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Information Systems
Here’s a challenge for you. Think of a thriving business that doesn’t use computers and information systems. Pretty much impossible, right? That’s because nearly every business depends on information systems to succeed. If you have an interest in computer science and the world of business, then the information systems emphasis is for you.
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Program Overview
Dordt’s information systems emphasis will prepare you to give any business a competitive edge. Through your computer knowledge. Through your operating capabilities. And through your understanding of the business world.
A combination of information systems courses and business classes will give you the knowledge you need. Hands-on, practical application through internships and projects will give you the skills. And a deeper exploration of how Christ integrates into the business and IT world will give you a plan for applying your faith to your work.
What You'll Learn
You’ll gain skills in computer literacy and science. You’ll learn the ins and outs of how to succeed in business. And your Christ-centered coursework will equip you to tackle anything from algorithms to software attacks. Classwork includes client/server programming, data communications, and database systems design.
What You Can Do With An Information Systems Emphasis
Nearly every organization relies on the design, implementation and management of information systems. As a result, your career opportunities are plentiful. Your information systems emphasis could prepare you to become a Business Analyst, Software Developer, and IT Sales Professional. And those are just a few of the possibilities.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts evaluate business data in an attempt to improve different processes within the organization.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers design and manage scripts and code that allow computer software and applications to function properly.
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst is responsible for monitoring networks for security breaches and investigating them when they occur.
Career Preparation
Dordt University's 2023 Career Outcome Rate was 99.4%! “This data point tells us that Dordt graduates are prepared for the careers of their choosing,” said Amy Westra, director of Career Development. “A Dordt education provides students with industry-relevant courses and connections that make a difference.”
Students who choose the information systems emphasis will complete courses in computer science and statistics in addition to completing the general requirements for a business administration degree. Additionally, students will pick one business administration elective and one economics elective.
- Programming I: An introduction to computer programming. Basic notions of abstraction, elementary composition principles, the fundamental data structures, and object-oriented programming technique are introduced. Topics include variables, control structures, arrays, and input/output.
- Information Systems Design: An introduction to the nature of information systems, the conceptual foundations and use of such systems. Topics include information systems project management, requirements analysis and use cases, structural and behavioral modeling, prototyping, use of the Unified Modeling Language, and an introduction to SQL database access.
- Introduction to Data Communications: A study of the concepts, issues, and technology involved in the transmission of data. Topics include network configurations, communications protocols, data coding schemes, and transmission hardware.
- Database Systems Design: A study of the design, development, and implementation of an information system for management. Topics include database architecture, data definition and manipulation, report generation, and high-level language interface.
- Advanced Excel: This course focuses on the customization and programmability of Excel spreadsheets. The main topics covered will include writing macros, controlling spreadsheets, databases and other business applications using scripts and short programs.
- Introduction to Data Science: Introduction to the field of data science and the workflow of a data scientist. Types of data (tabular, textual, sparse, structured, temporal, geospatial), basic data management and manipulation, simple summaries, and visualization. This course also serves as preparation for
Actuarial Exam PA. Additionally this course, along with Statistics 220 and Statistics 353, serves as preparation for Actuarial Exam MAS II. - Client/Server Programming: An introduction to software development in a networked computing environment. Focus will be on development of web-based software solutions employing tools such as scripting languages for both the client (browser) side and the server side.
- Calculus I: A study of the basic concepts and techniques of calculus for students in all disciplines. Topics include limits, differentiation, integration, and applications. This course is intended for students without any previous calculus credit.
- Econometrics: This course covers all of the topics in Statistics 201 and topics commonly used in economic applications of statistics: time series and forecasting, linear time series models, moving average, autoregressive and ARIMA models, data analysis and forecasting with time series models and forecasting errors. Meets at the same times as Statistics 201 plus two additional hours per week. This course, along with Statistics 132 and Statistics 203, also serves as preparation for Actuarial Exam SRM. Additionally this course, along with Statistics 132, Statistics 203, Statistics 220 and Statistics 352, serves as preparation for Actuarial Exam MAS I. Offered second half of spring semester.
- Introductory Statistics: An introductory course in statistical techniques and methods and their application to a variety of fields. Topics include data analysis, design of experiments, and statistical inference including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Exposure to statistical software and a substantive student project are also part of this course.
- One business administration elective
- One economics elective
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