Information Systems

Description

ncreasingly, firms are leveraging advanced technologies to manage sophisticated operations in supply chains and to manage the flood of information from around the world.

The demand for skilled professionals with information technology knowledge is growing fast, as firms rely on IT professionals to help them stay competitive and make responsive business decisions.

Our undergraduate offerings prepare you for a career in information systems, information technology, systems analysis, and operations management.

You will learn to understand, analyze, and respond to the dynamic needs of managing information and operations in business. Our courses integrate active learning experiences that develop your analytical and decision-making abilities, with team-building skills that improve your ability to incorporate diverse viewpoints and contributions.

Tailor your BSBA degree by adding an Information Systems or Electronic Commerce minor. Non-majors and students in the College of Arts and Sciences can earn an undergraduate concentration in Web Design or a minor in Information Systems.

SAP Recognition Award Certification

Want to work at a highly competitive company like BOSE or JetBlue? Take courses that use the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and instantly improve your marketability in the workforce. If you take three ERP courses, you can earn a Student Recognition Award Certificate from SAP, a mark of distinction that's valued by employers.

Whether you’re interested in a career in information systems, information technology, or operations management, you’ll be prepared for high-demand jobs in the tech sector.

Information systems jobs are integral to everyday life. Without information systems experts, our trains would not run on time and virtually all aspects of everyday life would come to a halt. The information systems profession has become that important! Here's a sampling of IT professions that keep life and business humming along.

IT Manager

Computer and information systems managers, also called IT project managers, help set and achieve the technology goals for businesses. In this role, you would typically analyze your organization’s computer and technology needs; install and upgrade computer systems and software; learn about technology innovations; and direct the work of your technology team.

Computer Systems Analyst

Analyze your organization’s computer systems and make recommendations to improve procedures, cost, and efficiency. Leverage your business and IT knowledge by applying your skills and experience in both areas. Learn about business analysis and design techniques using the UML through a term project in our Systems Analysis & Design course.

Computer Programmer

If you like to write code, this is the career for you. Turn program designs, software, and applications into language a computer understands.

Software Developer

Be the creative mind behind computer program development. Design, create, and upgrade applications and software for computers and mobile devices. Provide instructions to programmers to write the computer code and test for usability. Learn the skills required and create web applications projects in our Advanced Internet App Development course.

Network Architect

As a network architect or network engineer, you design and build local or global communications systems such as LANs, WANs, and intranets. These systems require your expertise in planning the layout for the network, and determining the hardware, software, drivers, and cables needed.

Web developer and web designer

A web developer designs the look and technical aspects of a website using programming languages such as HTML5, CSS3, XML, and scripting. Get hands-on training in our Web Application Development course, and produce a term project. If you’re interested in the layout, graphics, typography, and color composition used in a website, you may want a career as a web designer.

Detailed Course Facts

• USD 16265 Semester (National)

Full-time: 12-17 credits per semester $16,265

BSBA students must complete a minimum of 124 credits

• English

Course Content

The Information Systems (IS) major consists of a minimum of 21 credit hours, including four (4) required and three (3) elective ISOM courses.

Major Required Courses, 4 Courses, 12 Credits

• ISOM-313 Systems Analysis & Design

  Prerequisites:

  ISOM 310

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  This course covers the concepts, techniques and tools useful for the analysis and design of business information systems. Topics include: the system development cycle, modeling, prototyping and project management. Additionally, the course focuses upon using Object Oriented analysis and design techniques including the UML. The course emphasizes the analysis of business operations as well as the interaction between information systems professionals and end-users. A term project applying these concepts and techniques is required.

  Term:

  Offered Both Fall and Spring

• ISOM-314 Structured Programming

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  This course develops problem solving and basic programming skills through a variety of business application assignments. The course introduces fundamental control and data structures using the VB (Visual Basic) programming language. Students learn about the concepts of structured programming, object-oriented/ event-driven programming without being exposed to the advanced principles of object-oriented programming. The course builds skills in the areas of programming logic, Visual Basic Application (VBA), interactive Windows applications, and Macro application programming. Testing and debugging techniques and the writing of well-structured code are also emphasized.

