Information Systems Major - Bachelor of Science (BS)
Why major in information systems? Discover how to improve processes where people and technology come together.
Information systems (IS) is concerned with the planning, analysis, design, and implementation of information systems. Students develop and use computer-based information systems in business environments in preparation for careers in information technology-related areas. Businesses worldwide depend heavily on advanced information systems for managing information and business operations competitively. This calls for IS professionals in careers such as business/systems analyst, business analytics, web developer, information specialist, applications software engineer, security specialist, project manager, network analyst, and database administrator. These are just a few of the prestigious and well-paid positions available to IS program graduates.
In the IS program at UWL, students learn how to plan, analyze, design, and implement computer-based information systems, such as computer networks and database applications. Students gain in-depth knowledge of IS concepts and applications, learn how to analyze business data and operations to create innovative solutions, and gain management skills. Courses in information systems include a variety of in-demand topics and skill development including information technology, data analytics, business core knowledge, software applications, project management and a systems perspective.
Students in the program need to possess strong mathematics and logical reasoning skills. High school students planning collegiate programs in business, including information systems, should take algebra/trigonometry or pre-calculus courses in high school.
With solid coursework in the computer science area before entering the professional portion of the program, students develop a technical foundation to support their upper-division curriculum.
As in all other business programs, IS majors will complete an extensive array of courses in liberal arts and science, including courses in communication, humanities, multicultural studies, and social sciences.
The vast majority of IS majors participate in an internship experience in their junior or senior year. The internships earn university credit that applies to the major program. Most are paid and many lead to employment following graduation.
Admission
Admission to the College of Business Administration
The 300/400 level information system courses are open only to those students who have been admitted to the business program or IS minor program. Exceptions to this policy may be made only by the College of Business Administration Dean.
Curriculum
(College of Business Administration)
29 credits
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| CS 120 | Software Design I | 4 |
| CS 220 | Software Design II | 4 |
| CS 364 | Introduction to Database Management Systems | 3 |
| IS 300 | Data Management for Business Problem Solving and Decision Making | 3 |
| IS 310 | Information Systems in Networked Environments: Technical Foundations and Applications | 3 |
| IS 320 | Enterprise Systems for Decision Making and Data Analytics | 3 |
| IS 401 | Management Information Systems: Analysis and Design | 3 |
| IS 411 | Management Information Systems: Project Management and Implementation | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Programming Language | ||
| Advanced Database Management Systems | ||
| Business Choices and Telecommunications Decision | ||
| Information Systems Security and Data Assurance Management | ||
| Management of Business Analytics | ||
| Special Topics in Information Systems | ||
| Business Data Visualization and Communication | ||
| CBA Management Information Systems Internship | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Management Science | ||
| Total Credits | 29 | |
All students must complete the general education, college core, major/minor, and university degree requirements in order to qualify for a degree. The easiest way to track all of these requirements is to refer to the Advisement Report (AR) found in the Student Information System (WINGS) Student Center. All enrolled students have access to the AR.
College of Business Administration (CBA) core requirements
All students enrolled in any program within the college must complete the 16 business core courses listed below and all requirements for the major (see department listings). Courses numbered at the 100 and 200 level as well as MGT/MKT 301 are considered pre-business courses. MGT 449 must be taken in the semester of graduation.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC 221 | Accounting Principles I | 3 |
| ACC 222 | Accounting Principles II | 3 |
| BLAW 205 | The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business | 3 |
| ECO 110 | Microeconomics and Public Policy | 3 |
| ECO 120 | Global Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECO 230 | Data Analysis for Business Applications | 3 |
| ENG 110 | College Writing | 3 |
| or ENG 112 | College Writing AP (Advanced Placement) | |
| FIN 355 | Principles of Financial Management | 3 |
| IS 220 | Information Systems for Business Management | 3 |
| MGT/MKT 301 | Business Communication | 3 |
| MGT 308 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| MGT 393 | Production and Operations Management | 3 |
| MKT 309 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| MTH 160 | Mathematics for Business | 4-5 |
| or MTH 175 | Applied Calculus | |
| or MTH 207 | Calculus I | |
| STAT 145 | Elementary Statistics (or equivalent) | 4 |
| Capstone - taken in the semester of graduation | ||
| MGT 449 | CBA Capstone: Applied Business Strategy | 3 |
| Total Credits | 50-51 | |
Baccalaureate degree requirements
Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degrees must accomplish the following:
- Fulfill the general education requirements.
