Program Purpose

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The Information Systems undergraduate program equips future managers to excel as technology-savvy business leaders. Modern information-systems practice now spans two interconnected domains:

1. Digital & AI-Enabled Enterprise Management – acquiring, deploying, and governing the cloud, data, and AI platforms that power an organization's products and services.

2. Solution Engineering & Lifecycle Management – designing, building, and continuously improving the software, data pipelines, and cyber-secure infrastructure that embed analytics and automation into every business process.

BSIS graduates are taught a diverse and integrated skill set that spans interpersonal, business, and technological domains. They must have a strong understanding of business processes, digital strategy, and organizational dynamics, enabling them to align technology solutions with business goals. Effective communication is essential-they are expected to deliver clear, impactful presentations and produce high-quality written documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences.

In addition to these core competencies, BSIS graduates possess advanced technical expertise in areas such as database management, cloud computing, networking and cybersecurity, systems analysis and design, software development, data analytics, and IT project management. This combination of strategic insight, technical proficiency, and communication skills prepares them to lead and innovate in today's data-driven, AI-enhanced business environment.

Information Systems graduates are in demand across organizations of all sizes and industries-from global enterprises and government agencies to startups and nonprofits. They play a vital role in designing, implementing, and maintaining the digital infrastructure that powers modern business operations. More than just technical experts, they often act as strategic liaisons between business leaders and IT teams, translating organizational needs into effective, data-driven technology solutions.

Career opportunities span a wide spectrum, including roles in consulting firms, accounting and financial services, healthcare systems, tech companies, and public sector organizations. Whether focused on people-oriented roles like business analysis and digital transformation consulting, or more technical paths such as software engineering, cybersecurity, data architecture, or network administration, BSIS graduates are prepared to lead and adapt in a rapidly evolving, AI-enabled economy.

Aligned with the missions of Brigham Young University and the BYU Marriott School of Business, the BSIS program is dedicated to helping students become leaders of faith, integrity, and professional excellence. We support students in their pursuit of lifelong learning, personal growth, and eternal progression by cultivating the spiritual, intellectual, and technical capacities needed to thrive in a dynamic, global economy.

Our program reflects BYU Marriott's commitment to developing disciples of Jesus Christ who are prepared to lead with moral courage and meaningful impact. We strive to:

• Deliver a rigorous, well-rounded education in both business principles and information systems technologies

• Attract and mentor high-caliber students committed to faith and excellence

• Cultivate leadership grounded in service, humility, and adaptability

• Prepare graduates for impactful, values-driven careers in the digital and AI-enabled workplace

• Foster a mindset of continual learning, innovation, and improvement throughout life

Through this mission, we aim to develop principled leaders who bless organizations, communities, and the world.

We believe that true career readiness requires a strong foundation in both business and technical skills. To ensure our students are competitive in today's fast-paced and evolving workplace, we go beyond traditional coursework by integrating "expanded competencies" that mirror real-world professional challenges. Our curriculum includes targeted projects and experiences designed to develop essential soft skills-such as clear oral and written communication, effective teamwork, the ability to perform under pressure, and the interpersonal acumen critical for leadership success.

Given the rapid pace of innovation in the field of information systems, we also emphasize the importance of self-directed, lifelong learning. Rather than simply teaching current tools and technologies, we focus on helping students learn how to learn-equipping them to continuously adapt, grow, and lead as new technologies and business needs emerge throughout their careers.

Curricular Structure

BSIS students must satisfy university requirements for a BS degree (120 credit hours minimum, with specific hours in general education, religious education, and so forth). Additionally, BSIS students must complete 64 credit hours within the Information Systems program:

• a 10-hour pre-admission core of information systems (7), and accounting (3),
• 15 hours of preparatory classes in statistics (3), economics (3), marketing management (3), financial management (3), and management communications (3),
• a 24-hour core of information systems classes, which includes a project management course acting as the capstone Information Systems project,
• a 12-hour management core of ethics, organizational effectiveness, supply chain, and strategy,
• and 3 additional hours of an Information Systems elective (3).

Students take 27 hours of information systems classes. Prior to admission, applicants take 7 hours of introductory information systems courses. In the junior year, admitted BSIS students take 24 hours over 2 semesters in an integrated core format. These courses include systems analysis and design, database systems, principles of business programming, data communications, machine learning, enterprise application development, security processes and controls, predictive data analytics, along with two INTEX experiences providing a capstone project.

A major activity in our junior-year core is the Integrative Exercises (INTEX). In the Fall Integrative Exercise, held for one week near the end of the fall semester, the students integrate and extend the principles they will use in the workplace. Students are organized into teams, given a substantial information systems task, and must present their project results orally and in written format. This is all done under significant time pressure, simulating an effective "real-world" project. A second Integrative Exercise (INTEX) is completed and the end of the winter semester where students build a system based upon requirements and present to industry experts. Along with INTEX each semester, a project management course provide a capstone course project which provides the students with a third Integrative Exercise. In the INTEX projects, a complete information system is built from scratch based upon a client's requirements or needs.

