A Brief History of the Business Information Systems Major
Business education dates back to 1881 when the first collegiate business school, Wharton School, was founded by the University of Pennsylvania. This school was purposed to prepare men to be leaders within business and government through an education that focused on finance and economy.
Many business schools that followed focused their educational offerings specifically on commerce, with curriculum that emphasized the economic system as it relates to a business environment. Still, it wasn’t until after World War II when the country began to experience significant industrial growth that business schools really began to gain popularity. As the world of business grew and became more complex, these types of schools began offering majors that focused on business specializations to meet the demand for experts within these niches.
The history of business information systems essentially coincides with the birth of computer science more than 50 years ago. Post World War II industrial growth created a need for information systems to aid in business management. In the mid 1960s telecommunications made it possible for businesses to communicate and share information within their own organizations, and in the 1970s those in management began to use computers to create databases to organize and access important data. As the concept of information systems grew, so did the studies of areas related to it eventually leading to the business information systems major.
Delving Into the Business Information Systems Major
The business information systems major covers the ways in which technology can be used to complete key business operations like program planning and software development. For prospective students who are interested in the ways that technology impacts business, a degree in information systems will be valuable and enjoyable.
This is hardly a stagnant career choice, with developments being made every day and new opportunities being created with the invention of new technologies. A major in business information systems will allow students who are interested in the use of technology to accomplish business goals the opportunity to advance their skills in a business environment that is more and more technology centered.
Degree programs in business information systems will comprise of a variety of base level business classes which will be applicable to any business field, but will also push students to explore the world of technology as it applies to those businesses. Therefore, students should be prepared to take classes in management, economics, finance, communications and business ethics as well as more advanced classes in computers and software development.
Students will be trained to work with and develop complex database systems in order to help organize the day to day activities of a company. In addition, classes in telecommunication technologies and software design will help students to deal with a variety of challenges in the workplace. Courses in business analysis and qualitative and quantitative business research will help degree holders to be able to evaluate the needs of a company. At the same time, their courses in specific software programs and software and database development will allow them to solve the problems that exist.
Degree Levels:
Associate
Students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Business Information Systems learn about how technology is utilized for business administration, decision support, and communication. These types of programs generally take two years to complete and require students to earn around 61 credits through courses on information technology and support, business software applications, office management, and business communications.
Graduates of a BIS program will develop the skills necessary to increase business productivity through new technologies, utilize computer applications, communicate professionally, and manage business operations. As a foundational business degree, the AAS can be awarded by a two-year college or used to transfer to a four-year college or university.
Bachelor’s
Those who decide to earn a Bachelor of Business Information Systems will receive an education that integrates the study of business practices with information technology. Students will learn about how information technology is utilized within the context of an organization to support management and functionality.
Common courses include managing information systems, systems analysis and design, networking and telecommunications, programming for systems development, project management and practice, database design, and emerging technologies.
These types of programs generally take about four years to complete and require students to earn around 120 credits. A bachelor’s degree in business information systems will also prepare students for graduate degrees including master’s degrees in business information systems and business administration.
Master’s
Those interested in a graduate education in business information systems can earn a Master of Business Information Systems or a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in business information systems.
A Master of Business Information Systems degree incorporates principles of business with those of computer science and information technology. These types of programs require students to complete at least 30 credit hours and can take up to three years to complete.
An MBA with a concentration in business information systems will consist of advanced courses in core business subjects with the option to take several elective courses within business information systems. Generally, MBA students are required to complete anywhere from 48 to 60 credit hours, which can take from one to three years to complete depending on program format.
Doctorate
Those interested in business research or education can pursue a Ph.D. in business information systems. This degree goes above and beyond that of a master’s degree and consists of advanced coursework and research studies. It is designed for those who wish to pursue an academic career or wish to use their knowledge to contribute to technological research.
Doctoral students conduct research related to knowledge management, electronic commerce, business intelligence, and management of the IS function, of which typically leads to a dissertation or journal publication. These types of programs may also require students to complete a residency, doctoral study project, or thesis. A Ph.D. can take from three to four years to complete and require students to complete around 121 to 141 hours.
Supplementing Your Business Information Systems Major
As information systems are utilized in practically every type of business, there are a number of specializations that majors can choose to focus on in order to become experts within a particular area. Some programs may offer specializations as a formal concentration, while others may just offer elective courses that students can choose to enroll in to build their knowledge.
Specializations are beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career within a specific niche of business information systems. Common ones include management information systems, accounting information systems, supply chain information systems, enterprise information systems, and library, archival, and recordkeeping systems.There are also specializations for those who wish to focus on a particular area of information systems such as business application development, business intelligence, corporate information management, project management, and business systems.
Additionally, students can expand their knowledge and further define career goals through choosing a minor. Within undergraduate studies, a minor is a secondary focus option available to students who wish to have academic qualifications in more than just one area. Not as many courses are required to complete a minor, usually around 18 to 21 credit hours, and student generally have more options when it comes to course selections. Those who choose to minor in an area relevant to their career aspirations may increase their chances at being a likely job candidate.
Common minors for those majoring in business information systems include mathematics, economics, computer science, communication technologies, or informatics. Minors can also be chosen depending on what type of organization a student is interested in working with.
Those who want to manage systems within health care may want to minor in health sciences, while those who want to manage systems within education or government may consider a minor like library science or instructional technology. For someone whose interest lies in working with particular types of business information systems, minors like actuary science, management science, database management, or network security may be beneficial.
Learn More About the Business Information Systems Major
- U.S. News and World Report: Management Information Systems Rankings
- MIT OpenCourseWare: Practical Information Technology Management
- Journal of Research in Business Information Systems
The Business Information Systems Major in the Job Market
With the progress being made in communications technology as well as the use of computer programs for just about every process associated with the day-to-day activity in companies across the world, a background in business information systems will make any employee more valuable to their employer.
As the use of technology and information systems in business is ever expanding, degree holders in business information systems will find many job opportunities that await them upon completion of their studies. Since every entity requires the use of information systems, degree holders can look for employment with a variety of employers from the government and non-profits to hospitals, banks and law firms. There is truly no arena that degree holders in information systems cannot move into.
With that in mind, it is very difficult to pinpoint an expected salary for business information systems degree holders with a wide range starting at around $50,000 and reaching $70,000 for business analysts in management positions, according to Payscale.
Those with an associate degree in business information systems can pursue careers as computer support specialists, help desk technicians, and technical support specialists. These types of professionals work for organizations that utilize information technology and offer technical assistance to employees or customers. They may also assist in monitoring an organization’s computer systems and resolve technical issues that occur. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in May 2008 information systems specialists earned a median annual income of $43,450.
Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business information systems can qualify one for a position as an information systems manager, chief technology officer, or information technology director. These types of professionals oversee the use of technology within organizations, including software development, Internet operations, network use, and information security. They identify technology needs and implement computing solutions to fulfill those needs, as well as supervise other technology workers and technical departments. In May 2008, those working within information systems management earned a median annual salary of $112,210, according to the Bureau.
Those interested in learning more about business information systems majors and the types of careers that they lead to should check out the following resources. The University of Colorado Denver has a helpful page for graduate students looking for careers in information systems. This Web site not only provides information on potential job titles but information about research that has been conducted concerning IT professions.Also, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Career Guide to Industries where you can learn about the information systems industry including working conditions, occupations, training, and outlook.
Careers I Can Get with This Degree:
