What is a Bachelor’s in Business Information Systems?

With an online business information systems degree, you will build a repository of skills in the modern business environment. The Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems degree from the Forbes School of Business and Technology® at the University of Arizona Global Campus enables graduates to understand the interaction, planning, development, operations of information systems, and information sharing within a business or organization.

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Degree Completion Journey

Coursework for this business information systems degree includes database management, systems analysis, technology planning, programming concepts, business law, and procurement.

1

Freshman Year

  • In this foundational course, students explore the principles necessary for achieving personal and career success. GEN 101 serves as a road map, guiding students as they begin their academic journey. Through self-discovery, surveying available resources, connecting with UAGC groups, and engaging with Career Services, students learn the essential skills of planning and goal setting. Students apply their personal strengths, skills, and lifelong learning strategies to develop essential career competencies. By making these meaningful connections students gain a deeper understanding of how their education relates to their desired career path.  Congratulations on embarking on this college journey filled with growth, exploration, and endless possibilities! This course is not available for non-degree seeking students and is not available as an elective.

  • This course will help students gain knowledge and skills required for achieving computer and digital literacy in the twenty-first century and introduce students to information technology in three levels: basic understanding; practical applications; and implications for their lives, world, and future. Students will use operating system software, the Internet, and productivity software (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation graphics, etc.).

  • Learn and use key, practical skills that are applicable at home, at work, and in all UAGC courses! As UAGC students progress in their academic journey, strategies for personal, professional, and academic success continue to develop. This introductory course takes a two-pronged approach to setting students on a path to success. It merges fundamental informational literacy concepts with essential resources and skills that prepare students for college and career. Students learn how to identify, locate, evaluate, apply, and acknowledge information obtained through UAGC Library databases and internet search engines. By applying the research process, students sharpen critical thinking skills and learn to use information ethically. The final project is a practical and relevant opportunity for students to apply their learning in personally, professionally, and academically meaningful ways.

  • ENG 121 is designed to introduce students to the standards of writing in both academic and professional settings. The class will operate by first introducing, and then allowing students to practice, several written communication skills. Throughout, we will work to understand writing as a process, one that is strengthened through critical thinking, deepened by research, and built on a foundation of professional standards. Students will articulate a sense of their own skills and goals, and engage in collaborative conversations with peers and their instructor so as to be able to express their ideas more effectively. During the course, students will use the writing process to scrutinize their own perspectives while challenging them to embrace a wider conversation.

  • This course is designed to expand students’ appreciation of film and knowledge of how films are made. Through analysis of storytelling in a visual medium, students will examine the ways in which movies are shot, develop characters, evoke emotion, depict physical reality, reflect society, and have the power to influence it. Though the focus of the course is film itself, students will gain deeper intercultural fluency while growing their skills in critical thinking, written communication, and visual analysis.

  • This course is a study of correct and incorrect reasoning involved in everyday activities. The fundamentals of language and argument, deductive and inductive reasoning and other aspects of practical reasoning are examined. 

  • This course examines and evaluates theories and arguments concerning ethics and moral reasoning from a philosophical perspective. By engaging with historical and contemporary sources, students will analyze theories about the meaning, nature, and justification of ethical concepts; determine and assess how different forms of moral reasoning apply to contemporary moral issues; become more reflective and informed about their own moral beliefs; and develop their capacity for critical practical reasoning.

  • In this course, students will develop and expand their research and writing skills to communicate ideas in informed, ethical, and persuasive written documents intended for a range of audiences across a range of situations and contexts. Students will receive instruction and practice in synthesis and analysis, bolstering their written communication skills with a thorough understanding of academic research while honing critical thinking skills and effective work habits. Through writing well-structured, logical, and effective academic essays, students will explore tools and develop topics in a way that is meaningful to academic and professional lives. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG 121 or equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better.

  • This course is designed to aid students in understanding the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Verbal and nonverbal communication patterns among people in personal, social, academic, and professional settings will be examined, within and between cultures, including both face-to-face and technologically mediated channels.  The nature of these interactions will be evaluated using contemporary communication theory. The course will enable students to identify their interpersonal communication skills and behaviors and to more critically evaluate their own oral communication and that of others. The primary goals of the course are to improve the quality of students’ communication in their personal and professional relationships, to enhance students’ experience and. confidence with oral communication, and increase awareness of the importance of interpersonal communication that is inclusive and equitable.

