Information Systems

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Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

School of Business

Program description

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems is to prepare students for successful careers as information systems professionals through a curriculum that combines technical computing knowledge, skills and techniques with relevant business knowledge. The major in information systems provides a curriculum that:

Prepares students to begin professional careers upon graduation by providing experience with the most current technologies needed to support the secure delivery and management of information systems
Supports career advancement over time by giving our graduates the academic foundation in information systems needed for continued professional development
Supports the information systems needs of the business community

Career opportunities

VCU’s bachelor’s degree in information systems provides students with expertise in fundamental and specialized areas of information systems. These areas include data analytics, systems analysis and design, project management, computer programing, cyber ethics, networking and web development. Through the Department’s close ties to the community, students leverage and build active partnerships in the private and public sectors. There are diverse career opportunities in the field, including: business systems analyst, data analyst, application and systems developer, and IT project manager. Employers range from multinational companies such as Amazon, to small and medium-sized organizations employing fewer than five people. From public sector employers, such as government agencies and institutions of higher education to private sector organizations, such as consulting firms and telecommunications companies, IS students have a plethora of employment options.

Change of major requirements

Students are eligible for admission into the advanced business program with a major in the School of Business upon meeting the minimum cumulative GPA requirement and successful completion of the Business Foundation coursework, as outlined here: http://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/shared-curriculum/

Bachelor-level job titles

Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer Security Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer User Support Specialists
Database Administrator
Information Technology Project Managers
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Programmer
Systems Analyst
Web Administrators

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Information Systems

Plan of study in Bulletin

Information Systems

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 200 or SCMA 212 or BUSN 212
MATH 211
SCMA 302

Science required

Core only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.5 to declare major/2.0 to graduate

Contact information

Department name:

Information Systems

Building/room location:

Snead Hall, Room B4210

Phone:

(804) 828-1732

Email:

businfosys@vcu.edu

https://business.vcu.edu/academics/information-systems/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
Take Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete SCMA 302.
Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits per semester to declare your major at the end of your second year and graduate in 4 years.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs
Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for programs, events, and resources.
Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers/job titles in your field of study.
Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
Take Winning Presentations to develop needed public speaking and communication skills.
Attend two or three School of Business events.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor to identify and schedule pre-professional experiences.
Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Make sure to take INFO 165.
Make sure to earn a “C” or higher in INFO 202 and MATH 211.
Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
Meet with your faculty mentor to discuss your interests and opportunities to align with these.
Explore peer leadership opportunities on campus such as becoming a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Student Ambassador.
Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Civic Engagement Center.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
Investigate spending a summer abroad with the International Consulting Program, or short-term, semester, and year-long study abroad opportunities.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at Business Career Services to have it reviewed.
Attend the School of Business Career & Internship Fair and career events throughout the year to clarify your field of interest
Attend Black & Gold Academy in the fall.
Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program.
Join related professional organizations such as Association of Information System Technology Professionals (AITP).
Consider who you would like to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework.
Conduct independent undergraduate research.
Be aware of the key course prerequisites within Information Systems : INFO 361---> INFO 461, INFO 350, INFO 364, INFO 370, INFO 461---> INFO 465.
Take summer or winter intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility.
Create a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Be active within Association of Information System Technology Professionals (AITP) to network and attend conferences.
Use Handshake to apply to part-time jobs, internships, or externships to gain practical and relevant experience within the field of Information Systems.
Learn to solve problems in Creativity and Ideation.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Talk to your advisors and faculty about whether a Master of Information Systems degree or a job will be the best step for you after graduation.
Research professional certifications such as the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), Information Systems Analyst (ISA) Certification, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, and ITIL Foundation Certification - IT Service Management.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
Be sure to have all the course prerequisites complete for MGMT 434 and INFO 465 in your final semester.
Register for INFO 493: Internship for college credit if you are able to attain an internship opportunity.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Join groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career. Expand your network.
Serve in a leadership role of a local community organization or student organization.
Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America, and City Year.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
Schedule a mock Interview with VCU Career Services.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Consider taking INFO 491: Career Development Seminar to meet and interact with information system leaders.
Review INFO SYS elective options to expand your skill set.
Complete at least one internship during your senior year at an employer where you would like to work.
Talk to your INFO SYS professors about their current/previous work experience and ways to get connected within the field.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Check Handshake weekly for job opportunities.
In addition to the School of Business career fair, plan to attend the School of Engineering career fair.
Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for next steps beyond graduation.
Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at Business Career Services.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

Information Systems

School of Business

Concentration(s):

No concentration

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression. Take Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete SCMA 302. Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits per semester to declare your major at the end of your second year and graduate in 4 years.	Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events! Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations.	Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office. Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for programs, events, and resources. Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe	Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers/job titles in your field of study. Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities. Take Winning Presentations to develop needed public speaking and communication skills. Attend two or three School of Business events.	Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor to identify and schedule pre-professional experiences. Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility. Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
Experience	Year 2	Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Make sure to take INFO 165. Make sure to earn a “C” or higher in INFO 202 and MATH 211. Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.	Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA). Meet with your faculty mentor to discuss your interests and opportunities to align with these. Explore peer leadership opportunities on campus such as becoming a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Student Ambassador. Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Civic Engagement Center.	Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week. Investigate spending a summer abroad with the International Consulting Program, or short-term, semester, and year-long study abroad opportunities.	Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at Business Career Services to have it reviewed. Attend the School of Business Career & Internship Fair and career events throughout the year to clarify your field of interest Attend Black & Gold Academy in the fall. Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.	Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program. Join related professional organizations such as Association of Information System Technology Professionals (AITP). Consider who you would like to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Experience	Year 3	See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework. Conduct independent undergraduate research. Be aware of the key course prerequisites within Information Systems : INFO 361---> INFO 461, INFO 350, INFO 364, INFO 370, INFO 461---> INFO 465. Take summer or winter intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.	Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility. Create a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions. Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.	Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office. Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.	Be active within Association of Information System Technology Professionals (AITP) to network and attend conferences. Use Handshake to apply to part-time jobs, internships, or externships to gain practical and relevant experience within the field of Information Systems. Learn to solve problems in Creativity and Ideation.	Talk to your advisors and faculty about whether a Master of Information Systems degree or a job will be the best step for you after graduation. Research professional certifications such as the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), Information Systems Analyst (ISA) Certification, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, and ITIL Foundation Certification - IT Service Management.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam. Be sure to have all the course prerequisites complete for MGMT 434 and INFO 465 in your final semester. Register for INFO 493: Internship for college credit if you are able to attain an internship opportunity.	Join groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career. Expand your network. Serve in a leadership role of a local community organization or student organization. Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America, and City Year.	Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations. Schedule a mock Interview with VCU Career Services.	Consider taking INFO 491: Career Development Seminar to meet and interact with information system leaders. Review INFO SYS elective options to expand your skill set. Complete at least one internship during your senior year at an employer where you would like to work. Talk to your INFO SYS professors about their current/previous work experience and ways to get connected within the field.	Check Handshake weekly for job opportunities. In addition to the School of Business career fair, plan to attend the School of Engineering career fair. Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for next steps beyond graduation. Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at Business Career Services.