Management Information Systems is the analysis and use of information systems and technologies to support problem solving and decision making within and across organizations. Organizations and companies use data, most often in digital form, to conduct nearly every part of their businesses and functions. The program provides students with the core knowledge related to every dimension of information systems and technologies, including the creation and implementation of software and databases, to information security, analytics, and the user interface. The program takes a balanced approach with both technical and managerial coursework.
Undergraduate Major in Management Information Systems
For undergraduate curriculum in business, major in management information systems.
The Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics offers a major in management information systems. Students will complete the general education requirements (including business foundation courses), business core requirements for the bachelor of science (BS) degree, and 18 additional credits in the major.
The instructional objective of the Management Information Systems major is to prepare students for professional careers with a wide variety of firms and roles, ranging from small start-up firms to large multinational corporations. Common job titles include business analyst and systems analyst. Students are also pursuing careers in Information Technology consulting.
Students are limited to three business majors/degrees within the Ivy College of Business, or a total of three business majors/minors within the college. This limit is on business majors/degrees/minors only, and does not apply to multiple majors/degrees/minors taken outside the Ivy College of Business.
For more information on the undergraduate major in Management Information Systems, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/undergraduate/majors-minors/management-information-systems/
Undergraduate Minor in Management Information Systems
The Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics also offers a minor for non-Management Information Systems majors in the Ivy College of Business. The minor requires 15 credits from an approved list of courses, including at least 6 credits in courses numbered 300 or above taken at Iowa State University with a grade of C or higher. The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement. Students with declared majors have priority over students with declared minors in courses with space constraints.
| Required Course (3 credits): | ||
| MIS 301 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| Elective Courses (12 credits): | ||
| Select twelve credit hours from 300 or 400 level MIS courses | ||
Students are limited to three business majors/degrees within the Ivy College of Business, or a total of three business majors/minors within the college. This limit is on business majors/degrees/minors only, and does not apply to multiple majors/degrees/minors taken outside the Ivy College of Business.
For more information on the undergraduate minor in Management Information Systems, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/undergraduate/majors-minors/
Curriculum:
The Management Information Systems major requires students to take 18 credit hours in the management information systems area, including 12 credit hours of required core courses and 6 credit hours of electives.
| Required Courses (12 credits): | ||
| MIS 307 | Intermediate Business Programming | 3 |
| MIS 310 | Information Systems Analysis | 3 |
| MIS 320 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| MIS 340 | Project Management | 3 |
| Elective Courses (6 credits): | ||
| Select 6 credits of MIS department courses, OR select one of the MIS elective CLUSTERS described below: | ||
The remaining 6 credits can be taken from the department approved electives, preferably with the specified clusters that focus on specific IT job related knowledge and skills (application development, business analytics, IT infrastructure and security, and supply chain technology). Students are encouraged to take electives that cover multiple clusters to enhance marketability and career flexibility.
| Application Development Cluster | ||
| Advanced Business Programming | ||
| Information Systems Development | ||
| Business Analytics Cluster | ||
| Introduction to Business Analytics | ||
| Advanced Business Analytics | ||
| IT Infrastructure and Security Cluster | ||
| Information Systems Infrastructure | ||
| Enterprise Systems and Architecture | ||
| Supply Chain Technology Cluster | ||
| Supply Chain Information Systems | ||
| Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in Supply Chain | ||
| Other MIS Courses | ||
| Business Data Streams and Issues | ||
| Marketing Analytics | ||
| Case Practicum | ||
Management Information Systems, B.S.
