NEW Information Systems Emphasis Areas

The AIS emphasis provides a solid understanding of general business principles with depth in technology and accounting. Students pursuing this emphasis will be prepared to help companies design information systems that are safeguarded against many different kinds of system errors and fraudulent activities. Students could also pursue careers in information assurance, serving as "auditors" who ensure that proper design and controls that protect against fraud are in place. Potential employers include "Big 5" accounting firms, business and IT consulting companies, as well as any organization (large or small) that relies upon an automated accounting system.

The LIS emphasis focuses on the use of information technology as a critical enabler of the supply chain networks that businesses use to acquire, produce, and deliver goods and services all over the world. Students pursuing this emphasis will be prepared to help companies design information systems that integrate business processes across the supply chain. Potential employers include large retail distribution centers (such as Walmart), logistics firms (such as UPS and Federal Express), and a host of other trucking and shipping companies around the world.

The BI emphasis focuses on the use of information technology to identify trends and hidden patterns in an organization’s data and external environment, and then predict how these trends and patterns will impact the organization’s activities and ultimate success. Students pursuing this emphasis will be prepared to assist companies in the identification and development of competitive strategies, as well as in the management of corporate knowledge. Potential employers include a wide array of medium and large business across all types of industries.

The EC emphasis provides exposure to the technical skills and business knowledge needed to develop web-based business applications. Students pursuing this emphasis will be prepared to develop E-Commerce web sites based on solid, underlying business models. Potential employers include all organizations wanting to establish or improve the ability to conduct business via the Internet.

The ERP emphasis focuses on large, complex information systems that integrate business processes across an entire organization such as SAP. Because the number of IS professionals with these skills is low, this is a high-demand area. Students pursuing this emphasis will be prepared to assist companies in the selection, implementation, and support of such systems. Potential employers include consulting companies, ERP developers, as well as thousands of companies that adopt or wish to adopt ERP systems.

The ES emphasis focuses on the development and admininstration of security policies as they pertain to the management of information systems. Students pursuing this emphasis will be prepared to assist companies in the design, implementation and management of secure information systems and networks. In today’s security-conscious world, virtually every organization is a potential employer of students who pursue this option.

The TE emphasis provides both the business and technology background necessary to start a successful enterprise in the technology industry. Students pursuing this emphasis will be prepared to establish firms that deliver technology services. Potential employers for those who do not establish their own business include start-up companies and other organizations seeking to undertake entrepreneurial activities.