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Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS)

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Learn how to solve organizational challenges using computers and related technologies.

There is great and growing demand in the corporate world for people who can bridge the gap between businesses and technologies and integrate all elements of the enterprise into a comprehensive network of information systems. National University’s BS in Information Systems is designed to help you develop the ability to use technology to address the operational, tactical, and strategic challenges facing organizations and businesses in today’s complex marketplace. 

NU’s information systems degree is available online or on-site and allows you to choose a career-focused concentration in business management or information management. Our curriculum includes a capstone experience during which you may work with a business in your community to gain real-world experience in the field.

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Course Details

Program Prerequisite

  • 1 course; 4.5 quarter units

Prerequisite: ENG 102

Introduces students to college-level inquiry and research strategies. Develops the ability to find, identify, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically to investigate a topic of scholarly inquiry. Practices communication of information using software applications and written research papers. Explores the nature of information as valued, constructed, and contextual while reinforcing the ethics of intellectual property and citation.

Requirements for the Major

  • 17 courses; 76.5 quarter units

Core Requirements

  • 13 courses; 58.5 quarter units

Overview of core concepts related to the emerging interconnections between technology, the organization, and information management.

Forms of data, gap analysis, model building, and interpretation will form the foundation for students to ethically appFoundation of project management – project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement. The focus is on the concepts, skills, tools, and techniques involved in information technology project management. Students will develop a project plan using Microsoft Project.ly data analytics to facilitate modern knowledge discovery techniques.

Prerequisite: CIS 301

This is the first of the two-course sequence providing comprehensive coverage on IT infrastructure architecture. It introduces IT infrastructure architecture and building blocks. It also covers infrastructure non-functional attributes such as availability, performance, and security. Specific topics include cloud computing fundamentals, availability and performance concepts, security concepts, infrastructure building blocks including data centers, networks, storage, computers and servers, operating systems, and end user devices.

PrerequisiteCIS 314 with a minimum grade of C. This is a continuation of CIS 314. Therefore, students must possess the necessary fundamental knowledge to continue.

This is the second of the two-course sequence providing comprehensive coverage on IT infrastructure architecture. It introduces IT infrastructure architecture and building blocks. It also covers infrastructure non-functional attributes such as availability, performance, and security. Specific topics include cloud computing fundamentals, availability and performance concepts, security concepts, infrastructure building blocks including data centers, networks, storage, computers and servers, operating systems, and end user devices. Infrastructure management is also explored.

Comprehensive introduction to the planning, analysis, design, and implementation of contemporary information systems. Students will examine the role and responsibility of a System Analyst. Several approaches to system requirements are also covered.

Prerequisite: CIS 320 with a minimum grade of C. Students must possess the necessary fundamental knowledge to continue.

Fundamentals of database systems. An introductory approach to developing database applications; students learn to evaluate a business situation and then build and design a database application. The focus is from systems design to distribution and integration of the system through hands-on experience. Core theories and ideas of database management systems are also covered.

Prerequisite: CIS 315 and CIS 350 

Explores the design, selection, implementation and management of enterprise IT solutions. The focus is on applications and infrastructure and their fit with the business. Students learn frameworks and strategies for infrastructure management, system administration, data/information architecture, content management, distributed computing, middleware, legacy system integration, system consolidation, software selection, total cost of ownership calculation, IT investment analysis, and emerging technologies.

PrerequisiteCIS 421, or CSC 422

This course covers the aspects of information security on computer systems and networks. Information is becoming a valuable asset and security is vital in maintaining its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This course explores aspects of securing a network such as identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and assets that aid in planning, risk analysis, and implementation of security policies. Other topics include security management practices, security models and architectures, and business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response planning. In addition, legal, ethical, and professional issues are analyzed. This course, together with CIS 475, may help students prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam.

PrerequisiteCIS 350

This course introduces students to the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence, its potential applications and technologies. Students will be provided a basic understanding of what is inside Artificial Intelligence. Students will learn the different stages involved in a typical AI Project. They will also be introduced to machine learning models, neural network, deep learning algorithms, and data mining methods.

