Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences
Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences
We prepare a diverse student body in the fast growing fields of Information Systems and Technology and Data Analytics for Decision-Making to support economic development in the Central Valley and beyond. Producing new intelligence from raw data, collected by computer-based information systems, can help businesses enhance products and services, and organizations to meet their strategic goals. Computer-based data analysis and information-sharing lead to better, more informed decisions. In addition to traditional methods of classroom instruction and guest speakers, students in these options are exposed through hands-on experiences to new developments in computer technology, software, and applications.
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Degree Options and Certificates
Computer Information Systems (CIS) is the practice of developing and maintaining systems to support operations, management, and decision-making. It combines technology, people, and business organizations in a single field. With an enterprise-wide view, an information system can collect, store, process, analyze, and distribute information and make it available to all users across functional departments and across organizations to support their business operation and decision-making processes. Topics covered in this option include computer programming, database design, systems analysis and design, computer networks, project management, cloud computing, cybersecurity, mobile and Web application development, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence.
Data Analytics (DA) uses powerful tools and techniques to derive meaning and value from data. As companies are becoming more data-driven, data analytics is now being viewed as an essential area of expertise and as a distinguishable career path. Students learn to analyze data and find patterns to enhance business effectiveness and problem-solving. These skills are essential to make informed decisions to drive business forward and achieve strategic goals. Students learn to become problem-solvers and skilled to analyze data that unlock business opportunities and solutions while keeping the “big picture” in mind. Critical thinking and effective communication are complementary skills developed in this option. Topics covered in this option include decision analysis, data mining, modeling, prediction, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Eligibility
Certificates of special study are:
- Open to all business administration majors in any option, but only 6 units can double-count for credit for both one's major and the certificate.
- Open to all Fresno State students in any major and non-matriculated students (community members).
For successful completion of a certificate, students must receive a grade of C or better in each course.
Forms
Sign up for a certificate program
Apply for a certificate of completion
Certificate Programs
Prerequisites
Before entering the certificate program, applicants must:
- Demonstrate that they are conversant in computer concepts (equivalent to IS 52 and IS 52L at a minimum).
- Complete the application form.
Note: Students majoring in Information Systems (or an equivalent program) are not eligible for the Artificial Intelligence in Business Certificate of Special Study. Students majoring in Data Analytics (or an equivalent program) should account for all elective courses in their subject area. Information Systems courses should not be assumed to count as Data Analytics electives.
Curriculum
Required Courses (12 Units)
- IS 51 - Programming Fundamentals Units: 3
- IS 130 - Information Systems Units: 3
- IS 160 - Artificial Intelligence in Business Units: 3
- IS 170 - Machine Learning Applications Units: 3
Elective Courses (Select 3 Units)
- DS 135 - Data Analytics Units: 3
- DS 140 - Prescriptive Analytics Units: 3
- IS 158 - Database Design and SQL Units: 3
- IS 182 - Advanced Network Design and Management Units: 3
- IS 183 - Web Development and Mobile Design Units: 3
Prerequisites
Before entering the certificate program, applicants must:
- Complete at least 6 units of elementary accounting
- Demonstrate that they are conversant in computer concepts (equivalent to IS 52 and IS 52L at a minimum).
- Complete the application form.
Approval of the certificate program coordinator or the department chair is required.
Note: Students majoring in Information Systems (or an equivalent program) are not eligible for the Business Information Systems or Network Administration Certificates.
Curriculum
Required Courses (9 Units)
- IS 158 - Database Design and SQL Units: 3
- IS 166 - Information Systems, Analysis and Design Units: 3
- IS 181 - Computer Networks Management Units: 3
Elective Courses (Select 6 Units)
- IS 51 - Programming Fundamentals Units: 3
- IS 106 - Client-Side Software Architecture Units: 3
- IS 140 - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Business Units: 3
- IS 182 - Advanced Network Design and Management Units: 3
- IS 183 - Web Development and Mobile Design Units: 3
- IS 186 - Project Management Units: 3
- IS 190 - Independent Study Units: 1-3
- IS 195I - Internship Units: 3
Prerequisites
Before entering the certificate program, applicants must:
- Complete at least 6 units of elementary accounting
- Demonstrate that they are conversant in computer concepts (equivalent to IS 52 and IS 52L at a minimum).
- Complete the application form.
Approval of the certificate program coordinator or the department chair is required.
Note: Students majoring in Data Analytics (or an equivalent program) are not eligible for the Data Analytics Certificate of Special Study. Students majoring in Computer Information Systems (or an equivalent program) should account for all elective courses in their Information Systems subject area. Data Analytic courses should not be assumed to count as Computer Information Systems electives.
Curriculum
Required Courses (9 Units)
- DS 133 - Business Intelligence with Advanced Spreadsheet Units: 3
- DS 135 - Data Analytics Units: 3
- DS 137 - Machine Learning Units: 3
Elective Courses (Select 6 Units)
- ACCT 146S - Accounting Information Systems and Controls SL Units: 4
- ECON 123 - Introduction to Econometrics Units: 3
- DS 190 - Independent Study Units: 1-3
- DS 195I - Internship Units: 3
- FIN 123 - Business Forecasting Units: 3
- IS 140 - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Business Units: 3
- IS 153 - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems Units: 3
- IS 186 - Project Management Units: 3
Prerequisites
Before entering the certificate program, applicants must:
- Complete at least 6 units of elementary accounting
- Demonstrate that they are conversant in computer concepts (equivalent to IS 52 and IS 52L at a minimum).
- Complete the application form.
Approval of the certificate program coordinator or the department chair is required.
Note: Students majoring in Information Systems (or an equivalent program) are not eligible.
Curriculum
Required Courses (6 Units)
- IS 181 - Computer Networks Management Units: 3
- IS 182 - Advanced Network Design and Management Units: 3
Elective Courses (Select at least 6 upper-division units)
- IS 51 - Programming Fundamentals Units: 3
- IS 106 - Client-Side Software Architecture Units: 3
- IS 140 - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Business Units: 3
- IS 166 - Information Systems, Analysis and Design Units: 3
- IS 183 - Web Development and Mobile Design Units: 3
- IS 186 - Project Management Units: 3
- IS 190 - Independent Study Units: 1-3