Inside Information Systems
VCU School of Business

Inside Information Systems is part of a series of brochures relating VCU majors to occupational fields. The information in this pamphlet can help you with planning your education and career.

Information systems refers to the effective integration of information technology and computing resources to support the operations, analysis, decision-making, and planning functions in business organizations. The information systems curriculum prepares students for professional careers in the rapidly-expanding field of computer-based business systems.

Through the courses in the business foundation program, taken in the freshman and sophomore years, students typically gain these skills:

• effective written and oral communications skills, including public speaking.
• familiarity with computer concepts and applications.
• quantitative skills, including mathematics and accounting.
• fundamental knowledge of economics and social sciences.

Some of the skills developed by the information systems major include the following:

• knowledge of hardware and software technologies.
• knowledge of computer programming languages - Visual Basic, C++ and Java.
• skills in object-oriented systems analysis and design using tools such as PowerBuilder and Rational Rose.
• knowledge of database management systems such as Oracle 8 and data communication systems (LAN and WAN).
• optional tracks include Information Engineering and Decision Support Technologies.

Some of the representative courses students in the information systems major take include the following:

• Introduction to Structured and Object-Oriented Programming
• Advanced Program Design Techniques in C++ and Java
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Computer Hardware and Software
• COBOL Programming
• Database Systems
• Java Support for E-Business
• Data Communication Networks (LAN +WAN)
• Direction and Coordination of Information Systems Organizations
• Computer Projects
• Information Systems Internship

To become more marketable:

• Participate in, and accept leadership roles in, extracurricular activities such as the student chapters of the Association of Information Technology Professionals, and Black Data Processing Associates.
• Become a student consultant to improve your analytical skills and help others.
• Enroll in Cooperative Education to gain work experience.
• Take electives in areas related to your career goals (e.g., computer science, accounting, or decision sciences) or minor in a supporting area.
• Arrange for an internship, through the department, with a major company in the field or get part-time work in the field.

Typical areas of employment for graduates include the following:

• Computer Programmer
• Database Analyst
• Programmer Analyst
• Systems Analyst
• Manager, Information Systems
• Technical Writer
• Systems Consultant
• Information Analyst
• Network Analyst

Although graduate work is not required for this field, some students choose to pursue master's or doctoral degrees in order to prepare them for advancement opportunities within the management structure of their organization or to teach and conduct research at the university level.

The Information Systems Research Institute is the professional outreach office of the Department of Information Systems. Recognized as a model center, ISRI provides programs that integrate teaching, applied research and professional workforce development. Under the supervision of faculty, students apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, gaining on-the-job experience and earning financial support. ISRI connects students and faculty to business and government to leverage experiences and talents so that each remains competitive in the rapidly changing world of information systems and technology.

Further information is available at the Career Center (Commons, first floor) or through the department:

Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Business
Department of Information Systems
Business Building, 1015 Floyd Ave., Room 4180
PO Box 844000
Richmond VA 23284-4000

(804) 828-1737  |  fax: (804) 828-3199

This brochure is published by the VCU Career Development Council in cooperation with academic departments.

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