  • This course surveys American history from 1877 to the present. Emphasis is placed on the multifaceted experiences within American society; political, economic, intercultural, and social trends; and the impact of the United States in world affairs. Prerequisite: ENG 122 or successful completion of the Written Communication Competency II requirement.

2

Sophomore Year

  • This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of social sciences and some of the disciplines that comprise this field, including anthropology, psychology, economics, sociology, political science, and history. In this course, students will learn important social science concepts and theoretical approaches, along with the research methods that social scientists use to study human behavior. They will also learn how research and findings from the social sciences can be applied broadly throughout society. Throughout the course and through a summative assignment, students will examine how social factors shape social behavior and some of the consequences of current social problems.

  • In this course, learners deepen their understanding of the importance of natural resources to mankind. Students explore physical, biological, and ecological principles, examine how human alterations affect the environment, and reflect on the controversies surrounding various approaches to addressing environmental problems and the steps some communities have taken to address these challenges.

  • In this course, students will explore a wide range of Algebra topics. Topics will include study of linear equations, linear relationships, slope, polynomials, and functions, including graphing relations and solving systems of equations. Emphasis will be placed on developing an awareness of historical and current uses of algebra in real life settings, in various careers, and in solving important societal problems.

  • The capstone serves as an opportunity to reflect upon, integrate, and showcase learning achievement. Through discussions and course-embedded assessments, students will demonstrate a mastery of essential general education competencies as they relate to their personal and professional lives and provide evidence of growth through application of competency related skills to real-world situations. A minimum grade of “C-“ is required to meet course requirements. Prerequisite: 75 completed credits or permission of the student’s college or dean.

  • ECO 204 is an introduction to the microeconomic principles of the market system and provides a general outline of the consumer and producer choice theories. The course also discusses other important microeconomic concepts like supply and demand, externality, elasticity, pricing and profitability. Other topics include various levels of firm and industry competition associated with different market structures. Recommended prerequisites: Fulfillment of the General Education Critical Thinking competency, Quantitative Reasoning Core competency, and Digital Literacy competency. (Equivalent to ECO 308).

  • 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.

  • This course develops students’ understanding of information systems, foundational technologies, and organizational application to conduct business and solve problems. This course presents information systems principles and examines how they form an integral part of modern organizations. Topics include systems concepts; organizational processes; technological aspects of information systems; Internet applications; IT security; database management; systems development life cycle; and ethical and social responsibility issues. Prerequisite: INF 103 or TEC 100; or permission of instructor.

  • 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.

  • This course is a conceptual introduction to the field of statistics and its many applications in descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression analysis for business administration students with an emphasis on Excel’s tools for statistical analysis. Prerequisite: Fulfillment of Quantitative Reasoning Core Competency.

  • Students will develop the skills necessary for writing about scientific, environmental, medical, and technological topics. Emphasis is placed on making complex and technical information understandable to a variety of audiences. Prerequisites: ENG 122 or fulfillment of General Education Written Communication Competency II requirement and fulfillment of General Education Scientific Reasoning requirement.

3

Junior Year

  • This course is an introduction to computer programming with focus on the program development process and concepts involved in use of a higher- level, object-oriented programming language. In this hands-on, virtual lab-based course, students will analyze, design, code, and test computer programs using the JAVA programming language. Different programming language designs will be explored including building web elements, mobile applications, computer programs, and commands to different machines. Computer hardware and associated technologies are discussed. Students will acquire hands-on experience in the programming process.

  • 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: Fulfillment of the Digital Literacy Competency

  • This hands-on, virtual lab-based course introduces students to fundamentals of database management systems, techniques for the design of databases, and principles of database administration. Database management concepts, practices, and emerging trends are evaluated. In lab sessions, students will demonstrate the ability to build databases using enterprise DBMS products such as Oracle or SQL Server. Prerequisites: INF 231 and fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning core competency.

  • 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 is an introduction to the fundamental concepts used in e-business and e-commerce. This course identifies and describes the wide range of web-based applications in business. It will explore how the Internet is used for business applications, and development in a competitive environment. Activities within this course includes online research, topical discussions, analyzing e-business ideas, business level writing, and other activities designed to further insight into key course concepts. Students need to be proficient in using the Internet to research and find information.

