Bachelor of Science in Information Systems

DELIVERY MODE: Online

REQUIRED CREDITS: 180

Program Details

The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at City University of Seattle prepares students for cutting edge technology jobs working with operating systems, networks, databases and other key components of information systems.

Flexible learning options: Choose a completely online program or a mixed-mode program that utilizes some in-class coursework.
Admissions requirements: If you have a high school diploma you can apply to CityU’s information systems degree program.
Special accreditation: CityU’s BS in Information Systems is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, making it the only Information Systems program accredited in Washington State and one of only 40 ABET accredited information systems programs nationally.

Our fully accredited information systems degree program can bring you into a broad number of fields such as business, healthcare, education and homeland security.

Job Titles of Alumni with a BS in Information Systems

Business Analyst
Computer Programmer
Web Designer or Developer
Database Specialist
Systems Developer, Integrator or Analyst
Quality Assurance Manager

Get linked with an advisor to learn more about our bachelor’s program in information systems.

Center for Information Assurance Education

City University of Seattle operates a special center whose mission is to conduct programs, courses, research and consulting in Information Assurance. Learn more about the Center.

Educational Objectives

The Information Systems program will prepare graduates to:

Successfully compete as professionals throughout careers in
information systems.
Demonstrate competency in the analysis, software development
life-cycle, integration, implementation and management of
information systems in a global environment.
Appropriately integrate the most appropriate technologies to
meet business requirements.
Effectively contribute as a technical member or leader of a multi-
functional team.
Communicate well with both technical and business partners
orally and in writing.
Engage in life-long learning, remain current in their field, and
uphold high ethical standards.

Preparatory Courses

CS 131

Computer Science I: C++ (5)

This course provides an introduction to programming using the Standard C++ programming language. Students learn the basic concepts of assignment, iteration, and looping. The course includes extensive coverage of objects and the concepts of object-oriented programming. In addition, students will learn how to effectively structure a program.

CS 225

Introduction to Web Design (5)

The course develops a student’s understanding and skills in web development and script programming to create dynamic websites. The course is an introductory course and builds a fundamental working knowledge of web technology and the ability to create a website. Students will apply knowledge of computer operation and basic symbolic logic to the create a dynamic website. Students completing this course will have an understanding of the operation and construction of a dynamic website.

IS 201

Fundamentals of Computing (5)

This course is designed to provide an overview of the fundamentals of computing. Emphasis is placed on the five basic areas of Information Technology (IT): applications, platforms, development, data, and communication. Students will develop their understanding of basic IT concepts, and delve into Information Technology planning and analysis through practical application of current techniques and tools for building a website.

MATH 141

Precalculus (5)

This course covers a review of algebra and geometry; linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions and their graphs; exponential and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and inequalities; linear programming; and sequences, sets, counting, permutations, combinations, and probability. Emphasis is placed on the development of necessary mathematical skills needed for upper division coursework. Students needing math for GE purposes only should consider MATH 107 or MATH 138 instead of MATH 141. Prerequisites: MATH 138.

MATH 146

Foundational Statistics (5)

This course introduces students to the study of basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, and decision-making. Through various learning activities, students will explore concepts such as measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation, regression, discrete and continuous probability distributions, and hypothesis testing. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to describe important characteristics of a set of data and draw inferences about a population from sample data.

MATH 151

Calculus (5)

This course covers the basic concepts and theory of differential and integral calculus of one variable, with emphasis on applications to business and economics. Additional applications are drawn from the natural and social sciences.

MG 201

Introduction to Functions of Management (5)

Introduction to planning, organizing, coordinating, staffing, directing, budgeting, controlling, and evaluating functions of management; leadership roles and styles, and development of individual and group effectiveness; managing conflict and change; and the human aspects of management.

MK 205

Introduction to Marketing (5)

Students are introduced to fundamental concepts involved in marketing an organization. They will learn the following strategies: target marketing, marketing mix, new product development, competition, pricing, positioning strategy, SWOT analysis and market research. Students practice applying marketing strategies that support and drive strong businesses.

Business Core

BC 301

Critical Thinking (5)

The critical thinking process is used to analyze today's issues and aid the student in identifying rational solutions. Topics examined include: argument analyzing and building; forms and standards of critical thinking; and evaluating sources of information.

BSC 401

Interpretation of Financial Statements (5)

Interpretation of Financial Statements focuses on the analysis of publicly issued financial statements for decision making, and is taught from a user perspective. Students will learn to read, understand, and analyze a set of financial statements in a broad, decision-making context. Emphasis is placed on the consequences of recording accounting transactions on financial statements and the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). A basic knowledge of math, algebra, and general business principles is needed to succeed in this class.

