Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Information Systems, Bachelor of Science (BS)

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Use written, oral and electronic methods for effective communication. (UO 1) The student will be able to:
    • Participate effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
    • Communicate effectively with a range of audiences using various mechanisms, formally or informally with excellent oral, written, and listening skills.
    • Analyze, and incorporate diverse ideas and broader perspectives represented in the diversity of people.
    • Demonstrate persistence, flexibility, curiosity, creativity, risk taking, and a tolerance of these abilities in others.
    • Devise effective user interfaces for information systems.
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibilities: Discern and articulate the impact of technologies on society. (UO 8) The student will be able to:
    • Understand professional responsibilities in terms of the ethical, legal, security and social aspects of any given problem and its solution. 
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the cognitive, social, legal, ethical, diversity, and security perspectives surrounding a given problem.
    • Assess the impact of information systems and associated technologies on individuals, groups, organizations, society, and the world for the purpose of making informed decisions from a sociological, governmental, legal, and/or security perspective.
    • Critically evaluate and possibly act on current ethical issues in the IS field.
    • Apply IS professional codes of conduct.
  • Information Technology: Have proficient use of computers and software to manage information statistical analysis, spreadsheet, database and other appropriate applications. (UO 10)
    • Understand, apply and adapt various problem-solving strategies, using appropriate technology and methods.
    • Identify information systems problems and/or opportunities in terms of the human, organizational, informational and technology dimensions.
    • Analyze issues surrounding the problem and/or opportunity in terms of the human, organizational, informational, and technology dimensions; and determine the requirements appropriate to understanding the situation.
    • Design systems, architectures, processes, components, or programs to meet desired needs of the human context at varying levels of analysis (e.g., individual, group, organization, society, and/or world).
    • Evaluate the success of systems, architecture, processes, components, or programs intended to meet desired needs of the human context at varying levels of analysis (e.g., individual, group, organization, society, and/or world).
  • Professional Proficiency: Evaluate the necessary skills and knowledge to meet professional competencies as information systems professionals and global citizens. (UO 5 & 9) The student will be able to:
    • Define the history and vocabulary unique to information systems professionals.
    • Understand and apply the interdisciplinary, theoretical knowledge of information systems.
    • Define and explain the core concepts, principles, processes, and theories within the academic major of IS.
    • Apply the core concepts of the academic majors of IS to real-world problems.
    • Collaborate with other professionals as well as perform successfully at the individual level.

Related Links

Information Systems, BS Program Page

Information Systems and Technology Management Department Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Core GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42-43
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Computer Competency0-3
Major Requirements54-55
Electives24

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
Select one of the following:3-4
Quantitative Reasoning
Introduction to Applied Calculus
Calculus I
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15-16
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Sciences Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Required Thematic Thread Coursework:
Principles of Microeconomics
Total Hours42-43
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

Computer Competency

Demonstrate "computer competency" by one of the following:0-3
Pass Computer Competency Exam OR
Select one of the following at SRU or another post-secondary institution:
Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts
Computer Concepts
Introduction to Computing and Programming
Technology for Wellness
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major Requirements 

  • 27 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 27 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Required Management Information System Courses
MIS 210Productivity Software 13
Select one of the following:3
Information Systems Application Development 1
Introduction to Computing and Programming 1
Programming Principles 1
MIS 300Challenges of Computer Technology 13
MIS 301Practical Computer Security 13
MIS 323Data Base Systems 13
MIS 353Business Data Communications and Technologies 13
MIS 413Systems Analysis 13
MIS 443Project Management 13
MIS 453Fundamentals of Enterprise Architecture 13
Subtotal27
Required Math Courses
ECON 219Business Analytics I 23
or MGMT 219 Business Analytics I
Subtotal3
Required Business Environment Courses
ACCT 209Financial Accounting 13
ECON 201Principles of Macroeconomics 13
or ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics
MGMT 320Operations Management 13
MGMT 351Organizational Behavior 13
MIS 265Management Information Systems 13
Subtotal15
Electives
Select one of the following seven areas below:9-10
Subtotal9-10
Total Hours54-55
1