Given the dynamic nature of the information systems field, we strongly encourage our students to participate in the Association for Information Systems student club. It adds significant benefit to student members through current-topics seminars, national competitions, and other resume-building activities.
 

Undergraduate Application Requirements
Admitted applicants to the information systems program begin major coursework each fall semester.  The following items are taken into consideration for all applicants during the admission process:

1. Average GPA of prerequisite courses and cumulative GPA.
2. Review of academic transcript.
3. Applicant video.
4. Student Resume.
5. Comments from Information Systems professors.

Application Guidelines

1. Completion of the following prerequisite courses: IS 110, IS 201, IS 303 (or CS 111), and ACC 200.  Note: A minimum 3.0 average GPA in the prerequisite courses is desired, with no less than a B- grade in IS 201 and IS 303 (or CS 111).
2. Repeating courses to improve a grade is strongly discouraged.  Repeated and transfer courses are discounted 0.3 of a grade for admission purposes only (e.g. an A- grade would be discounted to a B during the admission process).
3. Completion and submission of the online application, including the applicant essay.  The deadline to submit the application is the last working day of June at 4:30pm.
4. Meeting or exceeding admission criteria does not guarantee admission.  The Information Systems department reserves the right to make exceptions to admission policies as deemed necessary to admit the most qualified applicants.

Major Requirements

1. No more than 12 semester hours of upper-division transfer credit will be accepted toward the major and only 6 hours beyond the Pre-Systems Core.
2. Students are encouraged to enroll in courses outside the Marriott School of Business. Only 50 upper-division BYU Marriott hours count toward graduation.
3. Pass a computer proficiency requirement for spreadsheet skills. Students may demonstrate spreadsheet skills either by earning a Pass grade in IS 110 or a B grade in equivalent transfer courses. 
4. Complete the following courses: Acc 200, IS 110, IS 201, and IS 303.  NOTE: The pre-Information Systems Core must be completed with at least a 3.0 GPA ( a grade of B or better is required in IS 201 and IS 303), with no more than one repeat for each course.  Repeated and transfer courses will be discounted 0.3 of a grade during the admissions process.  Meeting or exceeding admission criteria does not guarantee admission.
5. Apply and be formally accepted into the program.
6. Complete the following required courses: Fin 201, Mktg 201, Stat 121, Econ 110, and M Com 320.  
7. Complete the following Information Systems Core 1 courses (taught fall only): IS 402, IS 403, IS 404, IS 415.
8. Complete the following Information Systems Core 2 courses (taught winter only): IS 401, IS 413, IS 414, IS 455.
9. Complete the following Integrated Management Core courses: IS Elective, GSCM 305, GSCM 310, HRM 391, MSB 390, and STRAT 392.
10. Complete BYU Marriott exit survey online.

Links

Catalog Information

Major Academic Plan

Learning Outcomes

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1. Gain a Knowledge of Information Systems and Business

Information Systems graduates understand both technology and business and are prepared to bridge the gap between technical and business professionals. Students develop knowledge of information systems, software development, data and analytics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies while also building a foundation in business principles and organizational processes. They learn to evaluate organizational needs, communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders, and apply technology to create meaningful business solutions.

This integration of technical and business knowledge reflects BYU's aim of intellectually enlarging education by helping students connect knowledge across disciplines and apply what they learn to complex, real-world problems. It also supports BYU Marriott's mission to develop leaders of faith, intellect, and character and its commitment to Excellence. Information Systems students are prepared not simply to understand technology, but to exercise sound judgment in determining how technology should be used to improve organizations and serve people. As they develop the ability to listen to different perspectives, communicate across professional boundaries, and responsibly apply their knowledge, students are better prepared to become Christlike leaders who use their professional capabilities to make a positive difference in organizations and society.

2. Create and Manage Organizational Technical Functions

Information Systems graduates are prepared to create, deploy, secure, maintain, and manage the technology systems, infrastructure, resources, and services upon which modern organizations depend. Students develop the technical knowledge needed to understand how organizational technologies work together and the ability to make informed decisions about their design, implementation, security, reliability, and ongoing management. They learn to evaluate technical alternatives in light of organizational needs and to manage technology as a critical resource that supports people, processes, and organizational objectives.

This combination of technical competence and responsible technology management reflects BYU's aim of intellectually enlarging education by requiring students to analyze complex systems, integrate knowledge from multiple technical areas, and apply that knowledge to real organizational challenges. It also supports BYU Marriott's mission to develop leaders of faith, intellect, and character and its values of Integrity in Action and Excellence. Information Systems professionals are entrusted with organizational data, systems, and resources that affect employees, customers, and other stakeholders. Students therefore learn that managing technology requires more than technical ability; it requires sound judgment, responsible stewardship, integrity, and a commitment to creating secure and reliable systems that serve others. These capabilities prepare graduates to become Christlike leaders who use technology responsibly to strengthen organizations and positively influence the people and communities they serve.