  • This course provides the foundational principles and techniques to initiate, plan, execute, control, and close projects. Topics such as the project life-cycle management, project organizations and leadership, project team building will be covered. Project management methods and techniques for project charter, scope, schedule, budget, risk management, control and closeout, and project management software are also covered.

  • 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. 

  • In this capstone, students will integrate knowledge and practices explored in the Bachelor of Business Information Systems program core courses. The course examines how an organization can achieve competitive advantage through the strategic alignment of information systems with organizational goals, and provides an opportunity for students to develop an Information Technology Strategic Plan. The course includes use of case analysis and interactive assignments to address industry best practices and challenges in real-world applications of IT strategic planning concepts. Prerequisites: GEN 499. This course must be taken last in the program. 

4

Senior Year

Program Requirements
Credit Breakdowns
General Education
43*
Credits
Major Credit Requirements
45*
Credits
Electives
35
Credits
Total Credits
120
Credits

To earn your Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems at the University of Arizona Global Campus, you must complete 120 credits. You will need to complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at UAGC to meet the residency requirement. You may be able to transfer approved credits from community colleges, other previous college coursework, or other life experiences such as military service or job training toward your degree.

*In this program, 3 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Special Terms and Conditions

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems degree by itself does not provide licensure or certification in any state, regardless of concentration or specialization. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession shall carefully research the licensure and certification requirements in a student’s home state prior to enrollment in this degree program, as often such requirements vary by state. While the University of Arizona Global Campus does not guarantee that any state or professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification, UAGC continues to make every effort to ensure our Technology programs align to include knowledge needed in preparation to complete specific industry certifications.

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The Online Learner Support Certification recognizes programs that provide all the critical student and academic services needed for learner success and use learner feedback to continuously improve those services.

Customize Your Business Information Systems Degree with UAGC Emphases

An emphasis provides you with additional opportunities to broaden and enrich your education that is distinct from and enhances your major. It may be taken as a way to expand career options, to prepare for graduate study, or simply to explore in greater depth an area different from your major. An emphasis consists of 9 to 12 credits.
  • Do you have an interest in studying important questions like how a country builds wealth and what policies help economies grow? If so, the Business Economics emphasis may be for you! This emphasis provides the critical knowledge you need to understand the impact of the economy on businesses, individuals, and the global community. Learning economic concepts will assist you in understanding how to analyze scarce resources, how to structure effective consumer incentives, and how public policies may impact an economy. Finally, the Business Economics emphasis includes topics such as profit maximization, international trade, and how to solve contemporary business problems in a global environment. The following courses are a part of the emphasis:

    Undergraduate Business Economics Emphasis Courses

    ECO 320 International Economics

    3 Credits

    This course will focus on the global environment of firms with particular emphasis on economic variables such as GDP, inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates. Topics include international trade, international finance, and regional issues in the global economy.

    ECO 406 Business Cycles & Growth

    3 Credits

    Topics include analysis of economic fluctuations and their impact on corporations and consumers; different explanations for business cycles; monetary and fiscal policy for stabilizing economic fluctuations; effects of public debt, investment, employment and trade policy on economic growth. Prerequisite: ECO 203.

    ECO 408 Managerial Economics

    3 Credits

    This course will focus on the application of economic principles and analyses to contemporary business problems and managerial decision making. Emphasis will be given to price and production decision making for profit maximization, investment decision making for a new project, strategic decision making in various business situations, and decision making with risks and uncertainty. Prerequisite: ECO 204.

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  • The Cognitive Studies emphasis is designed to introduce you to the study of the brain and how we learn, solve problems, and make decisions. You will discover the unique needs of learners with cognitive delays, as well as programs to address those needs. You will also learn to identify changes in brain development over time and analyze their impact on cognitive functions.

    Undergraduate Cognitive Studies Emphasis Courses

    EDU 411 Reading & Cognition

    3 Credits

    The task of learning to read is a very complex process involving the application of perceptual, sensory, linguistic, and cognitive skills to making meaning of text. Exploration of the specific cognitive functions that are applied while reading and strategies supporting reading instruction and reading comprehension skills will be addressed. The implications of digital media on reading skills will also be explored in this course.