Course counts for 50% of Major and Major GPA

2

Course counts for 50% of Major and not for Major GPA

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Business

Select one of the following:3
E-Commerce 1
Supply Chain Management
Upper division 23
Select one of the following:3
Upper division 2
Internship 1
Total Hours9
1

Course counts for 50% of Major and Major GPA

2

Any upper division course from BSBA discipline.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GES 115Introduction to Geospatial Technologies 13
GES 325Introduction to Geographic Information Science 13
GES 315Cartography I 13
Select one of the following:3
Remote Sensing 1
Advanced Geographic Information Systems 1
Internship 1
Total Hours12
1

Course counts for 50% of Major and Major GPA

Health Care Administration Management

HCAM 230US Healthcare Systems 13
MIS 403Introduction to Healthcare Information Systems 13
Select one of the following:3
HCAM 300/400 level
Any upper division HCAM course 1,2
Internship 1
Internship-Health Care Administration & Management
Total Hours9
1

Course counts for 50% of Major and Major GPA

2

 Except HCAM 360

Programming

CPSC 246Advanced Programming Principles 13
CPSC 374Algorithms and Data Structures 13
Select one of the following:3
CPSC 300/400 level
Any upper division CPSC course not used above 1
Internship 1
Total Hours9
1

Course counts for 50% of Major and Major GPA

Safety

SAFE 118Introduction to Safety 13
SAFE 418Security in the Workplace 13
Select one of the following:3
Human Resources Management 1
Internship
Total Hours9
1

Course counts for 50% of Major and Major GPA

Security

CSS 120Introduction to Private Security 13
MIS 333Introduction to Computer Forensics 13
MIS 401Information Systems Security 13
or MIS 450 Internship
Total Hours9
1

Course counts for 50% of Major and Major GPA

Web Technologies

CPSC 217Advanced Web Programming 13
CPSC 337Introduction to Web Graphics 13
Select one of the following:3
Server-Side Scripting 1
E-Commerce 1
Internship 1
Total Hours9
1

Course counts for 50% of Major and Major GPA

Digital Media

Select three of the following:9
Interactive Multimedia 1
Interactive Multimedia 2
Social Media
Internship
Total Hours9

Big Data

Select three of the following:9
Exploring Big Data for Business I
Advanced Business Database Systems
Exploring Big Data for Business II
Total Hours9

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. International study programs (short-term, semester, and year-long)
  2. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
  3. Student-faculty research
  4. Student leadership development
  5. Service-learning classes
  6. Career education and development
  7. Internships
  8. Volunteering in healthcare industry related settings
  9. Job Shadowing

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

INFORMATION SYSTEMS - BS (2240)
This program is effective as of Summer 2023
Revised 04.11.2023
UCC 01.31.2023

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
MIS 210 Productivity Software 3
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
 Hours16
Spring
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
ECON 219
Business Analytics I
or Business Analytics I
3
MIS 265 Management Information Systems 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall
ACCT 209 Financial Accounting 3
Select one of the following: 3
Information Systems Application Development
Introduction to Computing and Programming
Programming Principles
Select one of the following: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
 Hours15
Spring
MGMT 351 Organizational Behavior 3
MIS 323 Data Base Systems 3
ECON 201
Principles of Macroeconomics
or Principles of Microeconomics
3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall
MIS 300 Challenges of Computer Technology 3
MIS 301 Practical Computer Security 3
MGMT 320 Operations Management 3
MIS 323 Data Base Systems (or free elective) 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
MIS 353 Business Data Communications and Technologies 3
MGMT 351 Organizational Behavior 3
Information Systems Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
MIS 413 Systems Analysis 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
Information Systems Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
MIS 443 Project Management 3
MIS 453 Fundamentals of Enterprise Architecture 3
Information Systems Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours**121
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

*

Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 2240
Revised: 05.24.2023