Sample 4-Year Plan (Your plan may differ)
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BUSAD 102 or 103 | 1 | ECON 102 | 3 |
| ECON 101 | 3 | STAT 226 | 3 |
| COM S 113 | 3 | BUSAD 250 | 3 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | Global/International Perspective@ | 3 |
| MATH 150 | 3 | ACCT 284 | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | BUSAD 203 | 1 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ACCT 285 | 3 | SP CM 212 | 3 |
| MIS 301 | 3 | Natural Science | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | PHIL 230 | 3 |
| MIS 207 | 3 | MIS 307 | 3 |
| MATH 151 | 3 | HUM/SOC SCI | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ACCT 215 | 3 | MIS 320 | 3 |
| MIS 310 | 3 | MIS 340 | 3 |
| Business Core Courses | 6 | Business Core Course | 3 |
| US Diversity# | 3 | ENGL 302 | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MIS Elective or Cluster | 3 | MIS Elective or Cluster | 3 |
| HUM/SOC SCI | 3 | HUM/SOC SCI | 3 |
| Global/International Perspective@ | 3 | MGMT 478* | 3 |
| Business Core Courses | 6 | General Electives | 6 |
| General Elective | 2 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits: 122 | |||
| @ | Courses in these requirements may also be used as Global Perspective. |
| # | US Diversity courses may be used to satisfy HUM/SOC SCI. |
| * | All core classes must be completed prior to taking MGMT 478 in the graduating semester. |
Students must be admitted to the professional program in business to major in management information systems. The requirements to enter the professional program are:
1. Completion of at least 30 credits, Foundation Courses, ENGL 150, and all ENGL 101/99 courses if required.
2. A minimum GPA of 2.50 either cumulative or in the Foundation Courses. Early admission is allowed for Honors-eligible students. (See your adviser for specific information)
Graduation Requirements:
1. Grade of “C” or higher in at least 30 credits of Core and Major courses.
2. 42 credits of 300+ level courses from a four-year institution.
3. 50% of required Business courses must be earned at ISU.
4. At least 32 credits and the LAST 32 credits must be earned at ISU (exceptions for study abroad and internship may be requested).
5. 122 Credits minimum and a Cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 with no quality point deficiencies.
6. Grade of C or better in ENGL 250 required, and also in one other required ENGL course.
7. All 300-level and higher business credits must be earned at a four-year college.
8. Multiple business majors must have at least 15 distinct credits in each of the major requirements; when applicable, one course can be shared between business majors; see your adviser regarding multiple business degree requirements.
Graduate Study
The Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics participates in the MS in Information Systems (MSIS), the full-time and part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the PhD in Business and Technology programs. The department also participates in an interdepartmental MS in Cyber Security as well as in a master’s and PhD program in Human Computer Interaction.
The MBA program is a 48-credit, non-thesis, non-creative component curriculum. Thirty of the 48 credits are core business courses and the remaining 18 credits are graduate electives. Within the MBA program, students may obtain a specialization in information systems.
For more information about the MBA program with a specialization in information systems, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/masters/mba/
The MSIS is a 30-credit (minimum) curriculum designed around three interrelated areas – business foundation, IS core, and electives. All students are expected to be familiar with basic computing skills before entering the program. The MSIS program will educate students on applying IS theory and concepts to modern IS development through classes that enable them to learn and use the latest software in application projects. Students graduating from the program will have advanced technical and managerial skills to develop and manage information systems projects.
For more information about the MSIS program, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/masters/msis/
The PhD in Business and Technology is a 56-credit curriculum (minimum) which includes a 12-credit dissertation designed around four interrelated areas—core, specialization, minor, and research methods—and the dissertation. The Management of Information Systems (MIS) specialization examines issues related to the development, building, management, and use of information and knowledge-based technologies. Such technologies enable users to collect organizational data, provide a platform for organizing and disseminating the data, and offer operational, decision support, and knowledge management tools through which users can leverage data and information for making better organizational decisions. Students in the MIS specialization will study areas such as information technology analysis and development, database and knowledge management systems, decision support and data mining, human computer interaction, system security and integrity, and project management and collaborative teamwork.
For more information about the PhD program with a specialization in MIS, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/phd/
Graduate Certificates
The graduate certificate in enterprise cybersecurity management will equip business professionals with basic concepts and techniques in cybersecurity and the management of information assets, including understanding cyber threat and choosing appropriate protections, enterprise cyber risk management, budgeting for cybersecurity, policies, procedures, human relations issues, and compliance and legal issues present in the modern organization.
The certificate is for working professionals as well as students enrolled in graduate programs. The certificate is available on campus in Ames and at Capital Square in Des Moines.
