Major in Information Systems Management

Students may seek an academic major in information systems management.

The information systems management major develops students' abilities to conceptualize and manage the design and implementation of high-quality information systems. The curriculum focuses on the concepts, methods, and practical applications of information systems in the workplace. Students are provided with the skills needed to make substantive contributions to the use of information systems in corporate decision making.

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a major in information systems management will be able to

• Evaluate, select, and apply appropriate analytical and measurement methods/tools and system development life cycle (SDLC) methodologies to meet organizational needs.
• Research, assess, recommend/select, and implement information technology that aligns with business needs and meets business objectives.
• Effectively communicate with stakeholders orally, visually, and in writing to determine stakeholders' business requirements, explain how their requirements will be met, and provide ongoing audience-appropriate information.
• Responsibly protect organizations' critical information and assets by integrating cybersecurity best practices and risk management throughout global enterprises.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate technology solutions to achieve strategic goals by managing high-performing teams and projects.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in information systems management requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 33 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 46 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 17 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for the Information Systems Management Major

Coursework for a major in information systems management includes the following:

• Required foundation courses (12 credits): IFSM 300, 301, 304, and 310
• Core courses (15 credits): CMIS 320; CSIA 302; and IFSM 311, 438, and 461
• Supplemental major courses (3 credits): Any upper-level CMIS, CMIT, CMSC, CMST, CSIA, or IFSM courses
• Required capstone course (3 credits): IFSM 495
• Required related courses (6 credits), which may be applied anywhere in the degree: CMIS 102 (or programming language course) and IFSM 201

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in information systems management. Coursework for the major is indicated by . Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Information Systems Management Degree Courses

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

• EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3)
  (strongly recommended as first course)
• LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)
• WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
• MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (3)
  or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

• CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (3)
  or another programming language course (related requirement for the major)
• PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
  or ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama or other arts and humanities course
• Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
  and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
  or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory course(s)
• IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)
  (related requirement for the major; also fulfills the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement)
• WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
  or other communications/writing course
• GVPT 170 American Government (3)
  or other behavioral and social sciences course

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

• PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology or other behavioral and social sciences course (discipline must differ from first)
• IFSM 300 Information Systems in Organizations (3)
• NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
  or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other biological and physical sciences lecture course
• HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
  or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other arts and humanities/historical perspective course (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
• IFSM 301 Foundations of Enterprise and Information Systems (3)
• SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)
  or WRTG 293 Introduction to Professional Writing or other communication, writing, or speech course
• IFSM 304 Ethics in Information Technology (3)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

• WRTG 393 Advanced Technical Writing (3)
  or other communications/upper-level advanced writing course
• IFSM 310 Software and Hardware Infrastructure Concepts (3)
• CSIA 302 Telecommunication in Information Systems (3)
• CMIS 320 Relational Database Concepts and Applications (3)
• IFSM 311 Enterprise Architecture and Systems (3)
• IFSM 438 Information Systems Project Management (3)
• IFSM 461 Systems Analysis and Design (3)
• IFSM 432 Business Continuity Planning (3)
  or other supplemental major course

Capstone Course for Major (to be taken in the last 15 credits)

• IFSM 495 Current Issues and Trends in Information Systems Management (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (43)
(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses)

Recommended Minors

Computing, business administration, psychology, or marketing

Recommended Electives

• ANTH 344 Culture and Language
• MATH 140 Calculus I
  (for students who plan to go on to graduate school; students should note prerequisites)
• WRTG 490 Writing for Managers

Total credits for BS in information systems management: 120

• Information Systems Management Degree Planning Worksheet