- Complete at least one ethnic studies (diversity) course.
- Complete the courses prescribed by the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee for the degree desired in the respective school or college.
- Earn a minimum of 120 semester credits with at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA.1, 2
- At least 40 credits must be earned in 300/400 level courses. Transfer courses earned or transferred at the 300/400 level apply to this requirement.
- Complete major and minor requirements with at least a 2.00 GPA1, 2 in each major and minor (and concentration or emphasis, if selected).
- A minimum of 30 semester credits in residence at UWL is required for graduation. (See undergraduate resident requirement.)
- Submit an application for graduation via the "Apply for Graduation" link in the WINGS Student Center as soon as the student has registered for his or her final semester or summer term in residence. December and winter intersession graduates should apply by May 1. May and summer graduates should apply by December 1.
- 1
Grade point average requirements for some programs will be considerably higher than 2.00. Re-entering students may be required to earn credits in excess of the 120 needed for graduation in any curriculum in order to replace credits earned in courses in which the content has changed substantially in recent years. Each case will be judged on its own merit.
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The grade point average recorded at the time the degree is awarded will not be affected by future enrollment.
No degree will be awarded unless all requirements are fulfilled and recorded within 30 days after the official ending date of each term.
Below is a sample degree plan that can be used as a guide to identify courses required to fulfill the major and other requirements needed for degree completion. A student's actual degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). Also, this sample plan assumes readiness for each course and/or major plan, and some courses may not be offered every term. Review the course descriptions or the class timetable for course offering information.
The sample degree plans represented in this catalog are intended for first-year students entering UWL in the fall term. Students should use the Advisement Report (AR) in WINGS and work closely with their faculty advisor(s) and college dean’s office to ensure declaration and completion of all requirements in a timely manner.
General Education Program
The general education curriculum (Gen Ed) is the common educational experience for all undergraduates at UWL. Sample degree plans include Gen Ed placeholders to ensure completion of the general education requirements. Courses may be rearranged to fit the needs or recommendations of the student’s program of study. Gen Ed courses may be taken during winter term (January between the semesters) and summer to reduce the course load during regular terms (fall and spring). Students should consult with their advisor and/or the college academic services director in their college/school for assistance with course and schedule planning. Refer to the general education requirements for more specific details.
At least 40 credits of the 120 credits required must be earned at the 300/400-level.
Note: New students and transfer students with 15 or fewer credits earned are required to take FYS 100 First-Year Seminar (3 cr.) during one of their first two semesters at UWL.
This sample degree plan does not establish a contractual agreement. It identifies the minimum requirements a student must successfully complete, to qualify for a degree, in a format intended to assist the student in planning their academic career. Actual degree plans may differ.
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ECO 110 or 120 (Gen Ed Global Studies/ Gen Ed Self & Society)1 | 3 | ECO 110 or 120 (Gen Ed Global Studies/ Gen Ed Self & Society)1 | 3 |
| ENG 110 or 112 (Gen Ed Literacy - Written) | 3 | CST 110 (Gen Ed Literacy - Oral) | 3 |
| MTH 160, 175, or 207 (Depending on math placement exam results)1 | 4 | STAT 145 (Depending on math placement exam results) | 4 |
| FYS 100 (Gen Ed First-Year Seminar) | 3 | Gen Ed Minority Cultures | 3 |
| Gen Ed Arts | 2 | Gen Ed Arts | 2 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ACC 2211 | 3 | ACC 2221 | 3 |
| IS 220 | 3 | BLAW 2051 | 3 |
| Gen Ed Health & Well-Being | 3 | University Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed World History | 3 | Gen Ed Humanistic Studies | 3 |
| University Elective | 3 | Gen Ed Natural Lab Science | 4 |
| Apply to the Business Program | |||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MGT 301 or MKT 301 | 3 | MGT 393 | 3 |
| MGT 308 | 3 | IS 310 | 3 |
| ECO 230 | 3 | IS 300 | 3 |
| CS 120 | 4 | CS 220 | 4 |
| University Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 13 | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IS 320 | 3 | MGT 449 | 3 |
| IS 401 | 3 | IS 411 | 3 |
| CS 364 | 3 | IS Elective Course | 3 |
| MKT 309 | 3 | University Elective (300/400 level) | 3 |
| FIN 355 | 3 | University Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits: 120 | |||
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A grade of "C" or better is required for admission to the CBA Business Program.