  Term:

  Offered Both Fall and Spring

• ISOM-423 Database Management

  Prerequisites:

  ISOM-210

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  This course provides an understanding of the role of information and databases in systems and their role as an organizational resource. Students learn to design databases using normalization and entity-relationship diagrams, develop data models and to build applications with database management systems (i.e., Microsoft Access and SQL). Techniques are examined and applied to business problems through exercises and projects. The course's cornerstone is a group project involving the implementation of a DBMS-based system which supports a realistic business application and the development of a companion user's manual.

  Term:

  Offered Both Fall and Spring

• ISOM-424 Systems Prototyping Project

  Prerequisites:

  ISOM 313; ISOM 314; ISOM 423; Senior standing

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  This course is the capstone for IS majors and is designed to assist students in further developing their project management and hands-on programming skills. It emphasizes the management principles that apply to technology development along with practical skills required to develop systems to solve real world problems using the latest available technologies. Students have the opportunity to learn system design and project management concepts, and then apply these principles to projects in the business community. For this reason, the course challenges students to bring together all the computer, information systems and management skills they have acquired to produce a final, capstone project, which is presented to their clients and peers. The goal of the course is to give students experience in working with real users and state-of-the-art software tools such as Cold Fusion to prepare them for the jobs that await them in industry.

  Term:

  Offered Spring Term

Major Elective Courses, 3 Courses, 9 Credits

• ISOM-130 Data Science and Analytics

  Prerequisites:

  ENT 101

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  The availability of massive amounts of complex digital data has created the need for professionals that can compile, analyze and share electronic data in a meaningful way. Such data may be gathered from internal company records and business transactions or externally from other data sources and/or the Web. The data must then be cleansed, organized, aggregated, analyzed and presented in order to be useful. This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts, applications and tools of data acquisition, preparation, querying, analytics, and data management as needed in various business functions. Students will have hands-on experience using real data to perform these functions. Topics include: data life cycle, big data, analytics, data collection, preparation, organization and storage, aggregation and summary, and presentation/visualization. Students will use tools such as MS Excel, MS Access, SQL, and SAS Visual Analytics.

• ISOM-212 Web Design

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  Web Design introduces the concepts, vocabulary, and procedures associated with web design. Students will learn how to conceptualize and design professional websites using Wix.com and Microsoft's Expression Web software. Topics will include website evaluation, information architecture, customer and task analysis, usability testing, web-hosting options, typography, color composition, screen layout, navigation, and cascading style sheets. Students will learn practical skills and techniques in projects involving digital photography, image editing, multimedia, and animation. ISOM 212 will also cover important web design themes such as accessibility, globalization, personalization, and trust.

  Term:

  Offered Both Fall and Spring

• ISOM-230 Big Data, Business Intelligence and Analytics

  Prerequisites:

  STATS 240 or STATS 250

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  The understanding and use of big data, business intelligence and analytics is essential for businesses today to improve decision making, cut costs and identify new business opportunities. This course provides an understanding of the business potential of big data; how to build and maintain data warehouses, and how to analyze and use this data as a source for business intelligence and competitive advantage. Students will build data warehouses and learn the inter-relationships between operation and decision support systems and the extraction and filtering process used to produce high quality data warehouses. Students will study data mining concepts and the use of analytics tools and methods for producing business intelligence. Topics include: big data, data warehouses, data extraction and filtering, operation and decision support systems, analytics, business intelligence, text and web mining models (clustering, classification, regression, and decision trees) and data presentation/visualization including reports, charts, dashboards, cockpits and scorecards. Students will use tools such as MS Excel, MicroStrategy (Salesforce), SQL and SAP Business Explorer.

• ISOM-244 Web Application Development

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  This first course in Internet application development equips students with the principles, methodology and skills required to define, develop and deploy a fully functional dynamic web application. Students will learn how to customize the content, appearance, and delivery of their website using industry-standard web development tools. Class discussion will focus on web development issues for organizations as well as the role played by development tools such as HTML5, CSS3, XML, and scripting. Each class will include hands-on lab work. A term project will be used to wrap the course content together.

