2024-2025
Information Systems
School of Business
Program description
The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems prepares students for successful careers as information systems professionals through a curriculum that combines technical computing knowledge, skills and techniques with relevant business knowledge. The curriculum provides hands-on experience in supporting the secure delivery and management of information systems, buoys career success through rigorous academic inquiry, and supports the information systems needs of the business community-at-large throughout Greater Richmond.
REAL opportunities are found in INFO 491, INFO 492, and INFO 493.
Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems produces competitive graduates for entry-level roles in information technology (IT). Through hands-on training, alumni find positions in programming, software development, web development, networking, cyber security, and database administration. Students also build management skills and are well-suited to accept roles in management, business systems analysis, IT consulting, data analytics, and IT implementation. Departmental partnerships with private and public sector organizations allow resume- and skills-building opportunities. Our alumni are employed in all sectors of the economy including multinational companies, local small businesses, start-ups, and state and federal agencies.
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 in the Bulletin here.
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
- MATH 200 or BUSN 212
Science required
- Natural Sciences requirement only
Foreign language requirements
- No
Additional tuition/fees
- Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
- 2.0+ cumulative GPA to graduate and 2.0+ major GPA 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
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
- Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
- Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
- Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
- Become a mentee in the Business Mentoring program and hone in on your personal and professional goal as well as interpersonal skills through 1:1 mentoring with an industry professional.
- Take 15 credits per semester and maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA to declare your major in 2 years and graduate in 4 years.
- Take the math placement assessment and register for math classes each semester until you complete calculus (MATH 200 or BUSN 212).
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Apply to live in a Living-Learning Community.
- Consider applying to the Honors College.
- Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
- If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
- Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
- Attend BOSS days to get to know business-specific student organizations & resources, stop by at least 3 tables, and choose organizations to join like the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP).
- Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore all the student organizations available for you to join.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
- Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
- Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
- Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
- Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
- If eligible, consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
- Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
- Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
- Excel in BUSN 225 Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.
- Learn about and capitalize on your professional strengths by taking a free assessment like CliftonStrengths or True Colors with the Office of Student Engagement.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
- Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
- Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
- Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
- Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
- Join the VCU Business Mentoring Program to meet VCU business alumni and other professionals and consider doing an informational interview to learn more about your major and career options.
- Join VCU Bizconnect to meet VCU business alumni and to schedule informational interviews with alumni to learn more about your major and career options.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
- Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
- Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
- Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
- Be prepared for a challenging year of accounting, economics, and math classes by attending free tutoring sessions at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
- Earn grades of C or higher in INFO 202 and MATH 211 bearing in mind that INFO 202 is a corequisite to INFO 300.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
- If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
- Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
- Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
- Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
- Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
- Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
- Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
- Complete a career exploration appointment with Business Career Services to investigate opportunities for working abroad.
- Learn about and capitalize on your professional strengths by taking a free assessment like CliftonStrengths or True Colors with the Office of Student Engagement (OSE).
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
- Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
- Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
- Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
- Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
- Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
- Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
- Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
- Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
- Information Systems internships recruit heavily in the fall of your junior year so have your resume reviewed by Business Career Services before you leave for the summer.
- Join the Information Systems Organization student org to get connected and stay current with the industry.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
- See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
- Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
- Complete INFO 350, INFO 364, and INFO 370 to meet degree prerequisites and to make sure you graduate on time.
- Talk to your advisor about your eligibility for INFO 493 Internship in Information Systems, which requires 12+ credit hours in upper-level information systems classes.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Design a community-engaged research project.
- Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
- Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
- Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
- Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
- Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
- Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
- Explore your international interests and sign up for the Connect Mentoring program on VCU Bizconnect and get matched 1:1 with a business mentor who has worked abroad.
- Review the resume resource to become a competitive applicant to multinational companies by listing globally-focused Information Systems (INFO) projects on your resume.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
- Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
- Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
- Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
- Attend OSE alumni panel events like Being Black in Business and Being a Woman in Business to hear from business professionals who were once in your shoes.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
- Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
- Make a plan with your advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
- Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
- Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
- Research professional credentials like the Information Systems Analyst (ISA) certification or the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) licensure.
- Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about job options post-graduation.
Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
- Ace BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam in your final year.
- Know the INFO 465 and MGMT 434 prerequisites and talk to your advisor to make sure you're on track.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
- Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
- Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
- Get connected with the Business Alumni Society (BAS) before you graduate.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
- Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
- Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
- Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
- Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
- Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
- Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
- Become a mentee in the Business Mentoring program and hone in on your personal goals, professional goals and interpersonal skills through 1:1 mentoring with an industry professional.
- Talk to your information systems professors about ways to get connected in DevOps.
- Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
- Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
- Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
- Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
2024-2025
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 | ||
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| Excel | Year 4 |
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