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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2020-2021

Information Systems

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
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Chief Technology Officer
  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Director of Information Technology
  • Information Technology Auditor
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • SCMA 302 or ECON 403
Science required
  • Core only
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.5 to declare major/2.0 to graduate
Transfer Maps

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 compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.  
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
  • Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
  • Take Math Placement; register for math classes each semester through SCMA 302.
  • Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
  • Create a draft resume, submit it to VMock for initial feedback, and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to discuss it.
  • Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.
  • Take Winning Presentations to develop needed public speaking and communication skills.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Earn at least a C in INFO 202 & 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
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
  • Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
  • Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Civic Engagement Center.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Attend Black & Gold Academy in the fall.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Join related professional organizations such as Association of Information System Technology Professionals (AITP).

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Take INFO 493 if you get an internship. Requirements include 3.2 major GPA and min. of 12 credit hours INFO 300+ courses.
  • Be aware of the key course prerequisites: INFO 361, 461, 350, 364, 370, 461, and 465.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Be active within Association of Information System Technology Professionals (AITP) to network and attend conferences.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Research professional certifications such as the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), Information Systems Analyst (ISA) Certification, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.

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. 
  • Review INFO SYS elective options to expand your skill set.
  • Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
  • Finish prerequisites and complete 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
  • Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
  • Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
  • Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
  • Join groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career. Expand your network.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Take INFO 491: Career Development Seminar to meet and interact with leaders.
  • Talk to your INFO SYS professors about ways to get connected within the field.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences, skills, and high level academic projects. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Check Handshake weekly for job opportunities.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2020-2021

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
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.  
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
  • Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
  • Take Math Placement; register for math classes each semester through SCMA 302.
  • Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
  • Create a draft resume, submit it to VMock for initial feedback, and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to discuss it.
  • Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.
  • Take Winning Presentations to develop needed public speaking and communication skills.
Experience Year 2
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Earn at least a C in INFO 202 & MATH 211.
  • Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
  • Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
  • Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Civic Engagement Center.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Attend Black & Gold Academy in the fall.
  • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Join related professional organizations such as Association of Information System Technology Professionals (AITP).
Year 3
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Take INFO 493 if you get an internship. Requirements include 3.2 major GPA and min. of 12 credit hours INFO 300+ courses.
  • Be aware of the key course prerequisites: INFO 361, 461, 350, 364, 370, 461, and 465.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Be active within Association of Information System Technology Professionals (AITP) to network and attend conferences.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Research professional certifications such as the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), Information Systems Analyst (ISA) Certification, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
Excel Year 4
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. 
  • Review INFO SYS elective options to expand your skill set.
  • Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
  • Finish prerequisites and complete 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.
  • Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
  • Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
  • Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
  • Join groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career. Expand your network.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Take INFO 491: Career Development Seminar to meet and interact with leaders.
  • Talk to your INFO SYS professors about ways to get connected within the field.
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences, skills, and high level academic projects. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Check Handshake weekly for job opportunities.