Information Systems
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Information is a critical, organizational resource, and to succeed and excel, organizations must effectively manage information. This is a challenge that requires individuals who possess both technical and management acumen. The Information Systems concentration is designed to prepare students to meet this unique challenge. The IS concentration strives to provide a solid technical foundation as well as an understanding of the implications of managing technology to meet the information needs of organizations. Successful information systems professionals understand technology. They are able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences and are able to manage technical and human resources. Studying Information Systems within the context of a Liberal Arts education is especially appropriate as this provides students with the knowledge base, communication skills, and problem solving abilities that the field requires.

Career Opportunities

The need for information systems professionals continues to grow. The Information Systems program in PEL provides a solid foundation for students who are interested in management careers as systems analysts, business analysts, technology managers, information systems consultants, and knowledge workers.

For those interested in further study, graduates will find that the program prepares them for graduate programs in Management Information Systems, Business Administration, or Computer Information Systems.

The IS concentration offers two primary tracks to meet the needs of PEL students: the Management Information Systems (MIS) track and the Applied Information Systems (AIS) track.

Management Information Systems (MIS)

The Management Information Systems (MIS) track combines a core set of courses in Information Technology with a core set of Business Management courses to provide a managerial focus. This track is appropriate for those students who are currently employed in the information technology field and have discovered that a degree is a desirable credential for career advancement. These students may have developed a set of technical skills on the job and will benefit most from a course of study that concentrates on management issues.

Applied Information Systems (AIS)

The Applied Information Systems (AIS) track prepares students to develop and deploy information systems technology. A fundamental purpose of this track is to help students acquire a skill set that will enable them to gain entry into the Information Technology profession. This track targets those students who are interested in either starting a career in information technology or making a career change from another field to information technology.