Information Systems

This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of computer information systems along with the skills necessary for effective decision making in a business environment that is diverse, global, and highly competitive. The information systems curriculum provides students with a broad understanding of business and a sound foundation in computer fundamentals and programming, systems analysis and design, networking, database design and implementation, project management, mobile and web applications, data analytics, and information and systems security. Graduates acquire the knowledge and skills to apply information technologies to solve business problems, providing a wide variety of career opportunities.

Learning Objectives

Students will demonstrate the ability to:

  1. Design, write, and test computer programs.
  2. Gather requirements and analyze and design information systems .
  3. Model, implement, query, and administer databases.
  4. Plan and manage information technology projects.
  5. Configure and manage computer systems and networks.
  6. Prepare and analyze data and deliver data-driven solutions.
  7. Develop business applications for different platforms and devices.
  8. Assess and secure information technology assets against cyber security threats.

Accelerated Program

The Information Systems concentration includes an accelerated program option for students to graduate on a faster schedule. Accelerated Programs typically include 15-16 credits each fall and spring semester for three years, plus 6-9 credits over two to three summer sessions. Students who enter CSU with prior credit (AP, IB, transfer, etc.) may use applicable courses to further accelerate their graduation. Visit the Office of the Provost website for additional information about Accelerated Programs.

Potential Occupations

Computing-related careers are characterized by a rapid rate of change driven by technological developments. Participating in paid or voluntary work, internships, and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended, to keep students abreast of new developments and to help them benefit from networking to enhance employment opportunities.

Examples of career opportunities include, but are not limited to: applications developer, business/systems analyst, business intelligence analyst, cybersecurity manager, data analyst, database developer/administrator, IT consultant, IT project manager, information security analyst, software engineer/developer, network administrator, user interface designer, and web developer/administrator.

The College of Business requires a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in business and economics courses as a graduation requirement. 

Effective Fall 2024

Freshman
AUCCCredits
BUS 100 or 105Introduction to Business
Exploration of Business
 1
Select one course from the following:1 1-3
Foundations of Sustainable Enterprise  
Fostering Sustainable Organizations (GT-AH3)3B 
CIS 200Business Information Systems 3
CO 150College Composition (GT-CO2)1A3
ECON 202Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)3C3
Complete 3 credits from the following: 3
College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1)1B 
College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1)1B 
College Algebra (GT-MA1)1B 
Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (GT-MA1)1B 
Numerical Trigonometry (GT-MA1)1B 
Analytic Trigonometry (GT-MA1)1B 
Precalculus (GT-MA1)1B 
MATH 141 (or higher level calculus course)
Calculus in Management Sciences (GT-MA1)1B 
Biological and Physical Sciences3A4
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion1C3
Electives 7-9
 Total Credits 30
Sophomore
 
ACT 210Introduction to Financial Accounting 3
ACT 220Introduction to Managerial Accounting 3
BUS 220Ethics in Contemporary Organizations (GT-AH3)3B3
CIS 240Application Design and Development 3
CIS 370Business Analytics 3
ECON 204Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1)3C3
STAT 204Statistics With Business Applications (GT-MA1)1B3
Biological and Physical Sciences3A3
Historical Perspectives3D3
Electives 3
 Total Credits 30
Junior
 
All freshman and sophomore required courses must be completed prior to or concurrent with first enrollment in required junior and senior courses.   
BUS 260Social-Ethical-Regulatory Issues in Business 3
BUS 300Business Writing and Communication (GT-CO3)23
CIS 320Project Management for Information Systems 3
CIS 355Business Database Systems 3
CIS 360Systems Analysis and Design 3
FIN 3002Principles of Finance4A,4B3
Select two courses from the following: 6
Data Preparation for Business Analytics  
Advanced Application Design and Development  
Operating Systems and Networks  
Web Application Development  
Enterprise Resource Planning Systems  
Advanced Networking and Security  
Advanced Database Management  
Information Assurance and Security  
Applied Data Mining and Analytics in Business  
Business Data Visualization  
Electives 6
 Total Credits 30
Senior
 
