Information Systems (INFSY)

Click here for program requirements as listed in Penn State's Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin.

This major prepares students to enter rapidly expanding fields associated with technology including programming, systems analysis and design, database administration, network management, support services and training, and management of information resources. Students obtain competence both in information technology and in business theory. Thus, the curriculum combines technical content with managerial aspects of Information Systems. Each student’s background is complemented with basic business instruction in accounting, marketing, management, and finance. With Business and non-Business electives, the program is designed to develop necessary skills to be an effective Information Systems employee. Because the Harrisburg area is the center of industry and economic development for southcentral Pennsylvania, students are provided with many opportunities to experience the exciting and challenging world of business.

Students will obtain:

• Knowledge in technologies that support the information environment.
• Knowledge in business or organizational processes that are supported by technology.
• General skills and abilities that promote good communication, problem-solving and analytical abilities, and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Skills to participate in and lead multidisciplinary teams in the development, implementation, and management of information technology solutions.

The program meets the objectives through varied experiences and an emphasis on good communication skills.

For a B.S. in Information Systems, a minimum of 122 credits is required. At least 30 percent of the final 60 credits must be taken at Penn State Harrisburg. At least 50 percent of the business credit hours required for the degree must be taken at Penn State Harrisburg. No more than 61 credits should be from Business and Business-related courses.

Opportunities in Information Systems

Career Opportunities

Various types of careers are available in the challenging field of Information Systems. Graduates are the professionals who make businesses run more efficiently by solving business-related problems through the application of computer-based systems. Penn State Harrisburg Information Systems graduates will use their skills and business knowledge to help businesses compete and improve productivity. Job titles for Information Systems graduates include, in the technical area, database administrator, network administrator, operations or facilities manager, or user support staff. Opportunities also exist in systems development in positions such as systems analyst, systems designer, programmer, and analyst programmer. Another challenging career path for IS graduates includes positions in information systems management or project management. Graduates will find these opportunities in small businesses, large corporations, government, and education.

Accreditation

The Information Systems program and all other programs in the Penn State Harrisburg School of Business Administration have achieved accreditation from the AACSB.

Internships

Each semester, Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Business Administration places student interns in a wide variety of businesses and agencies where they interact with professionals and participate in solving day-to-day problems. The internship opportunity provides students with increased understanding of principles learned in the classroom, the potential to develop a network of professional contacts, enhanced self-confidence and skills, and the ability to earn money for college and personal expenses. To participate in the internship program, a student must be enrolled in the School of Business Administration, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and be a second semester junior. Students also must have completed 6 credits in the major and have completed all Business core courses except BUS 364 W US; ILand BUS 462. Interested students should contact the Internship Coordinator through the School of Business Administration office.

Clubs and Honor Societies

The School of Business Administration encourages student participation in the IT Club and in Beta Gamma Sigma, the Business Honor Society of AACSB-accredited business schools.

Job Outlook

The demand for Information Systems occupations is expected to remain high through 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 2003 Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that demand will be highest for graduates with advanced technical knowledge and strong administrative and communication skills.