Overview

Information Systems Fundamentals

Information Systems professionals perform the technology-related activities of companies. They perform a variety of duties, from constructing detailed business plans to overseeing network and Internet operations. Working with upper management, they define the technical goals of the company and plan how to accomplish these goals. In addition, they maintain corporate Web sites, analyze the information needs of organizations, and supervise systems analysts, programmers, technical support and other employees.

Real-World Experience

Our faculty periodically consult with local businesses and corporate advisory board members to add new content and relevance in their classes. As part of the curriculum, students have to complete a senior project for a local firm as part of a consulting team. Our classes typically include guest speakers, site visits, case studies and team-based activities. Students also gain practical professional experience through paid internships and UA's optional cooperative education program. 

Degrees and Preparation

Information systems and technologies are competitive necessities for all organizations. Today, organizations have Web-based integrated systems that span functional boundaries such as manufacturing, sales, accounting, finance and logistics. The demand for professionals with skills in the design, development and management of such technologies will always be high.

A degree obtained in the Information Systems program of The University of Akron paves the way for several opportunities in organizations. As an IS professional, you may staff a help desk, provide training, analyze business problems, and work with or lead project teams to develop or adapt software systems. You may also develop requirements for Web sites, and work with graphic designers and programmers to bring Web sites online.

IS professionals who work in corporate data centers are responsible for the computer systems that run the business. These systems may cover a wide range of activities from taking customer orders, triggering manufacturing, ordering raw materials and tracking inventories to keeping the books, paying the bills and reporting results to various stakeholders.

Later in an IS career, there may be opportunities to lead the information systems function for a division of the firm or for the firm as a whole as the chief information officer. CIOs are now responsible for helping to formulate business strategy, and IS professionals need to have a strong foundation in all aspects of business.

Some of the positions offered to our recent graduates include:

• E-business Specialist

• IT Auditor

• Quality Assurance Analyst

• Solutions Architect

• Business Systems Analyst

• Application Systems Programmer

• Web Designer

• Application Developer

• Integration Specialist