BUS 479Strategic Management4A,4C3
Select two courses from the following not taken in the junior year: 6
Data Preparation for Business Analytics  
Advanced Application Design and Development  
Operating Systems and Networks  
Web Application Development  
Enterprise Resource Planning Systems  
Advanced Networking and Security  
Advanced Database Management  
Information Assurance and Security  
Applied Data Mining and Analytics in Business  
Business Data Visualization  
MGT 301Supply Chain Management 3
MGT 320Contemporary Management Principles/Practices 3
MKT 300Marketing4B3
Arts and Humanities3B3
Electives3 9
 Total Credits 30
 Program Total Credits: 120
1

BUS 220 and BUS 225 will fulfill the AUCC 3B requirement. If BUS 201 is selected, 3 additional credits in AUCC 3B must be completed before graduation.

2

Students who have taken FIN 305 and/or MKT 305 prior to admission to the College of Business may substitute those courses to satisfy the category 4A and 4B requirements. All other students are required to take FIN 300 and MKT 300 to satisfy categories 4A and 4B.

3

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level). A minimum of 6 elective credits must be upper-division.

Students are not to utilize the satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) grading option for any Business concentration course or any Business core course (Business and non-Business subject codes) except when a course only allows S/U grading.

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:

To Declare this Major: Direct entry as a new freshman or transfer to the College of Business is highly selective and only those students meeting academic requirements will be accepted. For details contact the Office of Admissions.

CSU and the College of Business use holistic review when determining eligibility for admission to the College of Business as a new freshman. An example of a strong candidate for admission to the College of Business is one who is actively involved in their high school and community, has at least a 3.200 GPA with a 1200 or higher on the SAT or a 27 or higher on the ACT. For current admission criteria, contact the CSU Office of Admissions. New freshmen admitted to CSU but not directly to the College of Business will be admitted as “Undeclared Business Interest” and must meet the requirements below. To be eligible for admission to the College, CSU students (including Undeclared Business Interest) must have a 3.000 cumulative GPA on a minimum of 15 graded credits at Colorado State and a grade of B- or higher in ECON 202 and a grade of C- or higher in each course (total of 3 credits) from the following: MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 141, or a higher level calculus course.

External transfer students who have completed a minimum of 15 graded credits with a 3.000 cumulative GPA and a grade of B- or higher in ECON 202 and a grade of C- or higher in each course (total of 3 credits) from the following:MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 141, or a higher level calculus course.. External transfer students who do not meet the above criteria will be admitted to Undeclared and must complete the requirements stated above.

To Prepare for First Semester: The Curriculum for the Business Administration-Information Systems concentration assumes students will be able to successfully complete the College of Business Math requirement within the first year.

The College of Business requires a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in business and economics courses as a graduation requirement.

