Information Systems
As an Information Systems major at Saint Michael's, you'll study how organizations use technology resources and services. With its liberal arts emphasis, Information Systems is for students interested in the broader aspects of computing for efficiently operating and promoting an organization. The major is offered jointly by two departments: Business and Computer Science.
If you want to be a computing generalist, study Computer Science. But if you are interested in the use of computer-based information systems within business, then study information systems. As a rule, computer science requires more mathematics and analytical skill than does Information Systems. After graduation, Information Systems majors might: design and maintain computer networks and database systems; create Web sites; handle system administration; or manage other professionals for the strategic and technological advantage of an organization.
Information Systems is a distinct approach to the study of computing because its context is an organization, and that organization’s information systems. Information Systems contains a significant knowledge base derived from computer science but also from the field of business management. As an academic field, Information Systems encompasses two broad areas:
- Acquisition, deployment, and management of information technology resources and services (the information systems function)
- Development and evolution of infrastructure and systems for use in organization processes (system development)
Each semester you’ll take business and computer science courses, mixed throughout your four years along with accounting, economics, statistics and liberal studies requirements.
Ph.D. Mississippi State University
M.S. University of North Texas
B.S. Miami University
View my Curriculum Vitae
Areas of Expertise
Software engineering; testing object-oriented software; and computer science/information systems education.
Courses I Teach:
- Database Management
- Introduction to Computer Science II
- Organization of Programming Languages
- Software Engineering
The class I enjoy teaching most is probably Introduction to Computer Science -- I like working with first-year students and helping them to discover the breadth of the computing field.
As a St. Mike’s student majoring in Information Systems, you’ll get a chance to try the skills you’ve just learned in real-world settings through internships, just as our computer science or business majors do. Of further special interest to you might be competitions and guest lecturers from both the Computer Science and Business departments. See the Special Opportunities tabs on both of those departments’ pages to see more details about what’s available to Information Systems majors.
As an Information Systems expert for a business, or perhaps for a government agency or nonprofit, you will share broad responsibility to: develop, implement, and manage an infrastructure of information technology (computers and communications), data (both internal and external), and organization-wide systems; to: track new information technology and assist in incorporating it into the organization’ s strategy, planning, and practices; and to support departmental and individual information technology systems. The mix of business, computer science and liberal arts courses that you’ll take as a St. Mike’s IS major will help you acquire the right tools.
Information Systems Major Four-Year Plan
The four-year plan below exemplifies a typical course schedule for an Information Systems major.
First Year - about 30 credits, depending upon LSR courses and proficiencies.
| Fall |
Spring |
| CS 101/BU 111(4/3) |
MA 102/BU 207(3) |
| BU 113(4) |
FYS(4) |
| EC 101/EC 103(3) |
Language II(5) |
| Language I(5) |
|
Second Year - about 33 credits, depending upon courses selected.
| Fall |
Spring |
| CS 111(4) |
CS 113(4) |
| BU 141(4) |
BU 212(3) |
| LSR(3) |
LSR(3) |
| LSR(3) |
LSR(3) |
| Elective(3) |
Elective(3) |
Third Year - about 31 credits, depending upon courses selected.
| Fall |
Spring |
| BU 303(4) |
CS 302(3) |
| BU 315(4) |
CS 305(3) |
| Elective(3) |
BU 311(4) |
| Elective(4) |
LSR(3) |
| LSR(4) |
Elective(3) |
Fourth Year - about 31 credits, depending upon courses selected.
| Fall |
Spring |
| CS 407(4) |
CS 402(3) |
| IS Elective(4) |
Elective(4) |
| LSR(3) |
Elective(3) |
| LSR(3) |
LSR(3) |
| Elective(3) |
LSR(3) |
Strongly recommended (but not required):
BU 305 Marketing (4 Credits)
BU 355 Production and Operations Management (4 credits)
BU490, BU499, and any other course not on the above list will require permission from the program director.
This is only a suggested order for the classes to take. Students will deviate from this schedule, especially when it comes to items like the language proficiency, which IS/CS electives students prefer, etc. The advising sessions, during the seven pre-registration periods, will be helpful in deciding what courses individually suit each student the best.
For more information on Information Studies please contact the program coordinator:
Professor Michael Battig
Jeanmarie Hall 265
802.654.2758
Box 279
mbattig@smcvt.edu