For more information about the graduate certificate in Enterprise Cybersecurity Management, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/masters/graduate-certificates/
The graduate certificate in business analytics will address the challenges of dealing with issues of "big data" and its analysis to extract actionable insights, equips business professionals with the basic analytic concepts and techniques necessary in various areas of business such as marketing, supply chain, operations, forensics, and risk management. Students will have a foundation in data management, business analytics, modeling, and communicating through data visualization.
The certificate is for working professionals as well as students enrolled in graduate programs who are employed or seeking a career as business analysts, analytic systems designers, and data scientists to help improve business performance. The certificate is available online, on campus in Ames and at Capital Square in Des Moines.
For more information about the graduate certificate in business analytics, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/masters/graduate-certificates/
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(Cross-listed with COM S). (3-1) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Prereq: MATH 150 or placement into MATH 140 or higher
An introduction to computer programming using an object-oriented programming language. Emphasis on the basics of good programming techniques and style. Extensive practice in designing, implementing, and debugging small programs. Use of abstract data types. Interactive and file I/O. This course is not designed for computer science, software engineering, and computer engineering majors.
Credit may not be applied toward graduation for both Com S 207/MIS 207 and Com S 227.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: COM S 113
The role of information technology in organizations. Overview of methodologies for design and development of systems including decision support systems, expert systems, data bases, end-user computing, etc. Computer applications relate concepts to practice. Lecture and laboratory work emphasizes the enabling role of IT in contemporary organizations.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: credit or enrollment in MIS 301
Critical analysis of business processes, data and process modeling, feasibility studies, CASE tools, and developing system design specifications.
(Cross-listed with ACCT). Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.SS.
Prereq: COM S 113, MIS 301, ACCT 284
Identification of open data sources and other private data sources. Develop methods of data access, collection, and sharing; develop methods to validate and standardize data sources; develop methods to assess data worthiness (risk).
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in MIS 301
Database design, development, and implementation. Focus on data models, both classical and object oriented. Uses relational and/or object oriented database management systems.
(Cross-listed with SCM). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: credit or enrollment in MIS 301
Equips students to support team activities in the general project management environment and better manage their careers. Practical experience using project management techniques and tools. Course topics include project initiation and execution, risk assessment, estimating and contracts, planning, human factors, and standard methods.
(Cross-listed with MKT). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: MKT 340
Use of different tools to conduct various analyses to support marketing strategies. Topics include data visualization and exploration, forecasting, social media analytics and other marketing techniques. Development of skills such as structuring problems, and synthesizing results from quantitative analyses.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 307
Advanced software development and topics in contemporary programming languages. Topics include basic syntax, advanced programming techniques, file structures and management, database access, algorithm design, web forms and graphical user interfaces.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 301
Overview of Internet and telecommunications technology used in business applications. Understand Internet and network protocols, network and application architectures, design, and implementation.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 320 or ACCT 384, AND Pre- or Co-requisite of STAT 326
Introduction to the field of business analytics (BA). Students will examine BA processes and techniques used in transforming data to knowledge and creating value for organizations. Business cases, presentations by business professionals, class lectures and discussions on data analysis, design and modeling, and extensive hands-on analytical exercises.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable.
Prereq: MIS 301, permission of instructor
A variety of topics will be covered and topics may vary between semesters. Some of the topics are information resources management, electronic commerce, decision support systems, and expert systems.
(Cross-listed with SCM). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 301, SCM 301
Internal and inter-organizational information systems necessary for a supply chain to achieve competitive advantage. Topics include: design, development, implementation, and maintenance of supply chain information systems; enterprise resource planning; advanced planning and scheduling, manufacturing execution systems; and the interface between manufacturing planning and control processes, logistics processes, and the information system.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 301
Contemporary theories, concepts, and practices in network infrastructure, network design, and information security. Design, install, and administer a complex network infrastructure. Study security threats and attacks and countermeasures. Investigate exposure to attacks, firewalls, and development of intrusion detection systems. Other security topics such as risk management, IT audit, and security regulations will also be addressed.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 320 or ACCT 384, AND Pre- or Co-requisite of STAT 326
Projects-based course which provides an in-depth understanding of BA methods of visualization, data mining, text mining, web-mining, and predictions through the use of specific BA tools. For students who are interested in understanding advanced techniques and applications of data analytics and acquiring hands-on skills for making intelligent business decisions in data-rich organizations.