Freshman
Semester 1CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
BUS 100 or 105Introduction to Business
Exploration of Business
 X 1
CO 150College Composition (GT-CO2) X1A3
Biological and Physical Sciences  3A4
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  1C3
Elective   4
 Total Credits   15
Semester 2CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
Select one course from the following:   1-3
Foundations of Sustainable Enterprise    
Fostering Sustainable Organizations (GT-AH3)  3B 
CIS 200Business Information SystemsX  3
ECON 202Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)X 3C3
Complete 3 credits from the following:   3
College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1)  1B 
College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1)  1B 
College Algebra (GT-MA1)  1B 
Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (GT-MA1)  1B 
Numerical Trigonometry (GT-MA1)  1B 
Analytic Trigonometry (GT-MA1)  1B 
Precalculus (GT-MA1)  1B 
MATH 141 (or higher level calculus course)
Calculus in Management Sciences (GT-MA1)X 1B 
Elective   3-5
CO 150 must be completed by the end of Semester 2.X   
 Total Credits   15
Sophomore
Semester 3CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ACT 210Introduction to Financial AccountingX  3
CIS 240Application Design and Development X 3
ECON 204Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1)  3C3
STAT 204Statistics With Business Applications (GT-MA1)  1B3
Electives   3
 Total Credits   15
Semester 4CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ACT 220Introduction to Managerial AccountingX  3
BUS 220Ethics in Contemporary Organizations (GT-AH3)  3B3
CIS 370Business Analytics   3
Biological and Physical Sciences  3A3
Historical Perspectives  3D3
 Total Credits   15
Junior
Semester 5CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
BUS 260Social-Ethical-Regulatory Issues in Business   3
CIS 320Project Management for Information Systems   3
CIS 355Business Database Systems   3
BUS 300Business Writing and Communication (GT-CO3) X23
Elective   3
 Total Credits   15
Semester 6CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
CIS 360Systems Analysis and Design   3
FIN 300Principles of Finance X4A,4B3
Upper-Division CIS electives (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab)   6
Elective   3
CIS 240 must be completed by the end of Semester 6.X   
 Total Credits   15
Senior
Semester 7CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
MKT 300MarketingX 4B3
MGT 301Supply Chain ManagementX  3
MGT 320Contemporary Management Principles/PracticesX  3
Upper-Division CIS elective (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab)   3
Elective   3
 Total Credits   15
Semester 8CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
BUS 479Strategic ManagementX 4A,4C3
Arts and HumanitiesX 3B3
Upper-Division CIS elective (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab)X  3
ElectivesX  6
The benchmark courses for the 8th semester are the remaining courses in the entire program of study.X   
 Total Credits   15
 Program Total Credits:   120

A second concentration in International Business may be taken in conjunction with the Information Systems concentration. Upon graduation, both concentrations will be noted on a student’s official transcript.

Effective Fall 2024

The College of Business requires a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in business and economics courses as a graduation requirement.

Freshman
AUCCCredits
BUS 100 or 105Introduction to Business
Exploration of Business
 1
Select one course from the following:1 1-3
Foundations of Sustainable Enterprise  
Fostering Sustainable Organizations (GT-AH3)3B 
CIS 200Business Information Systems 3
CO 150College Composition (GT-CO2)1A3
ECON 202Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)3C3
Complete 3 credits from the following: 3
College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1)1B 
College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1)1B 
College Algebra (GT-MA1)1B 
Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (GT-MA1)1B 
Numerical Trigonometry (GT-MA1)1B 
Analytic Trigonometry (GT-MA1)1B 
Precalculus (GT-MA1)1B 
MATH 141 (or higher level calculus course)
Calculus in Management Sciences (GT-MA1)1B 
Biological and Physical Sciences3A4
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion1C3
Historical Perspectives3D3
Electives 1-3
 Total Credits 27
Sophomore
 
ACT 210Introduction to Financial Accounting 3
ACT 220Introduction to Managerial Accounting 3
BUS 220Ethics in Contemporary Organizations (GT-AH3)3B3
BUS 260Social-Ethical-Regulatory Issues in Business 3
CIS 240Application Design and Development 3
ECON 204Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1)3C3
STAT 204Statistics With Business Applications (GT-MA1)1B3
Arts and Humanities3B3
Biological and Physical Sciences3A3
International Business Group 2 - Global Focus 3
 Total Credits 30
Junior
 
BUS 300Business Writing and Communication (GT-CO3)23
CIS 320Project Management for Information Systems 3
CIS 355Business Database Systems 3
CIS 360Systems Analysis and Design 3
CIS 370Business Analytics 3
FIN 300Principles of Finance4A,4B3
FIN 475International Business Finance 3
MGT 301Supply Chain Management 3
MGT 435Global Ethical Leadership Stakeholder Mgmt 3
International Business Group 3 - Experiential Learning Requirement 3
 Total Credits 30
Senior
 
