INFORMATION SYSTEM

What is an Information System?

An information system is a collection of methods, practices, algorithms and methodologies that transforms data into information and knowledge desired by, and useful for, individual and group users in organizations and other entities.  This system can involve a combination of work practices, information, people, and technologies organized to accomplish goals in an organization.

At UMBC, Information Systems is the study of a system and how technology can be incorporated into that system to make it fully functional and efficient. Some areas of study in Information Systems include system analysis and design, databases, software engineering, networking, human-centered computing (HCC), health informatics, artificial intelligence, knowledge management, security, project management, and decision sciences. Currently, Information Systems has one of the largest population of students on campus with more than 1100 students in the department. At UMBC, Information Systems students learn to become problem solvers in an electronic and digital world.

How does IS differ from Computer Science?

Information Systems (IS) and Computer Science (CMSC) both involve computer technology. Unlike IS, CMSC frequently takes an inner-workings perspective of technology and involves the principles of hardware and software design.

Information Systems, on the other hand, focuses on the entire system of information, knowledge, delivery and use, taking an external, human-based perspective on technology– its focus is on how technology can be implemented to serve the informational needs of people and organizations. This is why at UMBC we refer to Information Systems as the human side of computing. IS graduates from UMBC have opportunities to really make a difference—have an impact—on technologies that affect everyone from children to retirees.

IS graduates enter various industries with more than just the technical skills of programming, network applications and design, operating systems, telecommunications, database application and design, and web development and design. They also leave UMBC with a strong business and management background. In fact, many graduates have gone on to start their own successful thriving businesses. UMBC Information Systems students also develop excellent human communication skills that can be used to interact with a variety of audiences with various backgrounds. These skills are not only key career talents but excellent life skills.

What Kind of Jobs Can I Obtain with an Information Systems Degree?

Information Systems graduates are problem-solvers with excellent communication skills and can be employed as network engineers, software engineers, network administrators, systems analysts, systems integrators, systems designers, database managers, database administrators, interface specialists, product support professionals, programmers, programmer analysts, information and knowledge officers, managers of information systems, academic researchers, information system educators and more. Careers in IT (Information Technology) and IS (Information Systems) offer some of the highest post-undergraduate starting salaries. In fact, salaries in IT and computer-related fields have climbed nearly 17% over the last 7 years (1999-2005).¹ A major in IS at UMBC is definitely one that can boost your paycheck.

Companies that have hired Information Systems graduates include—but are not limited to— utilities, financial institutions, local, state, and federal governments, government contractors, technology companies, and health related organizations. Plus, UMBC Information Systems graduates continue to find well-paying Jobs in IT. A recent survey of UMBC’s Information Systems (IS) Baccalaureate graduates is painting a bright IT jobs picture for incoming and soon-to-be-graduated IS students alike. As the UMBC IS degree continues to be well-recognized by IT employers, 75% of the survey respondents report their job search took 3 months or less, and 40% responded the process took less than one month.

What Do Information Systems Majors Study?

Information Systems offers two baccalaureate degrees: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Information Systems, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business Technology Administration.

The B.S. is the more technical of the two degrees and prepares students for positions involving the analysis and design of systems, databases, and computer networks. The B.S. consists of 64 credit hours of coursework in IS, computer programming, mathematics and statistics, management, economics, accounting, and technical writing.

The B.A. focuses on microcomputer-based office automation systems.  It also requires the student to complete a minor or certificate. The B.A. consists of 55 credit hours (not including those from the selected minor or certificate) in IS, mathematics, statistics and management.

The Combined B.S./M.S. Degree
The Information Systems Department also offers a combined B.S./M.S. degree intended for academically superior juniors who wish to apply to the M.S. program after graduation. If admitted to the B.S./M.S. program, they will take, in their Senior year, three graduate-level courses which will be applied to the M.S.

COMMENTS..

INFORMATION SYSTEM

Information system is the study system and how technolygy can be incorporate into system to make it fully functional. System include analysis, databases, software engineering, networking and so on. And also one of the largest population of students on campus.

IS DIFFER FROM COMPUTER SCIENCE

Both involve computer technology. Information system focus how technology can be implemented to serve information need of people and organizations. IS graduate enter various industry just technical skill of programming , network application, operating system and so on. 

JOB CAN OBTAIN WITH INFORMATION SYSTEM DEGREE.

Careers in IT and IS offer the highest post-undergraduate starting salaries. UMBC information system graduates continue to find well-paying jobs in IT. Considering value of UMBC IS degree during the jobs search process 96% of responded indicates their degree was helpful with 55% says their UMBC degree was “extremely helpful”durind search process.

INFORMATION SYSTEM MAJOR STUDY

Have two bachelor, Bachelor of Science(B.S) in information System and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Business in Administration. The B.S more technical and prepare students for involving the analysis and design of system, database, and computer networks. The B.A focuses microcomputer-based office automation system and require students to complete a minor or certificate.