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.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. With ABET accreditation, students, employers and the society we serve can be confident that a program meets the quality standards that produce graduates prepared to enter a global workforce.
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 Educational Objectives
The major in information systems provides a curriculum by which graduates will:
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the most current technologies to support the secure delivery and management of information systems.
- Advance their careers through continuing education, professional development, and cultivating resilience.
- Demonstrate the knowledge, ability, and strategic skills to work effectively to support the information systems needs of the business community.
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
| Year | Enrollment | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 360 | 166 |
| 2019 | 331 | 186 |
| 2020 | 319 | 171 |
| 2021 | 344 | 169 |
| 2022 | 305 | 167 |
| 2023 | 301 | TBD |
Accelerated B.S.+M.S.
The accelerated program allows students to take up to four graduate classes and count them toward both degree programs.
Career opportunities
This major provides students with expertise in fundamental and specialized areas of information systems. These areas include 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 active partnerships in the private and public sectors. There are diverse career opportunities in the field, including 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 employing fewer than five people. From public sector employers, such as government agencies and institutions of higher education, to private sector organizations, such as consulting firms and telecommunications companies, IS students have a plethora of employment options.
- 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:
I chose Information Systems as my major because it is a huge part of the economy. As the economy is getting exponentially more advanced, it is essential for businesses to acquire information from internal and external sources to make decisions. Being an IS student has helped me become more analytical and technical as we are given the opportunity to create projects such as databases that are crucial for a business' success.
MAX W.
Information Systems, '19
Being at VCU has changed the course of my life and opened so many doors, allowing me to gain valuable research experience and business/IT knowledge through bioinformatics and IS.
MICHAEL G. KIFLEZGHI
Information Systems, '17