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Bachelor of Science
in Information Systems,
Information Management

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4-week
COURSES

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Year-round
enrollment

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230K+ Alumni Worldwide

Overview

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.

Demand in the corporate world is exploding for people who can bridge the gap between businesses and technologies by integrating all elements of an enterprise into a comprehensive network of information systems. Upon completing the BSIS program, you’ll be prepared for positions such as systems analyst, information technology (IT) manager, and IT consultant.

Course Details

Foundation Courses

For the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems degree, you must complete ten foundation courses and three upper-division electives. The Information Management specialization requires you to choose and complete four upper-division undergraduate courses from the Department of Engineering and Computing programs. The foundation courses (excluding CIS420A and CIS420B) and upper-division electives must be completed before beginning the four specialization courses. This specialization requires prior approval from the academic program director.

Course Name

An overview of core concepts related to the interconnections between technology, organizations, and information management.

A survey of project management foundations: project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement. This course focuses on the concepts, skills, tools, and techniques involved in managing information technology projects. As part of the coursework, you’ll develop a project plan using Microsoft Project.

A comprehensive introduction to the planning, analysis, design, and implementation of modern information systems. You’ll examine the role and responsibilities of a systems analyst using several different approaches to assess system requirements.

An introduction to database application development. In this course, you’ll learn to evaluate a business situation, and then build and design an appropriate database application. Coursework will introduce core theories and ideas of database management systems, then you’ll focus on systems design, distribution, and integration through hands-on experience.

This course explores the design, selection, implementation and management of enterprise IT solutions. You’ll examine applications, infrastructure, and their fit within the business environment. Topics of focus include: infrastructure management, system administration, content management, data/information architecture, distributed computing, middleware, legacy system integration, system consolidation, software selection, cost of ownership calculation, IT investment analysis, and emerging technologies.

An introduction to IT infrastructure issues for Information Systems majors. This course covers topics related to computer and systems architecture and communication networks. There’s a strong focus on internet-based solutions, computer and network security, business continuity, and the role of infrastructure in regulatory compliance. You’ll study the services and capabilities that IT infrastructure enables in an organization, as well as the interactions required with external vendors of IT infrastructure components and solutions.

This course explores the acquisition and development of plans and policies for implementing effective information systems. You’ll work at defining IS infrastructure and systems that support the operational and strategic needs of an organization. Instruction focuses on a framework for managers and leaders to assess and apply existing IS infrastructures and emerging technologies.

An analysis of the values, ethics, and ideologies surrounding computing and current issues in the computer industry. This course focuses on ethical decision-making within the context of computing. Through case studies, debate, and readings, you’ll learn to develop an ethical outlook on a wide variety of computer-related issues.

This course is a precursor to the final IS/IT capstone course. You’ll research your area of interest and learn to apply project management tools as you work through the preliminary development process of your final project. Grading is by H, S, or U only.

In this program capstone course, you’ll research and create a hands-on IS/IT project in your particular area of interest. In developing and submitting your project, you’ll demonstrate the skills, principles, tools, and topics learned throughout your program coursework. Grading is H, S, or U only.

Upper-Division Elective Courses

Select three courses from the following:

Course Name

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.

Specialization Courses

The Information Management specialization requires you to choose and complete four upper-division undergraduate courses from the Department of Engineering and Computing programs. This specialization requires prior approval from the academic program director.

Learning Outcomes

Students earning the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems with an Information Management specialization will learn to:

  • Apply analytical skills, critical-thinking, and information systems concepts to organizational problem-solving
  • Discuss the potential global impact of specific information systems solutions
  • Evaluate and implement planning, design, and integration of information systems solutions in a competitive environment
  • Plan and design organizational communications infrastructure and networking topology
  • Improve information management procedures and processes
  • Identify innovative and efficient solutions for solving organizational problems
  • Demonstrate written and oral communication skills in a collaborative environment
Program Disclosure

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.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

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.