Analysis of the values, ethics and ideologies in computing and their applications to current issues in computer industry within the contemporary sociocultural setting. Focuses on ethical decision-making in computing matters. Students develop an ethical outlook on a wide variety of workplace issues in computing through case study, debate and readings.

PrerequisiteCIS 310 and CIS 430 and CIS 423 and CIS 435 and CIS 475 and CSC 350

A precursor to the final IS/IT product development capstone course. Students research their area of interest and learn how to apply project management tools in the preliminary development process of their final project product. Grading is by H, S or U only. It is important to note that the capstone course sequence CIS490A, CIS490B, and CIS490C must be taken in consecutive months. In case a student is not able to successfully complete this course sequence in consecutive months, the student will be required to start with CIS490A in the future, whenever this course sequence is offered.

PrerequisiteCIS 490A with a minimum grade of S. CIS 490B is a continuation of CIS 490A. Therefore, students must complete CIS 490A successfully to continue.

A capstone hands-on project in the student’s area of interest. Students apply skills learned, principles, topics and tools that have been taught throughout the program to develop an IS/IT specific product. Grading is H, S or U only. It is important to note that the capstone course sequence CIS490A, CIS490B, and CIS490C must be taken in consecutive months. In case a student is not able to successfully complete this course sequence in consecutive months, the student will be required to start with CIS490A in the future, whenever this course sequence is offered.

PrerequisiteCIS 490B with a minimum grade of S. CIS 490C is a continuation of CIS 490B. Therefore, students must complete CIS 490B successfully to continue.

This is a continuation of CIS490B. Students apply skills learned, principles, topics and tools that have been taught throughout the program to develop an IS/IT specific product in the student’s area of interest. It is important to note that the capstone course sequence CIS490A, CIS490B, and CIS490C must be taken in consecutive months. In case a student is not able to successfully complete this course sequence in consecutive months, the student will be required to start with CIS490A in the future, whenever this course sequence is offered.

Upper-Division Electives

  • 3 courses; 13.5 quarter units

Select 3 upper-division courses from the following list

Focuses on two aspects of website management: technical and business aspects. An introduction to Web languages and technologies is made with some in-depth coverage of HTML and CSS. How to manage people, content, and suppliers is covered in the business focus.

Introduction to methods that incorporate human capabilities and limitations, environmental factors, human-machine interaction, and other factors into system design. The focus is on the interface between humans, technology, and systems. Human factors and ergonomics in systems analysis, design, and evaluation will also be examined.

PrerequisiteCIS 350; CIS 423

Fundamental concepts of wireless network administration. The focus is on 802.11 standard wireless solutions including: fundamentals of 802.11 WLANs; radio frequency fundamentals; antennas; RF math and system operating margin; RF power output regulations; wireless LAN operation; 802.11 analyses and troubleshooting; and site surveying.

PrerequisiteCIS 350; CIS 423

Network management principles, practices, and technologies for managing networks, systems, applications, and services. This course reviews the current industry standard computer network technologies. Topics include the network communication process, network hardware and media, protocols and standards, and IP addressing.

PrerequisiteCIS 454

This course focuses on installing, configuring, implementing, and managing a wide area network. Network reference models and standards will be examined, as well as configuring network hardware device settings for optimal performance. Security policies are discussed in relation to data security, as well as physical network security. Additional topics include cloud computing models and services, network operating systems, and troubleshooting and supporting networks.

PrerequisiteCIS 350; CIS 423

This course covers the aspects of information security on computer systems and networks. Information is becoming a valuable asset and security is vital in maintaining its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This course explores aspects of securing a network such as identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and assets that aid in planning, risk analysis, and implementation of security policies. Other topics include security management practices, security models and architectures, and business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response planning. In addition, legal, ethical, and professional issues are analyzed. This course, together with CIS 475, may help students prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam.

PrerequisiteCIS 474

This course covers the technical aspects of information security for computer systems and networks. Various topics of information security will provide students with an understanding of the tools and technologies used to design secure information systems and networks. With the understanding of what security is, this course discusses access control mechanisms, methods of attack, and secure protocols. It includes how to secure telecommunications networks and the Internet. Cryptography is discussed in regards to privacy and secrecy. There is an emphasis on physical security followed by application and system development security. In addition, there will be a discussion of vulnerability assessments and penetration testing and an examination of digital forensics. This course, together with CIS 474, may help students prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam.