BUS 479Strategic Management4A,4C3
MGT 320Contemporary Management Principles/Practices 3
MGT 475International Business Management 3
MKT 300Marketing4B3
CIS Group - Select four courses from the following: 12
Data Preparation for Business Analytics  
Advanced Application Design and Development  
Operating Systems and Networks  
Web Application Development  
Enterprise Resource Planning Systems  
Advanced Networking and Security  
Advanced Database Management  
Information Assurance and Security  
Applied Data Mining and Analytics in Business  
Business Data Visualization  
International Business Group 1 - Select one course from the following: 3
International Marketing  
Negotiating Globally  
Global Supply Chain Management  
International Business Group 2 - Global Focus 3
International Business Group 3 - Experiential Learning Requirement 3
 Total Credits 33
 Program Total Credits: 120

Interdisciplinary: International Business Group 2 – Global Focus (6 credits)

Select 6 credits from the following:6
AM 430International Retailing3
ANTH 200Cultures and the Global System (GT-SS3)3
ECON 317Population Economics3
ECON 332/POLS 332International Political Economy3
ECON 440Economics of International Trade and Policy3
ECON 442Economics of International Finance and Policy3
ECON 460Economic Development3
GR 320Cultural Geography3
HIST 470World Environmental History, 1500-Present3
IE 450/SOWK 450International Social Welfare and Development3
IE 470Women and Development3
IE 471Children and Youth in Global Context3
IE 472Education for Global Peace3
IE 478Managing International Development Programs3
JTC 412International Mass Communication3
NRRT 320International Issues-Recreation and Tourism3
POLS 232International Relations (GT-SS1)3
POLS 362Global Environmental Politics3
POLS 431International Law3
POLS 433International Organization3
POLS 437International Security3
POLS 442Environmental Politics in Developing World3
POLS 462Globalization, Sustainability, and Justice3
SOC 364Food, Agriculture and Global Society3
SPCM 434Intercultural Communication3

Immersion: International Business Group 3 – Experiential Learning Requirement (6 credits)

Select at least one from the following:6
Education Abroad experience
Internship with global focus
L*** language course

Students are not to utilize the satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) grading option for any Business concentration course or any Business core course (Business and non-Business subject codes) except when a course only allows S/U grading.

1

BUS 220 and BUS 225 will fulfill the AUCC 3B requirement. If BUS 201 is selected, 3 additional credits in AUCC 3B must be completed before graduation.

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:

To Declare this Major: Direct entry as a new freshman or transfer to the College of Business is highly selective and only those students meeting academic requirements will be accepted. For details contact the Office of Admissions.

CSU and the College of Business use holistic review when determining eligibility for admission to the College of Business as a new freshman. An example of a strong candidate for admission to the College of Business is one who is actively involved in their high school and community, has at least a 3.200 GPA with a 1200 or higher on the SAT or a 27 or higher on the ACT. For current admission criteria, contact the CSU Office of Admissions. New freshmen admitted to CSU but not directly to the College of Business will be admitted as “Undeclared Business Interest” and must meet the requirements below. To be eligible for admission to the College, CSU students (including Undeclared Business Interest) must have a 3.000 cumulative GPA on a minimum of 15 graded credits at Colorado State and a grade of B- or higher in ECON 202 and a grade of C- or higher in each course (total of 3 credits) from the following: MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 141, or a higher level calculus course.

External transfer students who have completed a minimum of 15 graded credits with a 3.000 cumulative GPA and a grade of B- or higher in ECON 202 and a grade of C- or higher in each course (total of 3 credits) from the following: MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 141, or a higher level calculus course. External transfer students who do not meet the above criteria will be admitted to Undeclared and must complete the requirements stated above.

To Prepare for First Semester: The Curriculum for the Business Administration- Information Systems concentration assumes students will be able to successfully complete the College of Business Math requirement within the first year.

