Information Systems

Organizations depend on quick, secure and reliable information. With a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (IS) from the University of Idaho, you'll have the broad business perspective, specialized expertise and technical skills to build and manage technology-driven information systems that help organizations communicate and operate more effectively.

As an IS major, you will learn the tools and concepts required to develop effective information systems that meld software, telecommunications, hardware, data resources, system management and people. You’ll also form a solid understanding of IS as it relates to other business functions.

As a student in the College of Business and Economics, you will learn business the way business is actually done in the real world. You will examine issues relevant in today’s market and engage in hands-on programs that simulate real business situations. You’ll closely collaborate with other students, receive personal mentorship from top business faculty and network with practicing professionals.

The acclaimed Integrated Business Curriculum (IBC) is the college's signature program. In your junior year, you will work as part of a team with other business students to address problems for companies such as Boeing, Micron, Starbucks, Columbia Sportswear and Coldwater Creek. The yearlong experience strengthens your teamwork and decision-making skills, and gives you valuable cross-functional knowledge in business systems, product and process planning, managing firm resources and business operating decisions.

Prepare for Success

If you are interested in using technology to improve lives, then a career in information systems (IS) is a good choice. IS professionals are skilled problem solvers, analytical thinkers, team players, tolerant of ambiguity and excellent communicators. You must like a challenge, think outside the box and be eager to research and develop new solutions. If you're interested in an IS degree, prepare in high school with related courses in technology, computers and business.

Your First Year

During your first year in the College of Business and Economics, you will complete core discovery courses and general university requirements in English, math, science and communication. You will also take Business 100, an introductory course to all business majors. 

You will take foundation business courses during your second year and spend your junior year working as part of a small team with other business majors in the Integrated Business Curriculum. Your fourth year will include an intensive capstone course and upper-division IS courses.

Information Systems Curriculum Sheet

What You Can Do

As an information systems professional, you might have a career as a:

• Network engineer
• Information systems manager
• Web administrator
• Systems developer
• Software developer
• Information technology consultant
• Network administrator
• Web developer
• Database administrator
• Support and maintenance technician
• LAN/WAN administrator
• Business analyst

Opportunities

A degree in information systems prepares you for well-paying careers in all types of organizations, including large corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, health care, higher education and information technology firms. Recent program graduates have a reported average annual salary of $56,000. Our graduates are actively recruited by major companies including:

• Safeco
• Boeing
• Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
• University of Idaho
• Accenture
• Advanced Hardware Architecture
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield
• Micron Technologies
• NRS
• Ferguson
• Amphire Solutions

Current Research

Faculty members in the College of Business and Economics are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in information systems. Current faculty research projects and interests include:

• Sustainable Idaho Initiative ($90,000 grant)
• SBOE Idaho Technology Incentive Grant
• IS security
• System design for service Web sites
• Laptop examinations/encryption software
• Computer-mediated communication
• Information technology and marketing performance
• Web-based
• Internet use

Activities

Hands-On Experience

In the College of Business and Economics (CBE), you will have hands-on experiential learning opportunities to ensure your readiness for the real business world. These interactive programs give you practical experience and business know-how that will set you apart. Our signature programs include:

• Integrated Business Curriculum: The program revolutionizes the traditional model of teaching business in standalone classes and emphasizes a more realistic approach to business education. The innovative yearlong program brings together juniors in all business majors to address real issues.
• VIEW Entrepreneurship Program: Vandal Innovation and Enterprise Works (VIEW) provides opportunities for you to create and pursue new business ideas and build entrepreneurship skills. The program is available to all majors and hosts an annual competition for teams of student entrepreneurs.
• Vandal Solutions: A nonprofit, student-operated company that gives you practical business experience, while offering the university and local businesses market research, Secret Shoppers and feasibility studies. Proceeds benefit university programs and activities.
• Barker Trading Room: Students gain practical experience in this sophisticated trading room outfitted with 60-inch plasmas tuned to CNBC, a real-time trade station and current technologies. 
• International Experiences: Discover business globally by studying abroad for a semester or accompanying our faculty on one of several CBE student international trips.
• Internships: Gain valuable on-the-job experience through quality internships with major employers.

Facilities

The modern J.A. Albertson Building is home to the College of Business and Economics. Here students learn in technologically advanced classrooms featuring smart boards and wireless connectivity.