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Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems
Manage your career in information technology! You will complete coursework in database management, systems analysis, technology planning, programming concepts, business law, and procurement.
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 Education and 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 Personal Dimensions of Education 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 Adult Development & Life Assessment 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 semester 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. Prerequisite: INF 103 or permission of instructor.
BUS 311 Business Law I
Introduction to the legal environment of business in the United States. Examination of the Constitution, administrative law, contracts, agency, and the protection of competition, consumers, employees, investors, the environment, and international trade.
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. This course can be used as a substitute for BUS 309. Prerequisite: INF 103 or permission of instructor.
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. Prerequisites: MGT 330 and INF 340.
* 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 sounds like it will fit your personal and professional goals, contact us at 866-711-1700 to learn more, or click here to request additional information.