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 the skills needed to make substantive contributions to the use of information systems in corporate decision making.

The student who graduates with a Major in Information Systems Management will be able to

• Define and explain the concepts, theories, and practices in the development and use of information systems in organizations.



• Demonstrate an understanding of computing system architectures, operating systems software, and interconnection of information resources through networking.



• Analyze problems and determine system requirements for developing a logical design of an information system.



• Identify basic elements of programming languages and the relationships between programming languages and information systems.



• Implement an information system in a database management system or emerging development environment.



• Develop classroom products that demonstrate a working understanding of the management of information systems functions, system integration, and project management to ensure project quality.



• Evaluate ethical issues related to information systems, work productivity, and human factors.

A degree with a major in information systems management requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major (indicated by Δ); 41 credits in general education requirements; and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

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

• Required foundation courses (15 credits): CMIS 141/141A (or other programming language course) and IFSM 300, 310, 410, and 461
• Core courses (9 credits): Any upper-level IFSM courses (3 credits must be in 400-level coursework)
• Supplemental major courses (6 credits): Any IFSM, CMIS, CMIT, CMSC, or CMST courses
• Required related courses (6 credits), which may be applied anywhere in the degree: MATH 107 or MATH 106, and STAT 200

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the Major in Information Systems Management. Since some recommended courses fill 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 on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found on the GER page.

First Courses(to be taken within the first 18 credits)
Note: Placement tests are required for MATH and WRTG courses.

LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)

WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 107 College Algebra (3)
or MATH 106 or a higher-level math course

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

IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3)

CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (3)
or CMIS 102A Fundamentals of Programming I
(prerequisite to later courses; satisfies the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement)

PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
or ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to satisfy the arts and humanities requirement

Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to satisfy the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement

WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to satisfy the communications/writing requirement

GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to satisfy the first behavioral and social sciences requirement

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

STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics (3)
(related requirement for major)

Δ CMIS 141 Introductory Programming (3)
or CMIS 141A Fundamentals of Programming II
or other programming course

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
or other course to satisfy the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course to satisfy the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement

HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or other ARTH or HIST course to satisfy the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

Δ IFSM 300 Information Systems in Organizations (3)

ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3)
or a foreign language course
(recommended elective)

SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3)
or WRTG 390 Writing for Managers
or other course to satisfy the communications/writing or speech requirement

IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3)
(recommended elective)

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

WRTG 393 Technical Writing (3)
or other course to satisfy the communications/upper-level intensive writing requirement

Δ IFSM 310 Software and Hardware Concepts (3)

Δ IFSM 410 Database Concepts (3)

Δ IFSM 461 Systems Analysis and Design (3)

Δ IFSM 303 Human Factors in Information Systems (3)
or other core course for the major

Δ IFSM 430 Information Systems and Security (3)
or other core course for the major

Δ IFSM 438 Project Management (3)
or other core course for the major

Δ IFSM 433 Information Security Needs Assessment and Planning (3)
or other supplemental major course

Δ IFSM 450 Telecommunication Systems in Management (3)
or other supplemental major course

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in last 60 credits along with required major courses) (40)

Recommended minors
Computer studies, business administration, psychology, or marketing

Recommended elective
MATH 140 Calculus 1
(for students who plan to go on to graduate school)

Total credits for BS in Information Systems Management 120