Requirements for the Business Management Concentration

  • 4 courses; 18 quarter units

Introduction to the roles of managers and the vision, mission and goals of organizations. Investigates management theories and explores the four primary functions of managers: Planning, Organizing, Leading and Controlling. Covers issues related to human resource management, organizational structure and behavior, creative problem solving, effective communication, and the management of teams, change and innovations.

Overview of Information Systems (IS) infrastructure and its utilization in today’s global business environment. The use of technological tools and the role of information systems will be discussed from the organizational strategic, tactical and operational view. Students learn how to choose and utilize information and knowledge to gain competitive advantage in the industry.

This course is the introduction to contemporary marketing theory and practice in both the local and global marketplace. Basic concepts of marketing are examined with an emphasis on marketing positioning, segmentation and targeting as well as product development and distribution.

PrerequisiteCIS 421

This course takes a management perspective in exploring the acquisition, development and implementation of plans and policies to achieve efficient and effective information systems. Students will address topics relating to defining the IS infrastructure and the systems that support the operational and strategic needs of the organization. The course examines developing a framework that will allow leaders of organizations to assess existing IS infrastructures and emerging technologies as well as how these technologies affect organizational strategy.

Requirements for the Information Management Concentration

  • 4 courses; 18 quarter units

PrerequisiteCIS 350

Focuses on two aspects of website management: technical and business aspects. An introduction to Web languages and technologies is made with some in-depth coverage of HTML and CSS. How to manage people, content, and suppliers is covered in the business focus

PrerequisiteCIS 435

This course covers different topics in the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence, its potential applications and technologies. It discusses the basics of natural language processing, data visualization, and computer vision. Tools available to implement AI will also be covered. Students will create data visualizations and machine learning models for industry-relevant applications.

PrerequisiteCIS 474

This course covers the technical aspects of information security for computer systems and networks. Various topics of information security will provide students with an understanding of the tools and technologies used to design secure information systems and networks. With the understanding of what security is, this course discusses access control mechanisms, methods of attack, and secure protocols. It includes how to secure telecommunications networks and the Internet. Cryptography is discussed in regards to privacy and secrecy. There is an emphasis on physical security followed by application and system development security. In addition, there will be a discussion of vulnerability assessments and penetration testing and an examination of digital forensics. This course, together with CIS 474, may help students prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam.

PrerequisiteCIS 421

This course takes a management perspective in exploring the acquisition, development and implementation of plans and policies to achieve efficient and effective information systems. Students will address topics relating to defining the IS infrastructure and the systems that support the operational and strategic needs of the organization. The course examines developing a framework that will allow leaders of organizations to assess existing IS infrastructures and emerging technologies as well as how these technologies affect organizational strategy.

Hear From Our Students

Degree and Course Requirements

To receive a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, students  must complete at least 180 quarter units, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University, 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and a minimum 69 units of the University General Education requirements. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation. All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution. 

Specializations

The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) program and Business Management specialization are for those interested in applying computing technologies to a variety of business challenges. It links business and technology by focusing on the organizational applications of computers and related technologies. Instruction and coursework will develop your ability to apply technology tools to operational, strategic, and managerial challenges facing businesses in every field.

Learn More

The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) program and Information Management specialization are for those interested in applying computing technologies to a variety of business challenges. It links business and technology by focusing on the organizational applications of computers and related technologies. Instruction and coursework will develop your ability to apply technology tools to operational, strategic, and managerial challenges facing businesses in every field.

 

Learn More

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 42,000 job openings for computer and information systems managers are projected each year, and the demand continues to grow as firms increasingly expand their operations to digital platforms. The field can also be lucrative. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $159,010 in 2021, with the highest 10% earning more than $208,000.*

NU’s information systems degree, which is available online or on-site, is designed to teach you how to help determine the information technology goals of an organization and take responsibility for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.

