University Catalogue: 2009-10
Information Systems
Schneider Social Science 406
(715) 836-4320
http://www.uwec.edu/Lists/Acad.htm
Thomas Hilton, Chair
Donald Gaber, Matthew Germonprez, Anthony Keys, Bruce Lo, Jean Pratt, Ruidong Zhang.
Information Systems (IS) is the study of using computers to improve the performance of individuals and organizations. It is the theory and practice of designing, developing, and managing computer-enhanced information systems.
IS graduates have a wide variety of excellent career prospects. Systems analyst, web developer, application software engineer, project manager, digital network manager, and database manager are just a few of the prestigious and well-paid positions available to them.
Because IS is in the College of Business, IS graduates develop expertise in bridging the gap between business professionals and computer technologists. IS graduates develop broad business knowledge as well as technical skills such as systems analysis and design, computer programming, database management, network management, and Web development.
CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
Credit may be obtained for certain IS courses by successfully passing a comprehensive examination with a grade of B or above.
HONOR SOCIETIES AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:
The IS department sponsors a student chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). Membership is open to all students interested in the study of information systems.
Department of Information Systems Scholarships
Refer to the College of Business Web site at: www.uwec.edu/cob/academics/undergraduate/scholarships_awards.htm for an up-to-date listing of Department of Information Systems scholarships, or contact the department chairperson, Schneider 401.
COMPREHENSIVE MAJOR: INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The IS department offers a comprehensive major (60 credits, no minor required) with emphases in Business Analysis and Systems Development. The department also offers a minor (24 credits), and a certificate (11-12 credits).
The IS program is based on the Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Information Systems developed jointly by the Association of Information Technology Professionals, the Association for Computing Machinery, and the Association for Information Systems. Input to the curriculum is regularly provided by employers, the IS Industry Advisory Committee, current students, alumni, and other stakeholders.
Business Analysis Emphasis (Code 832-001)
The business analysis emphasis serves students desiring to concentrate on managerial aspects of the IS field such as system design, project management, security policy development, and user relations.
Requirements for the Business Analysis Emphasis:
Sixty semester credits, including the BUSCORE (31 credits); the IS CORE (IS 304, 310, 344, 345, 460); IS 365, 411, 455; and five additional elective credits from Acct 430; Art 312; Bcom 405; CS 145, 163; IS 320, 384, 420, 491, 495; Mgmt 443; any course from the unchosen emphasis; and other as approved by the IS department chair.
Econ 103 and 104; Math 111 and 246 must be completed as part of General Education requirements. Math 114 or any course with Math 114 as a prerequisite will substitute for Math 111. No more than three internship credits can count toward this major.
Systems Development Emphasis (Code 832-002)
The systems development emphasis serves students desiring a relatively technical IS education aiming toward such professional activities as software engineering, network management, database administration, and Web development.
Requirements for the Systems Development Emphasis:
Sixty semester credits, including the BUSCORE (31 credits); the IS CORE (IS 304, 310, 344, 345, 460); IS 314, 375, 450; and five additional elective credits from Acct 430; Art 312; Bcom 405; CS 145, 163; IS 320, 384, 420, 491, 495; Mgmt 443; any course from the unchosen emphasis; and other as approved by the IS department chair.
Econ 103 and 104; Math 111 and 246 must be completed as part of General Education requirements. Math 114 or any course with Math 114 as a prerequisite will substitute for Math 111. No more than three internship credits can count toward this major.
MINOR: INFORMATION SYSTEMS (Code 832-401)
The Minor in Information Systems (IS) is available to all students at UW-Eau Claire except IS majors, for whom it would be redundant. Students need not gain admission to the College of Business to complete this minor, consistent with the “Access to Business Courses for Non-Business Majors” policy in this catalogue. Students who minor in IS augment their major with organizational computing skills and knowledge that make them more proficient in their field, more attractive to potential employers, and more capable as citizens.
Requirements:
The IS minor requires 24 semester credits: Acct 201 or 202; IS 240, 290, 304, 310, 345; and six credits from the following courses or other as approved by the IS department chair: Acct 430; CS 145, 163, 319, 320, 321; Econ 103 or 104; IS 314, 365, 375, 384, 455, 491, 495; Mgmt 443; and Phil 308.
MINOR: INFORMATION SYSTEMS AUDIT AND CONTROL
(Code 720-404)
See the Accounting and Finance section for information about the Minor requirements.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The Certificate in Information Systems is available to all students at UW-Eau Claire except IS majors and minors, for whom it would be redundant. It is designed to complement majors in every area of study without the investment required for a minor. The certificate documents a student’s completion of coursework relating to IS issues in organizations. This recognition is noted on a student’s official University transcript.
Students complete four courses to obtain the Certificate. Non-business students complete all courses from the IS Department; business students can opt to complete three courses from IS and one from selected non-IS courses. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or above.
Requirements
All students complete these two courses:
• IS 240 Information Systems in Business
• IS 310 Systems Analysis and Design
Non-business students complete two of these three courses:
• IS 290 Introduction to Database Applications
• IS 304 Fundamentals of Business Programming
• IS 345 Data Communications Networks
Business students complete at least one of these courses:
• IS 290 Introduction to Database Applications
• IS 304 Fundamentals of Business Programming
• IS 345 Data Communications Networks
• IS 365 Security Policy Management
• IS 455 Project Management
Business students can opt to complete one of these courses:
• Acct 430 Accounting Systems
• Acct 460 Accounting Technology and Applications
• Mgmt 443 Process Simulations and Analysis
• Mktg 338 Marketing Analytics and Technology
To apply for the IS Certificate, students obtain an application form from the IS department office, Schneider 406, and return the completed application to that office by October 30 or March 30 of the semester in which they expect to complete the requirements. Shortly after final grades have been submitted to the Registrar, official certificates are mailed to successful applicants in January and June.
For more information on the IS Certificate program, contact the IS department.