    PSY 317 Cognitive Functioning in the Elderly

    3 Credits

    This course will introduce changes both cognitively and physically, that occur in both healthy and pathological aging. This course will emphasize changes in functioning, learning, language-processing, decision-making, memory, and reasoning in older adults Prerequisite: PSY 101 or equivalent.

    PSY 323 Perception, Learning, & Cognition

    3 Credits

    Students will study research and theory about mental processes that go between experience and the human mind. Students will gather and interpret data for several simple experiments that demonstrate classic research findings in perception, learning, and cognition. Perception entails the mental processes involved in the organization and interpretation of sensory experience. Learning entails relatively permanent changes in behavior that result from experience. Cognition explains how the mind processes information, how we encode, store, and retrieve memories, and how we use information to form beliefs, make decisions, and solve problems. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or equivalent.

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  • Perhaps you want to be your own boss, or you enjoy out-of-the-box thinking, solving puzzles, resolving problems, and finding creative ways to address issues in the current business environment. The Entrepreneurship emphasis may be just what you are looking for. This emphasis can help you visualize and realize skills you will need to succeed in a global business environment. It enables you to craft a foundation of skills and essential knowledge to build a business from its inception and transform it into sustainable growth. You will learn how to analyze risk, address and analyze the impact of various environmental factors in the political and ethical realm, and learn to design and compile business plans. The following courses are part of the emphasis:

    Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Emphasis Courses

    BUS 362 Introduction to Entrepreneurship

    3 Credits

    This dynamic course is based on a unique model of entrepreneurial methodology developed by Forbes School of Business and Technology® at the University of Arizona Global Campus. Entrepreneurship encompasses imagining the unknown, taking inspired action, and embracing uncertainty to create a new future. It involves the identification, evaluation, and exploitation of opportunities to address challenges and to solve problems. Students will learn how to use imagination, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship to bring new ideas to fruition that inspire others. Students will create a feasible blueprint for a venture opportunity idea of their own. This course will be the beginning of the journey to becoming an entrepreneur.

    BUS 433 New Business Strategy

    3 Credits

    This course is intended to provide prospective entrepreneurs with information and tools for evaluating opportunities for starting a new firm—how to choose markets for entry, when to enter, and what resources and capabilities it will take to enter and provide a platform for future growth. Prerequisite: BUS 362.

    BUS 437 Business Plan Development

    3 Credits

    BUS 437 students will use prior learning to create a comprehensive business plan for a new venture. The emphasis is on using a systematic four-step method to frame business plan development activities. Each week student teams will develop one segment of the team’s business plan and receive feedback from the instructor through a game simulation. Prerequisites: BUS 362.

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  • Do you have an interest in learning how to lead a healthier lifestyle, exploring the benefits of behavior change, and diving into how to better manage stress? If so, the Health and Wellness emphasis may be for you! The Health and Wellness emphasis examines the dimensions of wellness and the relationship of chronic conditions to preventive measures and treatment interventions. This emphasis can help you gain skills to promote health and wellness behaviors on an individual level by evaluating lifestyle factors and developing personalized wellness programs that utilize evidenced-based theories and strategies. The following courses are a part of the emphasis:

    Undergraduate Health and Wellness Emphasis Courses

    HWE 200 Introduction to Health & Wellness

    3 Credits

    This course provides students with a holistic overview of the multi-faceted dimensions of health and wellness across the lifespan. The seven dimensions of health: Physical, social, intellectual, emotional, occupational, spiritual, and environmental are explored within the context of a wellness lifestyle.

    HWE 340 Exercise & Physiology

    3 Credits

    This course introduces students to physiological responses to exercise in the human body. Students compare the major physiological systems (energy transfer, cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, etc.) at rest, explain the systemic adaptations that occur with acute and long-term exercise, and evaluate how these activities affect health and human performance. Students also analyze how nutrition and pharmacological aids impact athletic performance.

    HWE 415 Stress Management

    3 Credits

    This course provides students with a basic understanding of stress management concepts including causes and effects of acute and chronic stress as well as techniques used to manage stress. Students learn about the effects of stress, analyze the relationship between stress and health, apply stress management techniques, and develop stress management programs while considering various cultural backgrounds.

