Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences

About the Department

The Computer Information Systems Option provides students with the knowledge, skills, and modern tools in the area of IT. Students will learn about the strategic role of IS in business decision making. They will also learn how to design systems to solve management problems in all functional areas of business. Included in the curriculum are courses in data communication, network administration, database systems, geographic information systems, end-user computing, expert systems, Web page design, programming, and systems analysis and design.

Job titles fall into three categories: application development, technical development, and systems support.

Mission

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.

Applications developers (e.g. systems analysts) are responsible for creating and maintaining the business software and systems a company needs. Systems analysts' jobs require strong interpersonal skills, as they spend much of their time with the users determining needs and processing functions. In addition, they must have thorough knowledge of business application systems. They often know as much about the company's work (for example, banking) as anyone in the company. Many of our IS graduates are hired in this category.

Technical developers (e.g. database administrators, network specialists) work with the operating, database, and network systems. Their jobs are generally concerned with managing the computer environment. Usually, working in teams, they are responsible for integrating the different hardware and software systems within the company.

Systems support personnel (e.g. Web site managers, system administrators) are responsible for the daily operation of all computer systems, both hardware and software. Support jobs differ with the computer environment. Support people often do not create, maintain, or develop software. They often move into technical development as they gain more on-the-job experience.

The Certificate in Business Information Systems is directed toward enhancing the knowledge of candidates for entry level IS- related positions. The program consists of five-course sequence involving the same IS core courses required for the IS option students. The details regarding this certificate are outlined on the next page.

The Certificate in Network Administration is designed to enhance the knowledge, practical experience, and employability of candidates who have had IS-related job experience and wish to expand their expertise. The details regarding this certificate are outlined on the next page.