Business Information Systems

The Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems (BIS) at the University of Pittsburgh offers students a comprehensive education at the intersection of business management and information technology. This program is designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital economy by equipping them with the skills necessary to analyze, develop, and manage information systems that support business operations and strategic decision-making. Through a rigorous curriculum, students gain a deep understanding of how technology can be leveraged to improve efficiency, enhance productivity, and create competitive advantages for organizations across various industries.

The program combines core business courses with specialized classes in information systems, computer programming, data management, cybersecurity, and systems analysis and design. Students learn to develop and implement software solutions, manage databases, and understand the ethical and security considerations involved in information technology. In addition to technical expertise, the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the business-technology interface.

Students have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, internships, and collaborative endeavors with industry partners, which help them gain practical experience and build professional networks. The program also offers elective courses that allow students to tailor their education towards particular interests such as data analytics, enterprise systems, or cybersecurity. With a strong foundation in both business principles and technological skills, graduates of the Business Information Systems program are well-positioned for careers as business analysts, systems analysts, IT consultants, project managers, and other roles that bridge the gap between business needs and technological solutions.

The University of Pittsburgh's Department of Business Information Systems emphasizes innovation, real-world application, and ethical use of technology, preparing students to adapt to ongoing changes in the digital landscape. Supportive faculty, modern facilities, and access to cutting-edge research ensure students receive a high-quality education that aligns with industry standards and employer expectations. Upon completion of the program, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to the digital transformation initiatives of organizations worldwide, making a positive impact in the evolving field of business and information technology.

Arts and Sciences Foundations

These required and prerequisite courses prepare students for future courses. Requirements include courses in:

• English composition
• Foreign language
• Math
• Statistics
• Economics

Pitt Business Core Courses

The Pitt Business core curriculum is designed for you to obtain a wealth of business knowledge during your education. By studying the primary business functions, you become a professional who understands how the different departments in an organization work together. Then through your major, you take a deep dive into your subject area and develop specialized business skills.

• BUS 0010: Your Academic and Career Success
• BUS 0020 Your Career Success
• BUSSPP 0020: Managing in Complex Environments
• BUSACC 0030: Financial Accounting
• BUSACC 0040: Managerial Accounting
• BUSQOM 0050: Quantitative Methods
• BUSENV 0060: Managerial Ethics and Stakeholder Management
• BUSORG 1020: Organizational Behavior
• BUSORG 1101: Fundamentals of Business Communication
• BUSFIN 1030: Introduction to Finance
• BUSMKT 1040: Introduction to Marketing
• BUSQOM 1070: Operations Management
• BUSSPP 1080: Strategic Management
• BUSECN 1010: Business Economics
• BUSBIS 1060: Introduction to Information Systems

Required Major Courses

• BUSBIS 1600: Technology-Enabled Business Transformation
• BUSBIS 1605: Database Management
• BUSBIS 1630: Project Management

Elective Major Courses

Must take a minimum of two.

• BUSBIS 1625: Electronic Commerce
• BUSBIS 1635: IT Systems in Supply Chains
• BUSBIS 1640: IT Architectures and Issues
• BUSBIS 1645: Information Systems Ethics
• BUSACC 1236: Accounting Information Systems

MBA-level courses might also be selected with the approval of the BIS Major Coordinator (for example: Technology Innovation, Adoption, and Diffusion; Current Topics in Information Systems).

Elective choices within the BIS major can complement a second major or particular career goal. For example, students targeting marketing careers would likely find E-Commerce to be valuable. Students interested in manufacturing or supply chain would be encouraged to choose IT Systems in Supply Chains as an elective, whereas students interested in a career managing within an IT organization would be advised to elect IT Architectures and Issues.

Requirements

• Completed online application for admission.
• $45 application fee
• High school academic information using the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) or submitting an official high school transcript. We encourage you to complete the SRAR rather than sending a transcript to improve application processing time. Please note that we will compare your SRAR to your official high school transcript if you enroll at Pitt. Accuracy in completing the SRAR is very important. Discrepancies and misrepresentations could result in the Admissions Committee revoking your admissions decision.
• Official SAT or ACT test results (SAT Essay and ACT Writing Test scores not required). Please arrange for all of your test results to be forwarded directly to Pitt from the testing agency.

• In lieu of an essay or personal statement, we ask interested applicants to answer a series of short answer questions. Answering the following questions is optional, but strongly encouraged. Your answers may increase the likelihood that you are considered for scholarships, guaranteed admission to graduate or professional school, or given special consideration due to extenuating circumstances. The Admissions Committee reviews responses for quality rather than length. However, the most effective responses typically range from 250-500 words in total for all three questions (approximately 80-170 words per question). Responses that are longer or shorter are acceptable. If you decide to submit short answers, please answer all three questions: How have you overcome failure and what did you learn from it? How have you exhibited outstanding leadership? Why is Pitt a good choice for you?

• TOEFL

Financing for the Business Information Systems program at the University of Pittsburgh is structured to support students through various financial aid options, scholarships, and assistantships. The university offers a range of scholarships specifically for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in this program, which are renewable based on academic performance and other criteria. Federal and state financial aid programs are also available, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, designed to make education accessible to all qualified students.

Graduate students in the program may have access to teaching and research assistantships, providing tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for academic support. The university's Office of Financial Aid assists students in navigating their options and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal loans and grants. Additionally, numerous private scholarships and external funding sources can be applied for, often requiring essays, references, or specific academic achievements.

Students are encouraged to explore employer tuition reimbursement programs, community resources, and professional associations related to business and information systems, which may offer additional funding opportunities. The university also provides financial planning services to help students manage their educational expenses effectively. Overall, the financing options for the Business Information Systems program are comprehensive, aiming to minimize financial barriers and enable students to focus on their academic and professional development.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems at the University of Pittsburgh is an undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers at the intersection of business and technology. This program emphasizes the development of technical skills, business acumen, and the ability to analyze and solve complex problems using information systems. The curriculum includes coursework in programming, database management, systems analysis and design, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and data analytics, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how technology supports business operations and strategy. Students also gain experience in project management, organizational behavior, and communication skills, which are essential for leadership roles in technology-driven environments. The program encourages experiential learning through internships, cooperative education opportunities, and involvement in student organizations related to information systems and technology. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue roles such as systems analysts, business analysts, IT consultants, and project managers across various industries including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology services. The program benefits from the university's strong ties to the local business community and its dedicated faculty, who are experts in fields like information security, data management, and enterprise systems. Students also have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and resources that facilitate hands-on learning and research. Overall, the Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems at the University of Pittsburgh aims to produce versatile graduates capable of adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology and contributing effectively to their organizations.