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  • In the Real Estate Studies emphasis you’ll learn the ins and outs of a fascinating industry and prepare for examining the markets and financing methods for residential and commercial properties. Discover the many trends that influence property valuations and learn the best practices to benefit and safeguard investors. These three courses comprise the Real Estate Studies emphasis:

    Undergraduate Real Estate Studies Emphasis Courses

    RES 301 Principles of Real Estate

    3 Credits

    This course introduces students to the general principles of real estate, to include industry terminology, ethics, deeds, listing and purchase agreements, agency, contracts, and property valuation decisions. Emphasis will also be on factors impacting local and national real estate markets.

    RES 325 Real Estate Practice

    3 Credits

    This course examines the basic job functions of real estate salespersons and brokers. Property listing, advertising, escrow, sales, and establishing a client base will be covered with practical applications for completing successful transactions.

    RES 345 Legal Aspects of Real Estate

    3 Credits

    This course is a study of the legal system and its impact on purchase, ownership, sale, and leasing of real estate. Topics to be covered include contracts, wills, zoning, and environmental law, as well as Constitutional issues in real estate

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  • Courses within the Supply Chain Management area of emphasis highlight effective management of supply chain processes and information flow in order to optimize activities and costs, and successfully serve their customers. You will study individual functions of supply chain and strategic relationships among these functions, which include: purchasing, inventory control, warehousing, quality, sustainability, financial controls; importing, exporting, trade agreements, contract negotiations, and transportation. You will learn to apply the core business knowledge to managing wider organizational processes. The following three courses comprise the Supply Chain Management area of emphasis:

    Undergraduate Supply Chain Management Emphasis Courses

    MGT 323 Principles of Supply Chain Management

    3 Credits

    This course introduces supply chain management, and the related costs. It provides a systematic overview and analysis of the elements of supply chain functions in widely varying types of industries and agencies, including handling, warehousing, inventory control, and financial controls. Prerequisite: MGT 330.

    MGT 370 International Supply Chain Management

    3 Credits

    Topics covered in this course include the government’s role in global logistics, the global logistics environment, ocean and air transportation, transportation to Canada, Mexico, and the European continent including intermediaries, documentation, insurance, exporting, and importing. Current trends in globalization will also be explored and evaluated. The role of logistics and transportation organizations in the global supply chain process will be discussed.

    MGT 400 Logistics Management

    3 Credits

    This course is an overview of logistics management in the modern business environment. It examines financial and economic aspects of logistics and highlights the value created by logistics activities. Students will evaluate transportation and warehousing management strategies. The course takes a practical approach to logistics and applies innovative logistics principles to business situations. The course examines contemporary topics, including the role of inventory, that support the organization’s strategic goals. Prerequisite: MGT 300.

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Careers in Business Information Systems

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 degree, 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 degree, your career options may include:

 

  • Application Development Director
  • Computing Services Director
  • Data Processing Manager
  • Information Systems Director (IS Director)
  • Information Systems Manager (IS Manager)
  • Information Technology Director (IT Director)
  • Information Technology Manager (IT Manager)
  • MIS Director (Management Information Systems Director)
  • Technical Services Manager
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists
  • Business Intelligence Analysts

 

*Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm

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Other Degrees That May Interest You

You’ll find degree programs that suit a variety of interests and may enhance a wide scope of career opportunities at UAGC. Explore similar programs to find the right path for you.

Is a Business Information Systems Degree Worth It?

All businesses contain information related to their products and internal structure. With this degree, you will learn how to comprise business information through technology. If you are interested in technology and computers but want an education that provides a solid background in business that is directed toward real-world application instead of theory, then pursuing an information systems degree can be a great fit for you. This online degree is for individuals who want to work with computers while specifically utilizing them to design, build, and evaluate business-related information systems.

Business Information Systems Degree – Why Choose UAGC?

As new technology continuously advances, the need for individuals who can understand and strategically plan around these advancements will continue to increase. While pursuing your bachelor’s in business information systems degree, you will be exposed to current and relevant subject material that will keep you up-to-date on the latest advancements in business and technology. You will learn how to integrate business roles with e-commerce, enterprise systems and how they support business processes, and how big data is being used in today’s economy.

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