BSM 405

Operations Management (5)

This course explores operations management in the manufacturing and service environments. Topics include: cost accounting information for improving efficiency, product and service quality, total quality management, project management, materials resource planning, value creation, supply chain management and economic value. Students will focus on how to apply these concepts to real world operation functions of both manufacturing and services. It is strongly recommended that College Math and Quantitative Methods be taken prior to this course.

BSM 407

Business Economics (5)

This course applies micro and macro economic theories to the real world. Topics include: supply and demand; market structure; policy issues such as income distribution, government regulation, and the environment; business cycles; money and monetary policy; and the international economy. Students will learn how to examine economic issues in their personal and professional lives.

IS 330

Information Systems (5)

This course will cover information systems taxonomies and general applications such as CRM, SCM, eCommerce, ERP, business intelligence, knowledge management, finance and accounting, personal productivity, computer supported cooperative work (groupware), and global systems. Future trends and directions of information systems will conclude this course.

PM 401

Introduction to Project Management (5)

Introduction to Project Management utilizes a real team project to manage a project’s life cycle. Emphasis is placed on activity networks, managing resources, and creating control mechanisms that minimize risk. Project leadership is explored in the context of building effective project teams and maintaining stakeholder relationships. Students will learn and apply basic project management concepts including time and resource constraints, planning, scheduling, work breakdown structure, Gantt Charts, network diagrams, and project control.

Technology Core

IS 306

Data Management Communications and Networking (5)

This course develops student understanding of a model of Information Systems composed of data acquisition, data transport, data manipulation, data storage and data display. The use of data to develop business intelligence, competitive advantage, and support business operations through lean supply chains, delivery, and oversight has become an increasingly critical component in business success. Students will learn how modern computer systems work with data across multiple systems to deliver relevant time critical information to managers and workers. Students will gain an insight into networked communications in support of business operations. This course prepares the student for working with data in a modern highly connected organization anywhere in the world.

IS 345

Information Security (5)

Information security is an increasingly vital concern in today's highly networked digital world. This course provides an overview of the field including the objectives of information security - Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) and the inherent conflicts in these objectives. Students will look at common threats and vulnerabilities and examine the risk management techniques and controls used to address them. Upon completing this course, students will have a solid foundation to study information security in more depth, and include an awareness of the demands of information security consideration in all technology efforts.

IS 350

Systems Analysis and Design (5)

This course covers systems analysis and design using the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK) as a foundation. Data, process, and network modeling are covered along with frameworks such as the Zachman Framework and The Open Group Architectural Framework (TOGAF). Object technologies will be built into the program along with design patterns. Students will complete the design of a system by the end of this course.

IS 375

C++ - Intermediate (5)

In this course students further their understanding of the C++ programming language, applying it to the managed code environment, databases and Windows programming. In the first part of the course students use C++/CLI to create managed code. The course then covers designing, implementing and accessing databases to store large data sets. Students then implement Windows based programs using the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC). Students will learn the concepts of event-driven programming, message processing, and Windows program structure. Prerequisite: CS 131

IS 470

IT Service Management (5)

This course focuses on Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) best practices as defined by Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management (TQM). Emphasis is placed on ITSM drivers of processes and strategies to create a viable Information Technology (IT) organization. Students will learn the foundation, values, strategies and operations of ITSM. Several exercises and hands on activities will focus on service support and service delivery.

IS 471

IT Ethics (5)

IS 471 Information Technology Ethics introduces students to the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of technology in organizations, schools and society. This course examines access and equity issues, censorship, privacy, piracy, hacking, commercialization, literacy, online communication, Intellectual Property, crime, Civil Liberties, Social Media, and developing a "global community" through the Internet. Understanding of Professional and Ethical Responsibilities and awareness of ethical issues facing IT professionals is emphasized. Analysis of situations involving ethical conflicts and the ability to make decisions based on professional codes of ethics and conduct is explored.

Depth of Study in Systems Development and Management

IS 308

Internet Technologies (5)

This course covers Internet technology including: physical devices and networks, protocols and services, and common network operating systems. The course focuses on a broad understanding of how to use and implement networks, including an introduction to physical and logical network design. This course will provide students with an understanding of networking and Internet Protocols (IP) they will use to design small- to mid-sized business networks or expand their knowledge in network-based application programming or network security. Prerequisite: CS 225

IS 360

Database Technologies (5)

This course covers data modeling, design, normalization, change control, backup / recovery, data dictionaries, client server architecture, SQL, Relational and Object Databases, MS SQL Server 2008, Oracle, and mySQL (open source). The emphasis is on understanding why information resources are of critical importance and how to manage them. The course concludes with a discussion of the future directions of database technologies.