  Term:

  Offered Spring Term

• ISOM-315 Mobile App Development

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  This course provides a comprehensive introduction to mobile app technology and design concepts. Students learn how to design, build, and optimize cross-platform mobile app using HTML5 standards. Students use CSS3, JavaScript and several JavaScript frameworks and techniques such as jQuery, jQuery Mobile, and AJAX. In addition, students will use Web services, such as Google Maps, and Web Application Programming Interfaces (Web APIs) to integrate content into their apps. Students will learn how to convert HTML5 apps into native apps for various mobile platforms. This is an introductory course and assumes no prior programming experience.

  Term:

  Offered Spring Term

• ISOM-330 Applied Predictive Analytics

  Prerequisites:

  STATS 240 or STATS 250

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  When companies make decisions, they do so with the future in mind and essentially are predicting that their decisions will achieve desired results. Predictive analytics allow people to ask and answer questions that can predict demand and/or outcomes and obtain results that lead to reasoned action. This course develops students' capability in applying the core concepts and techniques of predictive analytics for opportunity identification and risk assessment within the context of organizational decision-making. Students will use data-driven approaches to develop predictive analytical models. Students will create and use data models and techniques, apply trendlines to fit models to data, perform what-if analysis, construct data tables, evaluate scenarios, apply forecasting techniques, simulation and risk analysis. Students will learn to use various presentation and visualization tools to communicate results. Topics include: predictive analytics life cycle, opportunity/issue identification, data preparation, modeling, analysis, forecasting, simulation, risk assessment, and operationalization of predictive analytics. Students will use tools such as MS Excel, SPSS and SAS Visual Analytics.

• ISOM-331 Global Electronic Commerce

  Prerequisites:

  ISOM-210

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  This course examines the role of information systems and e-commerce in global business competition. It considers the technological, cultural, economic, social and legal issues in the development of cross-border information systems for business or social developments. Readings and cases will be used to examine current issues, as well as opportunities and challenges. Prerequisites: ISOM 310, or ISOM 423 or ACCT 430 May also be taken concurrently.

  Term:

  Offered Fall Term

• ISOM-340 Security & Privacy

  Prerequisites:

  ISOM 310 or 423, Junior standing

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  Students are introduced to the basics of information security & privacy including the legal and ethical issues. Common types of computer attacks and counter-attacks are addressed. Security technologies such as biometrics, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and cryptography systems will be analyzed and several labs done on the same to connect theory to practice. Best practices for planning and auditing security and privacy will also be covered. Pre-requisites: ISOM 310 or ISOM 423.

  Term:

  Offered Fall Term

• ISOM-341 Project Management

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  Project management is a critical competence to business performance in contemporary organizations. This course introduces the concepts and techniques of project management, which are applicable to the development of products, services, and information systems. Topics will include project life cycles, project management tools, project process management, and project management practices. Relevant quality management concepts and tools will also be discussed.

  Term:

  Offered Fall Term

• ISOM-414 Object-Oriented Programming Development with Java

  Prerequisites:

  ISOM 314, or other computer programming course

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  This course introduces object-oriented programming (OOP) and development using the Java programming language. It covers the basics of OOP including class hierarchies, inheritance, objects, streams, constructors, and GUI components. The course also covers the design, development, and deployment of applets, web applications, and applications that are not deployed via the Internet. Several programming projects, which strengthen the understanding of object based and event driven programming, are required. By the end of the course, students will possess a strong working competency in object oriented programming using Java.

  Term:

  Offered Spring Term

• ISOM-440 ERP System & Process Reengineering

  Prerequisites:

  ISOM 310, Junior standing

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  This course provides students with a conceptual, as well as, a mechanical understanding of enterprise integration and enterprise software, business process reengineering and strategies for maximizing benefits from enterprise systems. It also examines some of the complex organizational changes and issues including implementation challenge; risks, costs, and benefits; learning and knowledge management. Hands-on lab projects on the ERP System (provided by SAP) will be utilized to reinforce the student's understanding of important enterprise systems and business process concepts.