(Cross-listed with SCM). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: SCM 301, MIS 301 or I E 148, I E 341
Examination of the role of enterprise resource planning systems (ERP) in the supply chain. Hands-on experience with a major software application in use by many corporations to manage and improve the efficiency of their supply chains and operations. Students will develop a more process-centric perspective about how a supply chain operates and how ERP enables and supports such operations.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: MIS 301, senior classification, permission of instructor
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: MIS 301
Students explore different practical scenarios related information systems projects and cases. Students acquire necessary skills and knowledge to solve practical issues associated with presented cases and problems. Students compete at different venues around the country.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Enrollment in MBA program or departmental permission.
This course exposes the student to current theories and practices appropriate for understanding the role and application of information systems for individuals, organizations, and society within a globally competitive context. The course focuses on information technology and its uses in improving work practices, products, and tools for individuals and organizations. The course also addresses issues pertaining to current and emerging topics in the development and use of technology, the role of technology in and its alignment with organizational strategy and sustainable business practices, information system planning and the development of enterprise architectures, and human interface and personal characteristics in the design and use of technology.
Cr. 3. F.
Understanding the issues and challenges of data from multiple sources, different velocities, in large volumes with questionable veracity.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
A survey of business-oriented programming languages with emphasis on state-of-the-art development techniques for business software. Topics include object-oriented and Internet programming issues and methods.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 501
Addresses data needs of functions such as marketing, finance, and production. Advanced skills needed to design, develop and use database, data warehousing and data mining systems for effective decision support. Emphasis on importance of contemporary technologies.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 501
Overview of how modern communication technologies including the internet and world wide web have revolutionized the way we do business. Provides an understanding of various internet technologies and how companies are using the internet for commercial purposes. Explores future scenarios on the use of these technologies and their impact on various industries and the society.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 501
Issues involved in the management of telecommunications function. Overview of communications technology used in various business applications, local area network, wide area network, broad band network, wireless and voice networks. Internet technologies and protocols. Analyzing the strategic impact of these technologies on organizations. Strategic planning for telecommunications, including network planning and analysis.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Introduction to Business Analytics (BA) concepts and tools. Hands-on lab exercises and business case studies in data preparation, data querying and data visualization. Also covers various modeling techniques in predictive and prescriptive analytics.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 501
Prepares students to support team activities in the general project management environment and provides them with a working understanding of the full scope of project management activities. Students will also have practical experience using project management techniques and tools. Course topics include project initiation and execution, risk assessment, estimating and contracts, planning, human factors, and standard methods. The course follows the recommended content areas of the Project Management Institute, and provides students with a recognized foundational training in project management.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 501
Examine current and historical perspectives on business process management. Topics include process identification, mapping, and improvement. Additional topics will address business process automation and integration, business process outsourcing. Investigate current and potential tools and methods for business process management. Include process management projects.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable.
Prereq: MIS 501
A variety of topics may be offered in different semesters. Topics may include electronic commerce, information resources management, decision support systems, and expert systems.
Cr. 3. SS.
Prereq: NONE
This course is designed to educate students about the the role of new collaborative social technologies and analysis of social media data. Exploration of strategic and operational applications of social media and of tools that support the analysis of social network and social media data. Application of text analysis and social network theory.
None
Cr. 3. F.S.
Challenges, technologies, and practices of information security management in enterprise operations.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
An in-depth discussion of various advanced topics in Business Analytics (BA) such as Big Data Analytics, Text Analytics, and Web Analytics. Extensive hands-on exercises of using BA tools to solve real-world problems. Preparation for students’ capstone projects.
Cr. 3. SS.
