Information Systems

The specialization in Information Systems is designed to provide the student with the background to perform the functions necessary in business information processing and management. In addition, the student can acquire sufficient knowledge so that he or she will be able to assume supervisory responsibilities in an information systems environment and lead strategic initiatives using information technologies for competitive advantage.

Our faculty is diverse in background and particularly well-suited to instruct students at both the undergraduate (B.S.B.A) and graduate (M.B.A.) levels in the ever-changing area of information systems.

Information Systems Degree

The specialization in Information Systems (IS) is designed to prepare students to be business-oriented, technically proficient IS professionals who can perform and eventually lead systems analysis, systems development, and technology management activities using state-of-the-art web-based and traditional software tools and design methodologies.

Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze and understand business problems and apply information technology to help solve these problems. Students will learn how to analyze client needs, define systems to meet these needs, develop applications, manage operations and act as technical intermediaries between management and other technical staff. Courses require extensive hands-on projects, teamwork and use of high-end technology in labs.

People attracted to the IS discipline enjoy solving puzzles, being involved in creative tasks, learning how electronic devices work, and adapting to constant change from continuously evolving technological innovations. Skills required for success in IS are curiosity about technology, willingness to help organizations improve performance, analytical thinking, excellent oral and written communication, and being proficient at teamwork on virtual and traditional teams.

IS professionals often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously, consequently the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to details is important.

Information Systems Specialization

Students in the Information Systems specialization take a common body of INFO courses beyond the College of Business core. In addition, four elective courses allow students to tailor their studies to a particular area of interest. Study within the information systems area is broken into an infrastructure option or an applications option. Students can focus on two areas of emphasis within each of these option areas.

Core Requirements

One Programming Language (depending on option) Infrastructure Option requires INFO 3200 C++  Application Option requires INFO 3000 Java I	3
INFO 3560 Database Systems	3
INFO 3700 Data Communication	3
INFO 4800 Project Management - WI	4
Option Areas Courses	12
Total Hours	25

Option Requirements

Infrastructure Option: Data Administration & Communication and Data Storage Management Interest Requirements

INFO 2100 Network Operating Systems	3
INFO 4200 Disaster Recovery & Contingency Planning	3
INFO 4560 Database Administration	3
Option Interest Elective	3
Total Hours	12

Infrastructure Option: Data Administration & Communication Interest Electives include INFO 4000, INFO 4400, or INFO 4410.

Infrastructure Option: Data Storage Management Interest Electives include INFO 4100 and INFO 4150.

Requirements for Application Option: System Development Interest 

INFO 3010 Java II	3
INFO 4780 Systems Analysis, Design, & Implementation	3
Option Interest Electives	6
Total Hours	12

Application Option: System Development Interest Electives include INFO 3200, INFO 3800, and INFO 3810. 

Requirements for Application Option: General Information Systems Interest 

INFO Courses (4)	12
Total Hours	12

Students interested in a general information systems degree will have the most flexibility in choosing among all electives. Students should speak with information systems faculty regarding appropriate combinations of electives for this area of emphasis.

Career Possibilities

• Programmer
• Network Administrator
• Network Architect
• Project Manager
• Systems Analyst
• Systems Administrator
• Help Desk Technician
• Network Security Specialist
• Disaster Recovery Specialist
• Database Administrator
• Database Architect
• SAN Specialist
• Chief Information Officer

Internship Opportunities

• AUM Center for Advanced Technologies
• Department of Defense
• Montgomery Cancer Center

SANCoE

The Information Systems Department manages the University's Storage Area Network Center of Excellence (SANCoE), one of only four that are part of a university curriculum. The SANCoE is the result of a partnership with Hewlett-Packard (HP), UNISYS, Integrated Computer Solutions, the Alabama Technology Foundation, Auburn Montgomery and the School of Business to address the critical need for data storage professionals in the local area.

Information Systems Club

For more information about the Information Systems Club, please contact the club advisor Wendy Futral at 334-244-3977 or Wendy.Futral@aum.edu.