3. Make Informed Business and Technical Decisions

Information Systems graduates are prepared to make informed business and technical decisions and solve complex, unstructured problems in rapidly changing environments. Students learn to identify and frame problems, gather and evaluate relevant information, analyze alternatives, consider technical, organizational, ethical, and human implications, and make well-reasoned decisions even when information is incomplete or circumstances are uncertain. They develop the ability to adapt their thinking as technologies, organizations, and business environments change and to clearly communicate and defend the reasoning behind their decisions.

This emphasis on critical thinking, adaptability, and sound judgment reflects BYU's aim of intellectually enlarging education by preparing students to think clearly, reason effectively, and continue learning throughout their lives. It also supports BYU Marriott's mission to develop leaders of faith, intellect, and character and its values of Integrity in Action, Respect for All, and Excellence. Information Systems professionals frequently make decisions that affect organizations, employees, customers, and other stakeholders. Students therefore learn to consider not only what technology makes possible, but what represents a responsible and appropriate course of action. By considering evidence, differing perspectives, ethical consequences, and the needs of those affected by their decisions, students develop the intellectual and moral judgment necessary to lead with integrity and use their professional capabilities to serve others.

These capabilities prepare graduates to become Christlike leaders who approach difficult decisions with humility, integrity, respect for others, and a commitment to excellence.

4. Develop Lifelong Learning Skills

Information Systems graduates are prepared to be lifelong learners who continually develop their knowledge, skills, and professional capabilities. Because technologies, business practices, and organizational needs evolve rapidly, students learn how to independently acquire new knowledge, evaluate emerging technologies and ideas, seek and respond to feedback, and adapt their skills to unfamiliar problems and changing professional environments. Students develop curiosity, intellectual humility, and the confidence to recognize when they need to learn something new and the discipline to pursue that learning throughout their lives.

This commitment to continued growth reflects BYU's aim of lifelong learning and service, which encourages graduates to continue learning and use that learning to benefit their families, professions, communities, and society. It also supports BYU Marriott's mission to develop leaders of faith, intellect, and character and its value of Excellence. Information Systems professionals cannot rely solely on the knowledge and technologies they encounter during their university education; they must continually improve their capabilities while thoughtfully evaluating how new technologies should be used.

Lifelong learning also requires humility-the willingness to recognize the limits of one's knowledge, learn from others, consider new perspectives, and adapt when better information becomes available. By developing habits of continual learning, reflection, and improvement, graduates are prepared to remain professionally capable while becoming Christlike leaders who use their expanding knowledge and abilities in the service of others throughout their lives.

Evidence of Learning

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Artifact

1. INTEX Project
2. Full-stack Application
3. Database Project
4. Cybersecurity Lab
5. Analytics Project
6. Team Presentation

Evidence of Learning

1. Rubric scores, judge ratings, presentations
2. Code quality rubric, functionality testing
3. Database design rubric, query accuracy
4. Lab scores, certification-aligned assessments
5. Dashboard rubric, data interpretation scores
6. Communication rubric, peer evaluations

Direct Measures

1. Instructor assessment at the course level. This includes: written quizzes, written exams, project evaluations, research papers, skill proficiency exams, homework that strengthens student skill development, student self-assessment and peer reviews
2. An evidence room with various examples of student exams, quizzes, projects (including INTEX 1 and 2), assignments, and papers and what is an A, B, and C grade
3. Success of student groups at national competitions, and on a national assessment exam given to IS students on the 2020 model Information Systems curriculum
4. Placement of students in positions related to their degrees
5. Evaluations by fellow group members
6. Video tapes of student presentations
7. Placement of students in graduate degrees
8. Industry judge evaluations
9. External assessment of student skills through participation in various regional and national competitions

Indirect Measures

1. Exit surveys
2. Student Evaluations
3. Focus Groups
4. Alumni surveys and placement data
5. Recruiter surveys
6. Evaluations from internship providers on preparation and abilities of students

Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement

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The Core Director continually monitors the BSIS program and related issues. After each semester, the Directory brings relevant information to the information systems curriculum committee which meets regularly throughout the year to consider adjustments to the program. The information systems curriculum committee monitors assessment information at least twice annually. Plans for improvement are discussed among the curriculum committee members and monitored by the Committee Chair. The recommendations are then submitted to the Department Chair to ensures that there is follow-through on all action items.

The college curriculum committee is viewed as an integral participant in the curriculum development process. The Associate Chair sits on the college curriculum committee and attends monthly or bi-monthly college meetings throughout the year to coordinate efforts and ensure alignment of information systems activities with college standards and goals. Students evaluate courses and faculty teaching through the standard university process. Faculty evaluate their peers, considering both teaching methods and course content. Faculty self-evaluate their teaching performance each year and report their assessments to the department and college. A department committee evaluates the teaching of faculty yearly. The evaluation process is monitored by our department Chair, who shares results of these evaluations with the faculty. The college oversees the process.

Recruiters offer suggestions to the program on a regular basis. The information systems group meets periodically throughout the year to study placement data, student feedback, and other measures of program effectiveness. The entire department meets annually to discuss program feedback. Some of our faculty are involved in a national effort to establish information systems certification standards associated with the Institute for Certified Computing Professionals. We have participated in pilot certification exams and have found that our students are clearly above the average in the national pilot study.