Provides business analytics students with an intensive preparation in teamwork and project management skills necessary to prosper in the program and carry forward into their professional lives. The course topics include project management, team management, in class exercises, and case studies. Practical experience using project management techniques and tools.
Cr. 3. F.
Introduction to applications for data science concepts in the business domain. As big data, machine learning, business analytics, business intelligence and other concepts grow in business applications, it is essential for students to understand the underlying concepts, data, models, and applications to be successful in a data-driven world. Learn to determine problem types, data restrictions, model selection, tool choice, and analysis of data science concepts for greater business value.
Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: MIS 547 or departmental permissions
Synthesize analytics concepts, skills, and practices learned during the program of study to complete a course project. Projects proposals relevant to a firm are proposed and accepted midway through the program. Student cohort teams will complete the capstone project under the supervision of an advisory team of faculty. At the completion of the course teams will present their project marking the completion of the program of study.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with MKT). Cr. 3. F.S.
Integration of various concepts to solve problems using appropriate tools. Specifically, the course consist of the following three components: (a) help students develop consultative problem-solving skills; (b) introduce various newly developed consumer behavior theories; (c) provide an overview of quantitative models in the field of marketing analytics. Hands-on experiences to enhance skills such as formulating problems, structuring and prioritizing problems, synthesizing results and communicating intuition from complicated analyses.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
For students wishing to do individual research in a particular area of MIS.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Examines issues such as the nature and content of information systems research; aspects of starting and pursuing research topics in information systems; exploring and understanding relevant research methods and tools. Develop preliminary research proposals.
Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification, permission of supervisory committee chair
Preparation and writing of creative component.
Courses for graduate students:
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 501 or equivalent, enrollment in PhD program
The state of behavioral research in the IS function. MIS activities in an organization span the following three major areas: design and implementation of the MIS, use of the MIS, and management of the MIS function. Each of these processes is carried out at several levels: individual, group, organizational and inter-organizational. Identify behavioral issues of relevance for the cells defined by the process and level dimensions. Reading and discussion of the research literature surrounding the development, use, and implications of information technology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 501 or equivalent, enrollment in PhD program
Three fundamental areas of Information Systems, namely, infrastructure, management, and processes. Infrastructure studies examine the IT architecture including computing, communication, data, and application. Management focuses on addressing the value added notion of IT. Finally processing addresses topics related to enabling role of IT in myriad of areas.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 601
Strategic issues in IT management. Address issues such as aligning IT strategy with corporate strategy and functional strategies, IT structure, valuation, governance and control, and related topics. Provide students with research skills related to the boundary between IT and the firm's external environment.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MIS 601
Research issues in the emerging areas of collaboration, knowledge management, and enterprise intelligence. Topics will include emerging and contemporary technologies of Data Mining, Knowledge Discovery from Databases, Web Mining, organizational memory, and knowledge management.
Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: MIS 501 or equivalent, enrollment in PhD program
Focuses on analytical modeling and empirical analyses using methods drawn from economics, management science, and statistics/econometrics, etc. Example topics include economics of information goods; impact of information technologies on firm performance and policy outcomes; and analysis of data generated from social media and business transactions.
Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: MIS 501 or equivalent, enrollment in PhD program
Focuses on analytical modeling and empirical analyses using methods drawn from economics, management science, and statistics/econometrics, etc. Example topics include economics of information goods; impact of information technologies on firm performance and policy outcomes; and analysis of data generated from social media and business transactions.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
Prereq: enrollment in the PhD program
Preparation of a research manuscript to be submitted to a peer-reviewed academic journal. Students will work with a faculty mentor on a research project.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
Prereq: enrollment in the PhD program
Preparation of a second research manuscript to be submitted to a peer-reviewed academic journal. Although students work under the supervision of a faculty mentor, the students will take independent responsibility for the research project.
(Cross-listed with HCI). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Examine opportunities and implications of information technologies and human computer interaction on social and organizational systems. Explore ethical and social issues appurtenant to human computer interaction, both from a proscriptive and prescriptive perspective. Develop informed perspective on human computer interaction. Implications on research and development programs.
Cr. 3-6. Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate classification, permission of dissertation supervisor
Research.