IS 430

Web Programming (5)

The course brings together student skills in web development, programming and databases to create dynamic websites which incorporate the use of databases, web services, and mash-ups. The course builds on programming concepts learned in IS 410 using PHP, Javascript, Ajax, MySql, API’s and other tools to teach techniques for web programming. Students will apply development paradigms learned in previous courses to a team project. Students completing this course will have an understanding of how to create effective web-based applications. Prerequisite: CS 225

IS 440

Quality Assurance (5)

This course covers software testing throughout the entire lifecycle of systems development. In addition, peer reviews, AARs, lessons learned, and audits will be covered. Students will develop a QA Plan for their organization as a deliverable of this course.

IS 450

Software Process Management (5)

This course covers software process improvement concepts including CQI, CMMI, and PCMM. These concepts illustrate how to assess the current state of software development and provide practice in how to systematically improve and manage the software development process using national and international standards. Both the improvement of the software development process as well as the improvement of the capability of software professionals is covered. Students will create a software process improvement plan by the end of this class.

Capstone

Dr. Mark Bowles

A Q&A with Dr. Mark Bowles, Associate Faculty for the Technology Institute

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: PhD Case Western Reserve University. MBA University of Phoenix.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I like to hang out with my kids and play Mario World 3D with them. I also like spending time with my wife of 25 years. Volunteering with the homeless and serving as an advocate for clean water issues worldwide are also passions.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: IS471, ISEC520, ITMGMT550, ITMGMT565.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: There is no better vocation in the world for me. It enables me to keep learning and growing, and I get to share that with excellent students who are also eager.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: The students here are terrific, the class materials are engaging, and CityU is a quality institution of higher learning. Those who I work for treat associate faculty with respect and appreciation. That is not the case everywhere in academia.

Q: What is one thing that you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: I tell them about my family. I let students also know what books I am currently working on. I think it is important to demonstrate that I am an active scholar.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: Do it! We will have fun within a positive and rigorous learning environment.

Q: What is something you’ve learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied on?
A: I have had some good advice on course organization and lecture topics.

Dr. Clifton Howell

A Q&A with Dr. Clifton Howell, Associate Faculty

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: PhD in Organization and Management with a concentration in Information Technology Management from Capella University.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I enjoy playing golf, playing the piano, and performing magic.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: PM401 Fundamentals of Project Management; IS470 IT Service Management; IS471 IT Ethics; PM406 Project Risk and Change Management; ITMGMT540 Managing the Technology Enterprise; ITMGMT575 Technology Implementation and Change; ITMGMT570 Managing the Technology Infrastructure; ITMGMT560 Managing Organizational Learning; MBA520 Managing with Technology.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I began teaching because it allows me to share my passion for business and technology with students who are also interested in these topics.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: CityU courses are very application-oriented even though they also contain some theory. I like the balance between the scholar and practitioner perspectives.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: I always emphasize writing, because good communication skills are important no matter what discipline a student has chosen.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
A: Students routinely tell me they are putting their lessons learned in the classroom into practice in their jobs right away. It is always good to know that the topics we are studying in class are highly pragmatic.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: In my classes you’ll work hard and learn a lot.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: These evaluations help identify areas in courses that are confusing for students. Because I spend so much time in the courses and have taught them many times, it’s easy for me to overlook something that may be confusing for a student seeing the course for the first time.

Ann Robinson

A Q&A with Ann Robinson, Associate Faculty

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: MBA in Engineering Technology. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from City University of Seattle.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: Golfing, video games, movies, Zumba and Cross-fit.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Information technology and security.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I have a passion for technology and security.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: Technology can be challenging at times but never give up!

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
A: It was a trip to China. Everywhere I went, people took pictures of me.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: Use your innovative and creative skills with technology and security. Think outside of the box!

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: Feedback is the key.

Dr. Simon Cleveland

A Q&A with Dr. Simon Cleveland, Associate Professor

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: PhD in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I love travelling, learning about new cultures, swimming, and reading non-fiction books.

Q: What classes do you teach?

ITMGMT 510 – Managing the Technology Project
ITMGM 530: Managing Process Innovation
IS 350: Systems Analysis and Design.
IS 450: Software Process Management
IS 470: IT Service Management

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: I have a passion for sharing knowledge that drove me to academia. In fact, my doctoral dissertation was on the topic of knowledge sharing via Information and Communication Technologies.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: Because I believe in CityU’s mission to change lives for good by offering high quality education and am proud that CityU has been recognized as one of the top online universities in the nation.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: I will never give up on you, as long as you demonstrate your passion and commitment to learn.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?

A: Students appreciate quick turnaround on their weekly performance. As a result, I strive to provide my feedback and grades within three days after the due date of the assignments.