Business Information Systems
Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems
Manage your future in information technology! Build a repository of skills in the modern business environment with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems degree from Ashford University.
Degree Focus
Your Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems demonstrates your proficiency at designing, developing, implementing, as well as troubleshooting information systems in a high-tech organization. You will complete coursework in database management, systems analysis, technology planning, programming concepts, business law, and procurement.
Career Opportunities
Employment of information systems managers is expected to grow faster than average for other occupations through the foreseeable future. When you complete your Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems, you will have what you need to begin any number of careers in which diverse knowledge is a must. As a graduate with your Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems, your career options may include:
- Systems trainer
- Support specialist
- eCommerce developer
- Enterprise systems manager
- Information resource manager
- Technology consultant
- Implementation specialist
- Business analyst
Your courses in this Bachelor of Arts degree program are taught by advance-degreed instructors with real-world experience in the subjects they teach. In addition, you can transfer up to 90 approved credits toward your Bachelor's degree and accelerate your degree completion.
Special Terms and ConditionsIf this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems degree program will be able to:
- Utilize analytical, logical, and critical thinking abilities to analyze user requirements and to design, develop, and deploy effective information systems solutions;
- Evaluate appropriate enterprise solutions for business success;
- Manage relationships with technology providers and customers;
- Analyze alternatives to complex business problems and alternatives; and
- Evaluate the business as an integrated information system including the relations among the functional areas, and the application of long-range planning, systems implementation, and control processes.
Program Requirements
- Total number of credits required: 120 credits
- General Education Requirements: 52 credits*
- Major Course Requirements: 45 credits*
- Electives: 26 credits
You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University® to meet the residency requirement.
* In this program, 3 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.
Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.
Admission Requirements
- Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
- Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
- English Language Requirement
- Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.
- Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
Technology Requirements
Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:
- Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
- Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
- Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.
System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required:
- Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
- Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
- Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
- Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
- Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.
Recommended for optimal performance
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
- Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
- Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.
Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.
If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.
If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.
* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.
Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.
Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.
* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.
Payment Options
- Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
- Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
- Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
- Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
- Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems
Coursework in the Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems degree program includes database management, systems analysis, technology planning, programming concepts, business law, and procurement.
Introductory Courses
Major Course Requirements
Introductory Courses
Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's® introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Educationand PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.
EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.
PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.
Major Course Requirements
(45 credits, all courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)
MGT 330 Management for Organizations
This course presents an introduction to management theory and practice, including the inter-relatedness that the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions play in the multicultural, technology-driven, and global organizations of the 21st century. The emphasis is on the application of management theory to real-life situations in the workplace.
ECO 204 Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to the theory of consumer equilibrium, market structure, and wage determination. Recommended prerequisites: critical thinking competency, mathematics competency, and computer competency.
ACC 205 Principles of Accounting I
Introduction to the principles and procedures of general financial accounting with an emphasis on reporting to individuals outside the organization. Development of accounting reports on an accrual basis.
INF 220 IS Principles
An introduction to the systems designed to support the information needs of the business functions of an organization. Topics include basic computer architecture, computer communications, models of information systems, information security, organizing and managing the information systems department, software and hardware acquisition, and the ethics involved in the management of information.
BUS 311 Business Law I
This course involves the study of contemporary issues of business law. The class will focus on how these legal issues influence traditional business operations, e-commerce and information technology. The course will address such topics as: business ethics, online commerce, contracts, business organizations, employment law and international law.
BUS 308 Statistics for Managers**
This course examines the application of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis in business decision making. Additionally, the course focuses on the utilization of statistical methods as applied to business problems and operations.
COM 340 Technical Writing
This course provides students with technical writing concepts and principles and the skills necessary to compose effective technical documents for a broad range of professions. Emphasis is placed on making complex and technical information understandable to a variety of audiences. Students will explore types of technical documents and the specific techniques applicable to technical writing such as outlines, abstracts, definition, and classification strategies. They will have an opportunity to apply their knowledge by writing a process or mechanism description, a proposal/recommendation report, and a detailed instruction for performing a task or operation.
INF 231 Programming Concepts*
An introduction to the methodology of programming and the construction of graphical user interfaces. Students are introduced to programming through the use of current programming languages. Emphasis is on structured design, coding, graphical user interfaces, event-driven programming, and documentation. A variety of programming problems develop skills in algorithm design, file processing, data structures, and event handling. Prerequisite: INF 103 or permission of instructor.
INF 340 Business Systems Analysis
This course studies the problems and needs of organizations and how business functions, staff, data, business processes, and technology can be used to achieve organizational goals and objectives. The focus is on assessment for improvement of the business and its functions. Prerequisite: computer competency.
INF 322 Database Management Systems*
This course provides an introduction to the concepts of database processing. An understanding of the physical and logical organization of data and the meaningful representation of data relationships are evaluated. Operational requirements of database management systems are also discussed. Prerequisites: INF 231 and math competency.
INF 325 Telecommunications & Networking Concepts
A study of real-time and distributed-processing computer networks including telecommunications, data transmission techniques (protocols), design, and implementation considerations. Prerequisite: INF 231 or permission of the instructor.
BUS 352 e-Business
An introduction to the fundamental concepts used in e-business and e-commerce. This course identifies and describes the wide range of applications in business. It explains what the Internet is and how it can be used for business applications in a competitive environment. Through Internet labs, this course will compare various Web strategies of current businesses.
INF 410 Project Management
Students will work in teams to produce an analysis-based design project. The course provides an understanding of the systematic process involved in project development, project modification, and project completion.
INF 336 Project Procurement Management
Designed to develop the basic knowledge base of project managers and project procurement managers, this course emphasizes partnering between buyers and sellers to create a single culture with one set of goals and objectives. Students will discover the key areas in procuring outside services and products - from the initial decision to buy through final contract closeout. They will recognize what must be done for success in the six key project procurement management processes: procurement planning, solicitation planning, solicitation, source selection, contract administration, and contract closeout. They will also formulate the make-or-buy decision, prepare an effective procurement management plan to guide the team, and use outsourcing for maximum benefit. Lessons and best practices from procurement theory and experience are also presented.
MGT 497 Strategic Technology Planning for Organizations
This course examines the role of information technology as a strategic component of modern business. While focusing on the implementation of computer-based information systems, it will also consider broader issues of communication and culture in organizations, as well as institutional change related to new technologies. It will use literature reviews, case studies, and an assessment exercise to address several issues related to new means and strategies in information and communication technologies.
* Please note that some applications in this course require Windows OS. If you currently use MAC OS 10.2 or greater, please be prepared to run a parallel desktop and a Windows OS in order to complete your coursework.
** Math competency must be met before taking this course.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Ashford University Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information contained below.
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