EARN YOUR INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT DEGREE AT SC!

Total Credit Hours: 124

Transfer Credits: Up to 94

It’s never been a more exciting time to earn your degree in information systems management (ISM). Careers in cyber security, web management and software engineering are in demand! The dynamic ISM curriculum offers courses including information systems analysis and design, information security, and project management – all taught by industry experts who bring real-world application to the virtual classroom. Learners experience flexibility with six-week online classes in an accelerated format in order to earn their degree faster and move up in the technology industry.

• Apply competencies developed through coursework to both manage and create information systems solutions
• Discover more reasons to choose SC!

Recently ranked by U.S. News and World Report for its online bachelor’s degree programs, Southwestern College offers quality online degrees to adult learners. With courses taught by expert faculty and access to a variety of student resources, SC learners are provided with the tools and flexibility needed to succeed in their education while preparing for professional advancement.

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CAREER OUTLOOK

Projected Job Growth (BLS): 11%

Average Salary (PayScale): $82k

Graduates of the online information systems management program at Southwestern College will be prepared for a variety of careers, including:

• Cyber security analyst
• IT consultant
• Information systems manager
• Web content manager
• Software engineer

STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES

“I really like the class structure…also being able to meet people from all over the country. And the smaller classes were really nice. It gave it more of a personal feel.”
George, Graduate

FACULTY

Visit our faculty page to view current information systems management instructors.

View Courses & Program Details

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Students enrolled in the online information systems management program at Southwestern College can expect to:

• Use an interdisciplinary approach to effectively integrate, manage, and support information systems in an organization.
• Employ successful information systems management and administration best practices that support the major strategic, operational, and functional challenges encountered by complex organizations.
• Select and implement appropriate technologies to support organizational initiatives and processes.
• Approach information and technology management decisions in an ethical, legal, and socially responsible manner.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of business and technology-oriented contexts.

RESOURCES

Article: Computer Programming vs. Information Systems Management
Webinar: Lean vs. Six Sigma
Webinar: Innovation Technology and the Impact to Project Management

RELATED PROGRAMS

Cybercrime Investigation Certificate
Organizational Communication Certificate
Computer Programming

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INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM DETAILS

The Information Systems Management (ISM) program prepares learners to successfully manage information systems innovation, design, development, and operations. The program emphasizes broad knowledge and skills in information systems management and administration and applied knowledge in project, information security, design and development, and innovation management.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must be graduates of an accredited high school or have completed a GED®
2. Minimum GPA of 2.0

Core Major Requirements

ISM200: Management of Information Systems

This course provides an overview of business information systems. Topics include hardware and software fundamentals, use of software packages, and effective use of networks, Internet, and other technologies.

ISM240: Introduction to Problem Solving

This course introduces techniques for finding solutions to problems through structured programming and refinement. Topics include principles of programming, the logic of constructing a computer program, and the practical aspects of integrating program modules into a cohesive application. Algorithms are used to demonstrate programming as an approach to problem solving.

ISM367: Business Intelligence and Analytics

Learners will develop the skills to use Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) programming, part of Microsoft Excel. VBA provides the process to develop applications, which accept data from data mining packages and present the information the information to others in a consistent format. The course will develop skills in knowing when and how to use pivot tables, macros, automation and integration of downloaded data into reports, graphing, and the use of simulation and decision support models.
Prior knowledge of Excel required.

ISM400: Database Management Systems

This course provides a practical and theoretical introduction to data management focusing on the use of relational database technology and SQL to manage an organization’s data and information. Course topics include data warehouses and Web databases. Learners will design and implement a relational database to manage an organization’s data.
Prerequisite: ISM 200.

ISM401: Managing Innovation

Learners will gain knowledge through an overview of organizational implementation, uses, and impacts of advanced information technology including decision support systems, management support systems, and expert systems. Topics include strategic issues, project management, alternative approaches for building systems, risk management, and emerging technologies.
Prerequisite: ISM 200.

OMGT444: Project Management

Project management is applicable to all types of service and manufacturing settings where a specialized task, job, or venture has been presented. Learners study project management as a general practice and method, as well as its application within the context of the specific task, job, or venture and the environment in which the project is realized. Learners apply project management practices and methods within the context of various projects. Emphasis is given to the role of human resources and communication in a project’s success. While not a certification preparation course, this course provides foundational knowledge that will be useful if a learner chooses to take project management certification preparation courses.

BSAD420: Information Systems Analysis and Design

Information systems are the backbone of most business processes and central to the success of many business strategies. Learners examine critical success factors for information systems. These factors include ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements; strategic and operational decision making; employment of effective methods for systems selection, development, and implementation; and the inclusion of key stakeholders throughout the process. Learners select, design, plan development and implementation, and document the system development cycle for a selected information system solution.
Prerequisite: HUM 201.