Our curriculum offers a choice of career-focused concentrations in Business Management or Information Management, allowing you to focus your studies on a specific area of interest. Coursework links business and technology and includes IT courses in systems analysis, database management systems, project management, enterprise architecture, IT infrastructure, and IS strategy, management, and acquisition.

*SOURCE: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm?link_id=CTMK-44573.41816#tab-5

A BS in Information Systems can be your gateway to a wide range of in-demand careers, from software developers and quality assurance analysts to network and computer systems administrators. Some of the top job titles* posted in this field include:

  • Software Engineers
  • Business Systems Analysts
  • Business Analysts
  • Systems Engineers
  • Systems Administrators
  • Project Managers
  • Systems Analysts
  • Information Systems Security Officers
  • Software Developers
  • Data Analysts
  • Network Engineers
  • Cybersecurity Analysts
  • IT Project Managers
  • Information Security Analysts
  • IT Specialists
  • IT Managers
  • Data Engineers
  • Solutions Architects

Information systems is also a field with a high demand for professionals with up-to-date knowledge and skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Much of this demand is being driven by an increasing need for cybersecurity and cloud computing across all sectors of the business world.

Employers of professionals with key skills in computer science, IT, and project management are spread across every industry. Top employers posting jobs fall into consulting services, healthcare, federal agencies, defense industry, and others, including:

  • Deloitte
  • Anthem
  • Accenture
  • Raytheon Technologies
  • General Dynamics
  • Humana
  • Qualcomm
  • Sirius Computer Solutions
  • National Security Agency
  • Peraton
  • Leidos
  • Cerner
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Ernst & Young
  • 3M

**SOURCEEmsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: May 9, 2022). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.  Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.

The area of information systems is robust and offers numerous pathways to satisfying careers. To provide the industry with highly skilled professionals on the cutting edge of the market’s current and expected needs, National University’s BS in Information Systems degree offers career-focused specializations. Once you complete the core courses, you’ll have the opportunity to take four upper-level courses in one of two concentrations:

Business Management – This specialization requires students to complete four business courses to develop necessary skills in:

  • General models of business
  • Business models
  • Business process design and management
  • Organizational theory
  • Business strategy
  • Evaluation of business performance
  • Analysis of organizational performance.
  • Analysis of individual and team performance
  • Business analytics
  • Business intelligence

Information Management – In this specialization, students will choose four (4) upper-division undergraduate courses from the School of Engineering and Computing programs to create their own specialized concentration. This concentration requires prior approval from the Academic Program Director.

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of National University’s degree in Information Systems, you’ll be able to:

  • Apply analytical and critical thinking skills, and information systems concepts for solving organizational problems
  • Discuss the potential global impact of specific information systems solutions
  • Evaluate and implement organizational planning, design, and integration of information systems solutions in competitive environment
  • Plan and design organizational communications infrastructure and networking topology
  • Improve strategic information management procedures and processes
  • Identify innovative and efficient solutions to solve organizational problems

Hear From Our Faculty

Watch our video to hear Dr. Ron Uhlig explain how information systems are at the heart of most enterprises today, including diverse fields like healthcare and criminal justice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems program links business and technology across fields as diverse as healthcare and criminal justice. NU’s BSIS degree will serve you in the corporate world and beyond.

As an IS professional, you’ll be responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing computer-related activities for your organization. You’ll also help determine the information technology (IT) goals of the organization and take responsibility for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.

Yes, it can be a lucrative career choice. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $159,010 in 2021, with the highest 10% earning more than $208,000.*

They’re similar in that they both deal with the usage of computers and technology, but there are differences between the two. Generally speaking, IT professionals specialize in hardware and software and are responsible for helping people within organizations or businesses perform their work properly and effectively to achieve their objectives.

IS professionals function as a bridge between technology and people. They organize and analyze data to provide useful information to the employees who are responsible for making important operational and managerial decisions within their companies.

The components of an organization’s information system include its hardware, software, data, people, and processes. These components collect, store, organize, and distribute data throughout an organization. Successful organizations prioritize and maximize their information systems to make informed, data-driven decisions.

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Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

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National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.