  Term:

  Offered Spring Term

• ISOM-510 Independent Study in IS & OM

  Prerequisites:

  ISOM 210 or 201, and Instructor Consent

  Credits:

  1.00- 3.00

  Description:

  Independent study allows students to expand their classroom experience by completing research in an area of interest not already covered by Suffolk courses. The student designs a unique project and finds a full-time faculty member with expertise in that topic who agrees to sponsor it and provide feedback as the proposal is refined. A well designed and executed research project broadens and/or deepens learning in a major or minor area of study and may also enhance a student's marketability to potential future employers. Students cannot register for an Independent Study until a full proposal is approved by the faculty sponsor, department chair, and academic dean. Many Independent study proposals require revisions before approval is granted; even with revisions independent study approval is NOT guaranteed. Students are strongly encouraged to submit a proposal in enough time to register for a different course if the proposal is not accepted. For complete instructions, see the SBS Independent/Directed Study Agreement and Proposal form available online.

  Term:

  Offered Both Fall and Spring

• ISOM-550 Special Topics of IS & OM

  Prerequisites:

  Prerequisites dependent on topic.

  Credits:

  3.00

  Description:

  An in-depth analysis of timely and special issues in information systems or operations management. Specific topics are announced when the course is scheduled. Prerequisites are dependent on specific topic.

  Term:

  Occasional

Additional Major Information

Some major courses are offered only once during an academic year. It is the students’ responsibility to work with their academic advisor to develop a program of study that ensures courses are taken in the proper sequence and all prerequisites are satisfied. The IS major consists of 4 required and 3 elective courses. Six of the seven major courses must be ISOM department courses. Students may transfer a maximum of two courses towards their IS major of which no more than one is a major required course. Prior approval is required for using a non-ISOM course as a major elective.

Information Systems/Information Technology Practicum

Practical information systems experience prepares students for real-world challenges in the workplace. All IS majors must complete 150 hours of approved professional information systems experience before graduation. The 150 hours of work experience may be obtained in one or more positions as an intern, part- or full-time employee or volunteer. Prior approval of your position by the IS Practical Experience Coordinator is required. This is accomplished by completing the IS Practicum Approval Form.
Most students satisfy this graduation requirement by completing ISOM 560: IS Practicum, a noncredit, tuition-free, pass/fail course. Students should enroll in ISOM 560 the semester when they expect to complete their 150 hours or the subsequent semester. Students may also satisfy this practicum requirement by enrolling in ISOM 520: IS Internship (1 to 3 credits based on the number of hours worked). ISOM 520 requires junior standing and is a graded course that can only be used as a free elective (cannot be used as a major elective).

The completion of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree includes:

• A minimum of 124 semester hours of coursework and satisfaction of all degree requirements;
• 2.0 overall cumulative average;
• 2.0 average in major and minor fields of study;
• A minimum of 30 semester hours of business coursework must be completed at Suffolk University; and,
• An overall minimum of 45 semester hours of coursework must be completed at Suffolk University to be eligible to be considered for degree.

BSBA students must complete a minimum of 124 credits, AND all mandatory courses and requirements. Course descriptions may be updated periodically to reflect changes since the last published catalog.
Full-time students normally complete their degree requirements in four years. A student may shorten the time required by attending summer sessions. Part-time students normally take five to seven years to complete the requirements, depending on the course load carried

Students are responsible for knowing and complying with specific degree requirements. Any exception to the Program of Study requires written approval from Michele Rosenthal, Director, Undergraduate Programs, Sawyer Business School.

English Language Requirements

TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 77

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

We do not use specific minimums for scores or grades in the decision process, but weigh all factors together to gain a whole view of you and your potential for success as a Suffolk University student:

• Level and range of high school courses selected
• Grades achieved (official high school transcript with senior year grades)
• SAT or ACT scores (our code is 3771)
• Recommendations (two required; one from a guidance counselor, one from a teacher)
• The essay
• Other required forms
• Admission interview (optional)
• Transfer students should view the transfer requirements page for more details.

In high school, you should have completed:

• Four units of English
• Three units of mathematics (algebra I and II and geometry)
• Two units of science (at least one with a lab)
• Two units of language
• One unit of American history
• Four units distributed among other college preparatory electives

We may also consider other factors in the review process, such as:

• Class rank
• Honors courses
• AP courses

We are also very interested in personal qualities that will offer us further insights into you as an applicant, including:

• Admission interview
• Extracurricular involvement
• Community service
• Special interests

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Suffolk University.