Information Systems program

Discover how to improve processes where people and technology come together.

Whether developing a recommendation for what to watch next on Netflix or improving the performance of an autonomous vehicle, people in information systems careers develop technology solutions for organizations worldwide.

In UWL's program, you'll learn how to plan, analyze, design and implement computer-based information systems, such as computer networks and database applications. You'll gain in-depth knowledge of IS concepts and applications, learn how to analyze business data and operations to create innovative solutions, and gain management skills.

UWL's Information Systems program is accredited by AACSB, placing it in the top 15 percent of business programs worldwide. Graduates frequently find prestigious and well-paid positions, and many work for Fortune 500 companies.

Undergrad major Undergrad minor

A program within the Department of Information Systems

What is Information Systems?

Businesses worldwide depend heavily on advanced information and communication technologies for managing data, information and delivering efficient business operations. IS professionals are involved in designing, developing, deploying and managing these information systems that ultimately solve problems for people.

Courses in information systems include a variety of in-demand topics and skill development including information technology, data analytics, business core knowledge, software applications, project management and a systems perspective.

Information Systems jobs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information systems is one of the fastest-growing employment categories. Graduates knowledge of how technology works to improve business processes make them desirable in a wide variety of careers with prospects for advancement.

In recent years, graduates of information systems programs have been in high demand in diverse industries such as financial planning, healthcare, manufacturing, consumer research and behavior, government and education. With the rate that technology changes, a degree in IS will open up many opportunities for you to land the career you want. Job titles and salaries of information systems professionals vary considerably and are usually dependent on work setting and experience. Examples of potential positions include:

Positions

  • Business/systems analyst
  • Web developer
  • Data analyst
  • Information specialist
  • Applications software engineer
  • Social media coordinator
  • Security specialist
  • Project manager
  • Network analyst
  • Database administrator
  • More

What distinguishes UWL's program?

AACSB accredited

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the world's largest business education alliance. The UWL College of Business Administration accreditation with this alliance places us in the top 5% of business schools worldwide.

Nearly all graduates find work

The placement of information systems graduates into careers has been nearly 100 % over the years, with higher than average starting salaries.

High average starting salary

The average starting salary of our graduates is $58,000 per year.

Soft skills development

With the digital world playing a major role in today’s society, good communication skills and a strong technical background are a high-demand combination. In UWL's program, you'll learn how to read, write, speak and listen effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences, as well as how to leverage this knowledge when working with diverse teams.

Experience that elevates

Students in the program gain hands-on experience with leading enterprise systems applications and have eligibility for software certifications.

Opportunties to connect

Student-led organizations provide opportunities to network and develop life-long relationships.

Internship opportunities

The majority of Information Systems majors participate in an internship opportunity during their junior or senior year. While gaining hands-on experience, they can earn credit in the program.

High career placement with Fortune 500 companies

Many of our graduates are now employed at some of America's largest and most successful companies including Target, IBM, Northwestern Mutual, Verizon, General Electric, Best Buy and more.

Comprehensive curriculum

Graduates of UWL's program gain a deep understanding of data analytics, systems engineering, security, networking and social media, allowing them flexibility in their career paths.

Sample courses

IS 220 Information Systems for Business Management This course provides the basic level of management information systems literacy. The course introduces the building blocks of information systems, the various organizational aspects of utilizing information systems, and the role of information systems in the digital economy. Students gain familiarity with spreadsheet and database applications that provide useful information to business functional areas. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

IS 360 Management of Business Analytics The course addresses the remarkable impact that analytics is having on business. This course provides students with the fundamental concepts and tools needed to understand the emerging role of business analytics in organizations. The course examines issues that both information systems managers and non-information systems managers face in managing and performing business data analytics within an organization. Students apply business analytics approaches to support business decision making and problem-solving efforts and learn how to effectively use and interpret analytic models and results for business decisions. The course covers managerial statistical tools in descriptive analytics and predictive analytics. Prerequisite: IS 220; junior standing. Offered Fall, Spring.

IS 300 Data Management for Business Problem Solving and Decision Making This course provides an understanding of data management used to help solve business problems and make sound business decisions. In addition to the conceptual and academic foundations of data management, the course also explores the application of software tools to manage, manipulate, analyze, and visualize data. Prerequisite: IS 220 or healthcare analytics management minor. Offered Fall, Spring.

IS 310 Information Systems in Networked Environments: Technical Foundations and Applications This course provides fundamentals of data communications and business networking requirements, and examines the linkage of information technology strategies and technological solutions for enabling effective business processes within and between organizations in emerging environments. Major topics include fundamentals of data communications and business networking, applications to data communications, basic technologies of the internet and the web, commercial use of internet technologies, e-business applications, and cases in online industries. Prerequisite: IS 220. Offered Spring.

IS 320 Enterprise Systems for Decision Making and Data Analytics This course provides an introduction to enterprise systems and their impact on organizations. An enterprise system application is utilized to illustrate the concepts, fundamentals and integration of enterprise-wide applications and processes. Enterprise system data analytics applications are applied to analyze business results and support business decision making. Prerequisite: IS 220. Offered Fall, Spring.

IS 330 Business Choices and Telecommunications Decision This course examines the business and organizational role of telecommunications. The course focuses on using telecommunications to support and achieve business strategies and does not address the theoretical foundations of telecommunications. Course topics include how businesses are being reshaped by advances in telecommunications; how businesses plan, deploy and manage telecommunications resources; and how businesses are utilizing and administrating local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) technology to achieve business objectives. Prerequisite: IS 310. Offered Occasionally.

IS 340 Information Systems Security and Data Assurance Management This course provides an overview of information systems security management and data assurance principles. Coverage includes privacy concerns and safeguards, ethical issues surrounding data and information, information risk analysis, information system vulnerabilities, security threats and countermeasures. Prerequisite: IS 220. Offered Fall.

IS 370

IS 401 Management Information Systems: Analysis and Design This course covers the development process for computer-based management information systems. This course emphasizes information analysis and the logical design of management information systems. Prerequisite: IS 300. Offered Fall.

IS 411 Management Information Systems: Project Management and Implementation This course emphasizes the use of project management techniques to support an information system implementation. In-depth exposure to key tools, techniques, practices, and knowledge areas of project management are applied to system implementation. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in ACC 221, ACC 222, BLAW 205, ECO 110, ECO 120, ENG 110 or ENG 112, MTH 160 or MTH 175 or MTH 207, and STAT 145 or STAT 245; 54 credits earned. Offered Spring.

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