Information Systems Emphasis
Information technology in a modern workforce.
The use of information technology is pervasive in the business world today. The field of Information Systems maximizes the efficiency of technology so that organizations derive a better return on their technological investment. As such, information system professionals are extremely valuable to an organization's bottom line. The information systems area of emphasis helps prepare students for this technology-centric world. The information systems curriculum includes an introduction to basic computer hardware and software, programming, databases, and networking, along with the fundamentals of analysis and design and project management.
Resources
Information Systems Model Degree Plan
View the information systems model degree plan, which provides course requirements for business students with an information systems emphasis.
Clubs and Organizations
There are various student clubs and organizations across campus. You're sure to find one or more to fit your interests!
Career Development Center
Learn more about the Career Development Center - a resource dedicated to supporting business students with career development, internship and employment opportunities.
Why study Information Systems at UCCS?
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AACSB Accredited
The UCCS College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance College Schools of Business (AACSB) which ensures your professors, classes and fellow students are of the highest quality. Only 5% of business schools worldwide have achieved this distinction.
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Exceptional Faculty
Our leading instructors are nationally and internationally recognized for their research and instruction. Receive personalized guidance from professors with real-world experience in their field.
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Ethical Curriculum
The Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program at UCCS instills principle-based ethics education throughout the business school, resulting in a high standard of ethics in our students and graduates.
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Business Analytics Minor
The Business Analytics Minor launches three new courses focusing on the three pillars of analytics: descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics. These courses are hands-on, project-based courses that utilize state-of-art software to manage and analyze real data for businesses.
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Real-World Experience
The College of Business houses its own Career Development Center, dedicated to providing business students with assistance in career development, internship opportunities and job placement.
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Global Perspectives
The College of Business incorporates international business cases into the curriculum to ensure you are prepared for cross-cultural and international business opportunities. For those who wish to study abroad, the College of Business maintains partnerships with business schools across the world.
Business Programming Fundamentals
This course introduces the fundamentals of software development and building a software development infrastructure. Students will form programming, debugging and documentation skills.
Database Management
In this course, you will learn the fundamental concepts of database analysis, design, implementation, manipulation and maintenance. Tools include Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD) for design, Structured Query Language (SQL) for implementation and a state-of-the-art database management system such aas MySQL.
Introduction to Cybersecurity Technologies
This course provides instruction in security for network hardware, software and data including physical security, software protections and process implementation. Identification of exposures and vulnerabilities and appropriate countermeasures are addressed. The focus is on incorporating security technology into an organization’s IT infrastructure.
Computer Networks and Telecommunications
This course introduces you to the hardware, topology and terminology aspects of computer networks/telecommunications. You will learn network protocols, operations, design and management as well as hands-on basic router operation. Includes the basics of data transmission and LAN protocols.
Programming Web-Based Systems
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of integrating a web-based user interface, a mid-tier application layer and a back-end database. You will build a development infrastructure and develop a web-based system through design, testing, documenting and implementation.
Information Technology Integration
This course involves designing or building a complete system for an organization. The integration of data resources, computer networks and program requirements are applied to develop a functioning system based on industry expectations.
Organizational Cybersecurity
Organizations and their employees are faced with risks associated with the modern, digital working environment. This course introduces fundamental cybersecurity concepts, the risks they present and policies and practices employed to mitigate the risks for both individuals and their organizations.
Big Data Analysis
This course provides advanced database management practices and broad coverage of data science. In particular, students learn concepts of data mining, business intelligence, big data analytics and data visualization, including implementation issues. Real-world examples leverage conceptual learning.
Advanced Networking Topics
This course will roughly follow the Cisco router education path. You will get more experience with routers and protocols, which should prepare them for the ICND1 certification test.
Potential Careers
Career | Average Salary | Outlook Through 2028 | Number of New Jobs Through 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
Data Scientist | $94,300 | +19% | 5,400 |
Computer Systems Analyst | $59,400 | +9% | 56,000 |
Network Administrator | $53,000 | +5% | 18,000 |
Computer Programmer | $63,000 | -7% | -17,900 |
Cloud Architect | $128,418 | +5% | 8,400 |
IT Analyst | $63,500 | +9% | 56,000 |
Software Engineer | $82,100 | +21% | 284,100 |
Information Security Specialist | $84,000 | +32% | 35,500 |
Please note, the above information was collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, therefore the proposed average salary ranges do not necessarily reflect entry level positions. For guidelines, insights and support regarding salary negotiation, please contact the Career Development Center.
Information Systems Faculty Spotlight
Jian "James" Ma, Ph.D.
Jian “James” Ma was 7 years old when he first helped teach math and literature to his classmates, the beginning of what would become a lifelong calling. Ma, who received a bachelor of science in chemistry in 1996 from Peking University, moved to the U.S. in 1998 when he was 25, landing his first paid teaching position. He received a master of science in computer science in 2002 from the University of Texas at Dallas. In 2011, he earned a doctor of philosophy in management information systems with a minor in systems and industrial engineering from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He joined UCCS in 2014 as an assistant professor of information systems in the College of Business. Ma also owns an educational consulting firm based in China, which helps American high schools and universities recruit Chinese students, bringing international diversity while boosting financial shortages.
What Our Students Are Saying
Paul Gilliam
Information Systems, Class of 2018"If I were talking to someone who was considering UCCS for college, I would tell them two bits of advice based on my time at the school. First, the UCCS College of Business opened more doors for me than the other two schools that I previously attended combined. The college is well connected to the community, and very well respected by all of the employers I talked to. I would also say that UCCS is among one of the best universities in the country. When I first started my college search, I had a full-ride scholarship to any Ivy League school of my choice. Since attending and graduating from UCCS, I would still pick UCCS over any other school. The classes are rigorous and the staff really do care about student success in the College of Business."