HRD323: Finance for Non-Financial Managers

Learners will develop an understanding of the role of finance in the business organization. Topics include ratio analysis, creation of financial statements, sources of funds for financial operations, managing the cash flow process, the cost of capital, and capital budgeting. In addition, the financial impacts of international operations will be explored.

SMGT341: Principles of Information Security

This course introduces learners to the fundamentals of information security management to prepare them to plan, implement, and maintain the information security function within an organization. Learners examine the technical components of information security and security planning, legal and ethical issues, and the impact of emerging issues surrounding information security. They explore various strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate information security risks within an organization. Learners are introduced to security technology, intrusion detection, cryptography, and physical security.

CAPS495: Senior Capstone

Learners engage in two projects that assess their achievements and preparation for pursuit of professional aspirations in their major field. Through application and assessment, learners examine the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program, achievement of the program outcomes, and their preparation as followers and leaders in their chosen professional field.
Prerequisites: The capstone should take place within the last 9 hours of a learner’s program.

General Education Requirements*

Basic Skills

CORE110: Information Literacy

This course is designed to provide learners with the skills that are fundamental to becoming an information‐literate professional who can locate, evaluate, organize and communicate information. The abundance and rapid flow of data requires skill development in the understanding of information resources, accessing information sources, determining the credibility of Internet information, logically organizing sources and finally presenting the information professionally.

ENGL101: Composition 1

This course helps learners develop writing skills that are transferable to any academic or workplace writing task. The course guides learners through the process of planning, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading academic and workplace writing. Learners will develop skills necessary to craft coherent sentences and paragraphs, to edit editing their writing for proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. They will learn about narrative structure and techniques as well as the elements of successful argumentation and persuasive discourse. This course also guides learners through every stage of the research process. Learners will develop a research plan, conduct research, organize and draft a research paper, and then revise, edit, and proofread that research paper.

ENGL102: Composition 2

This course builds on the thinking and writing skills introduced in Composition 1. Learners will write critical, argumentative essays based on their interpretations of nonfictional texts, including literary, film, and cultural texts, and in doing so, will recognize the role of rhetoric in the writing situation as they craft persuasive discourse. In doing so, they will learn methods of questioning, analyzing, and evaluating their own beliefs as well as the perceptions and perspectives of others. These methods of critical thinking are intended to improve the quality and organization of learners’ writing for any purpose, including academic and workplace purposes. In addition to writing essays, learners will develop more advanced research strategies, as well greater proficiency in APA style.
Prerequisite: ENGL101

COM125: Speech

This course helps learners majoring in any discipline strengthen communication skills essential for success in academics and the workplace. Learners will focus on listening, evaluating, and delivering spoken discourse based on audience and purpose. Learners will evaluate why some people are more effective than others as public speakers, analyze speeches and audiences, study ethical considerations for speakers, research and organize findings on a topic, and present findings before an audience, and learn techniques for identifying and reducing speech anxiety.

MASC110 Statistics & Probability or MASC115 College Algebra

MASC110 Statistics & Probability, or MASC115 College Algebra, or more advanced college credit bearing mathematics course requiring college algebra or higher as a prerequisite.

Ethical Reasoning

HUM201: Ethics

Ethics introduces learners to moral philosophy, the branch of philosophy that questions what is good and bad. The course surveys a number of important ethical theories—ethical relativism, objectivism, egoism, altruism, utilitarianism, duty‐based moral theory, natural law, natural rights, and virtue ethics—as they examine reasons why certain actions are morally right or wrong. Learners will apply ethical theories in the evaluation and analysis of current controversial issues, question ethical matters from a variety of angles, and acquire new tools to assist them in making ethically sound, well‐informed decisions throughout their lives.

Disciplinary Perspectives

Natural Science (3 or more credit hours)
Social Science (3 or more credit hours)
Humanities (3 or more credit hours)
The Arts (3 or more credit hours)
Other Cultures (3 or more credit hours)

Capstone

CAPS495 Senior Capstone

Senior capstone or major capstone course.

*Most general education requirements are waived for students with an AA, AS, or AAS degree. Speak to your admissions counselor for details.

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete all foundation and major courses with an overall GPA of 2.0
2. Complete a minimum of 124 credit hours, with at least 60 hours at a bachelor’s degree-granting institution
3. Complete at least 30 credit hours with a C average or above from Southwestern College

All degree requirements are subject to change. Please see Southwestern College Professional Studies Catalog for the most current degree requirements.