Relationship Between the Information Systems Core Courses, the Minor, and the Major

From IS Curriculum

Prerequisite Computer Use Skills: The prerequisite skills level provides a personal capability for student use of information technology. Several applications useful to students and graduates are covered, including: word processing, Internet browsing, electronic mail, spreadsheet processing, database management, presentation graphics, and external database retrieval. Although word processing is included here, it is typically acquired prior to formal courses. Some institutions provide the prerequisite IS skills level via a course required of all students. Other institutions enable students to acquire this competency through laboratories with computer-based tutorial modules. Competency tests may be used to ensure adequacy of prior knowledge. The Information Systems faculty may also have major responsibilities for remedial work relative to the prerequisite skills.

All Students: A survey course provides all students an introduction to the purposes, uses, and value of information systems and information resources in organizations. It introduces concepts and methods by which systems are designed and implemented. The technologies and processes for providing information and communications resources are explained. The opportunities for users to employ these resources are illustrated. Students can build on their prerequisite knowledge to investigate useful concepts, functions, and capabilities usually provided by information systems. Exercises will assist students in understanding system development processes, effective use of information systems, and quality concepts in providing inputs and using outputs from systems. Knowledge at this level is necessary for further work in Information Systems.

Exercises may enable students majoring in functional areas to gain additional IS skills and system understanding through use of application packages in their major fields of study, such as accounting, finance or marketing. Team approaches are utilized.

IS Minors: In addition to the courses all students take, an IS minor consists of at least four courses that form a cohesive set of knowledge that supports the students major field of study. Individuals with a minor in IS often act as technology liaisons and as user representatives on teams to develop and enhance major functional applications. A minor may be tailored to the unique requirements of a functional area, such as marketing or accounting, or a second field, such as health sciences.

IS Majors: An IS major consists of the entire model curriculum. Students proficient at this level are prepared to enter a career in the IS field.