VCU Business

B.S. in information systems

This major prepares students for successful careers as information systems professionals through a curriculum that combines technical computing knowledge, skills and techniques with relevant business knowledge. We provide a curriculum that: prepares students to begin professional careers upon graduation by providing experience with the most current technologies needed to support the secure delivery and management of information systems; supports career advancement over time by giving our graduates the academic foundation in information systems needed for continued professional development; and supports the information systems needs of the business community.

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Accreditation

The B.S. in Information Systems degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Information Systems.

Curriculum

We provide a curriculum that:

• Prepares students to begin professional careers upon graduation by providing experience with the most current technologies needed to support the secure delivery and management of information systems
• Supports career advancement over time by giving our graduates the academic foundation in information systems needed for continued professional development
• Supports the information systems needs of the business community

Program and degree requirements

Program Educational Objectives

The major in information systems provides a curriculum by which graduates will:

• Develop and manage business capabilities using digital technologies.
• Stay relevant in a changing world by being lifelong learners in the information systems field.
• Create value in organizations by supporting information-based decision making.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will have an ability to:

• Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
• Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
• Support the delivery, use, and management of information systems within an information systems environment.

Enrollment and Graduation Data

Accelerated B.S. and M.S.

Earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in information systems in as little as five years.

The accelerated program allows students to take up to four graduate courses that count toward both degrees.

Curriculum Information Frequently Asked Questions

Career opportunities

This major provides students with expertise in fundamental and specialized areas of information systems, including data analytics, systems analysis and design, project management, computer programming, cyber ethics, networking and web development. Through the department’s close ties to the community, students leverage and build partnerships in the private and public sectors.

Career opportunities in the field include business systems analyst, data analyst, application and systems developer and IT project manager. Employers range from multinational companies such as Amazon to small and medium-sized organizations with fewer than five employees. Public sector employers include government agencies and institutions of higher education, while private sector employers include consulting firms and telecommunications companies.

Careers in the field

• Computer Systems Managers
• Information System Managers
• Computer Security Analyst
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Computer User Support Specialists
• Database Administrator
• Information Technology Project Managers
• Network Systems Administrators 
• Computer Systems Administrators 
• Programmer
• Systems Analyst
• Web Administrators 

Alumni employers include