manager or e-commerce technologist is to deliver information and information services to the end-user, and to administer the information resources cost-effectively. Organizations need competent technology professionals who are problem solvers and who understand how to leverage the company's technology base to improve its competitive advantage. This program delivers on both counts.

The BIS major consists of core courses in systems architecture and development, networking, and database design, followed by a career-focused track in technology management or e-commerce technology. To prepare for the workplace, students take a series of practical information systems courses where they examine business problems and the array of possible technology solutions. Students also take business administration courses in accounting, management, and marketing. The program's blend of practical business and technology courses prepares the graduate to enter business as a well-rounded professional who knows how to think analytically, assess a business problem, and select the best technology solution. Many graduates of this bachelor's degree program elect to continue their education at the graduate level by pursuing a master's in business and technology management.

Most courses are offered either online in an 8-week format or in an 8-week hybrid format where students meet one night per week. Some courses are offered in a 16-week online format.

Technology Management Track Description

There is strong demand in the marketplace for managers of technology. These individuals have broad knowledge of information systems combined with the ability to address business-related issues as analysts and integrators. Students in this track will focus on data and database management, security, business networks, e-commerce business solutions, and wireless technology.

E-Commerce Track Description

Growth in the demand for e-commerce technologists is expected to accelerate for the next 20-30 years. Upon completion of the track, students will be able to construct e-commerce solutions using various web architectures and design technologies, assemble electronic collaboration environments, and evaluate social networks in support of business initiatives, propose e-commerce solutions for business problems and new business initiatives, solve server to server web data exchange issues, and explain and propose extensions to e-commerce business models.

Objectives

Business Information Systems Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems, graduates will be able to:

1. Articulate technology skills learned and applied during their academic career.
2. Perform those information technology tasks essential to their chosen career path in application, network, or database design.
3. Communicate with confidence technology ideas in team meetings and public forums.
4. Demonstrate a professional competency in research, analysis, and business writing.
5. Converse in the languages of application, network, and database design.
6. Assess business problems using analytical and critical thought processes to identify the best technology solution.
7. Pursue an IT career as a well-rounded technology professional, able to leverage talents and interests.

Technology Management Track Outcomes

Upon completion of the technology management track, graduates will be able to:

• Assess business problems and identify alternate technology solutions.
• Explain the role of technology components in a network.
• Apply key management principles in leading a project.
• Discuss various IT alternatives with business and technology professionals.
• Interpret the needs of customers and adapt them to different constituents.

E-Commerce Track Outcomes

Upon completion of the e-commerce technology track, graduates will be able to:

• Construct electronic commerce solutions using various web architectures and design technologies.
• Assemble electronic collaboration environments and evaluate social networks in support of business initiatives.
• Propose electronic commerce solutions for business problems and new business initiatives.
• Discuss server to server web data exchange issues.
• Explain and propose extensions to electronic commerce business models.

Policies

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major, and the lowest acceptable grade is a "C" in all major and Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE) courses. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to advance to the next course without earning a grade of "C" or better in the prerequisite course(s). When a grade below "C" is earned in a major course, the student must repeat that course.

A course may be repeated twice without special permission. Information systems majors must apply in writing to the department chair requesting permission to attempt a course for a third time. Stevenson University does not grant credits or waivers for technical certifications.

Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in business information systems. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements:

Take three of the following upper level courses:

Students must choose and complete the courses for one of the tracks listed below.

Technology Management Track:

E-Commerce Technology Track:

Minor in Business Information Systems

A minor in information systems is available. Students who wish to pursue a minor in information systems may choose any six IS courses from the business information systems or computer information systems programs. The lowest acceptable grade is a “C“ in all IS courses. All course prerequisites must be met to be eligible to take the selected course for a minor. Please see an academic advisor for more information. Specific information regarding minor requirements may be found in the Academic Information section of the catalog.

Other Options

BS/MS Option: The BS/MS option is available for students majoring in business information systems who wish to combine their bachelor’s coursework with work toward a master’s degree in one of Stevenson’s graduate programs. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degree in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into a BS/MS option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors. For more information on this program, see the Admissions section of this catalog.