The College of Business requires a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in business and economics courses as a graduation requirement.

Freshman
Semester 1CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
BUS 100 or 105Introduction to Business
Exploration of Business
 X 1
CO 150College Composition (GT-CO2) X1A3
Biological and Physical Sciences X3A4
Diversity, Equity, and InclusionX 1C3
Historical Perspectives  3D3
 Total Credits   14
Semester 2CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
Select one course from the following:   1-3
Foundations of Sustainable Enterprise    
Fostering Sustainable Organizations (GT-AH3)  3B 
CIS 200Business Information Systems X 3
ECON 202Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)X 3C3
Complete 3 credits from the following:   3
College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1)  1B 
College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1)  1B 
College Algebra (GT-MA1)  1B 
Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (GT-MA1)  1B 
Numerical Trigonometry (GT-MA1)  1B 
Analytic Trigonometry (GT-MA1)  1B 
Precalculus (GT-MA1)  1B 
MATH 141 (or higher level calculus course)
Calculus in Management Sciences (GT-MA1) X1B 
Electives   1-3
BUS 100 or BUS 105 and CO 150 must be completed by the end of Semester 2.X   
 Total Credits   13
Sophomore
Semester 3CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ACT 210Introduction to Financial Accounting X 3
BUS 220Ethics in Contemporary Organizations (GT-AH3) X3B3
ECON 204Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1) X3C3
STAT 204Statistics With Business Applications (GT-MA1) X1B3
Biological and Physical Sciences X3A3
 Total Credits   15
Semester 4CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ACT 220Introduction to Managerial Accounting X 3
BUS 260Social-Ethical-Regulatory Issues in Business X 3
CIS 240Application Design and Development   3
Arts and Humanities X3B3
International Business Group 2 - Global Focus X 3
 Total Credits   15
Junior
Semester 5CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
CIS 320Project Management for Information Systems X 3
CIS 370Business Analytics   3
FIN 300Principles of Finance X4A,4B3
MGT 301Supply Chain Management X 3
MGT 435Global Ethical Leadership Stakeholder Mgmt X 3
 Total Credits   15
Semester 6CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
BUS 300Business Writing and Communication (GT-CO3) X23
CIS 355Business Database Systems X 3
CIS 360Systems Analysis and Design   3
FIN 475International Business Finance   3
International Business Group 3 - Experiential Learning Requirement X 3
 Total Credits   15
Senior
Semester 7CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
MGT 320Contemporary Management Principles/PracticesX  3
MGT 475International Business ManagementX  3
MKT 300MarketingX 4B3
CIS Group - Select two courses from the following:   6
Data Preparation for Business Analytics    
Advanced Application Design and Development    
Operating Systems and Networks    
Web Application Development    
Enterprise Resource Planning Systems    
Advanced Networking and Security    
Advanced Database Management    
Information Assurance and Security    
Applied Data Mining and Analytics in Business    
Business Data Visualization    
International Business Group 2 - Global FocusX  3
 Total Credits   18
Semester 8CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
BUS 479Strategic ManagementX 4A,4C3
CIS Group - Select two courses from the following not taken in semester 7:X  6
Data Preparation for Business Analytics    
Advanced Application Design and DevelopmentX   
Operating Systems and Networks    
Web Application DevelopmentX   
Enterprise Resource Planning SystemsX   
Advanced Networking and SecurityX   
Advanced Database ManagementX   
Information Assurance and Security    
Applied Data Mining and Analytics in Business    
Business Data Visualization    
International Business Group 1 - Select one course from the following:X  3
International MarketingX   
Negotiating GloballyX   
Global Supply Chain ManagementX   
International Business Group 3 - Experiential Learning RequirementX  3
The benchmark courses for the 8th semester are the remaining courses in the entire program of study.X   
 Total Credits   15
 Program Total Credits:   120