Minor in Information Systems

As more sophisticated technology is implemented across all organizations, demand for systems expertise will remain strong.

The field of Information Systems (IS) focuses on the need to improve systems for the benefit of individuals, organizations and society at large. It includes identifying and implementing computer-based solutions that optimize the fit between business processes, employees, and imformation technologies. It involves using computers and information to enable people and organizations to be more creative and productive and applying the latest technology to improve the delivery of products and services, while insuring that the systems are secure.

Information Systems is distinguished from computer science or information technology in that it is more business-focused. At Georgia Southern University, computer science majors focus more on computer languages, computer hardware, and specialized systems software and information technology majors focus on computer networks and Web technologies.

The continuing evolution of computer systems is having major impacts on the way organizations are managed. Organizations need people who understand current and emerging IT trends. They need managers who can recognize and capitalize on the opportunities presented by information technology and address the many challenges that result from advances in the computer systems field.

Students who select a minor in IS are exposed to the fundamental concepts of information processing and the dynamic relationships among IT, business processes, and computer users. Equipped with this knowledge, the students enrolled in the minor will be able to address different computer and information systems related problems and critically evaluate emerging information and communication technologies.

The IS Minor will:

• provide knowledge about existing computer technologies
• develop skills to specify, implement, and monitor development of an information system
• develop understanding of the role of information as a strategic resource as well as the specific problems in its management
• develop skills to better utilize the positive effects of implementing computer-based information technologies

The IS Minor complements any business major by adding IT competency to leverage the knowledge and skills students earn in their major studies.

Information systems are woven into the fabric of business organizations and are increasingly important in many other fields including art & design, biology, chemistry, communications, criminal justice, broadcasting, education, engineering, hotel & restaurant management, interior design, music, nursing, political science, psychology, public health, public relations, sociology, sport management, and writing. An IS minor will enhance the career options of students in any major and increase their capacity to analyze, design, and manage business processes related to their major line of work.

An IS minor may be declared as early as the freshman year but should always be declared as soon as possible so that you have adequate time to plan the completion of the minor. You can declare an IS minor by using a Minor/Concentration Declaration Form. If you are in the process of changing your major, you can also declare an IS Minor by completing the "Minors" section of the Change of Major Form.

Note:  Like any other minor at Georgia Southern University, you must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the IS minor courses with no more than three hours of "D" work. A minimum of nine of the minor credits must be earned at Georgia Southern University and a maximum of three hours may be taken under the S/U grading system.

A minor is a set of courses that allows you to concentrate your studies in a certain area. Minors combine with your major to enhance your marketability.

Students in all baccalaureate programs who wish to do so may add a minor to their major program of study. An IS Minor can be added to most majors on campus by taking 5 courses. College of Business Administration (COBA) majors can earn an IS minor by taking as few as 3 courses.

The IS minor is designed to expose students majoring in disciplines both within and outside the College of Business Administration to a variety of technologies that are used to support organizations by improving employee performance and organizational effectiveness.

Because information systems are woven into the fabric of business organizations, the IS Minor is the perfect complement for any business major. Business majors with IS minors set themselves apart and demonstrate that they understand that businesses cannot thrive without effective information systems. The IS Minor will position business majors for jobs in business application areas, consulting positions, technical liaisons, and selling and acquisition of business software.

In a nutshell, an IS Minor will improve the marketability of business majors by preparing them to:

• Identify, select, and evaluate technology solutions for business problems
• Become a knowledgeable user of IT
• Become the person in the organization who can successfully interact with and work with technology professionals

To learn more about how an IS Minor can benefit your career, select your business major below:

An IS Minor will enhance the career options of students in any major and increase their capacity to analyze, design, and manage business processes related to their major line of work.

Information systems knowledge has become especially important in art & design, biology, chemistry, communications, criminal justice, broadcasting, education, engineering, hotel & restaurant management, interior design, music, nursing, politcal science, psychology, public health, public relations, sociology, sport management, and writing.    >> For example

It’s simple! The IS Minor is structured like most other business minors. Just take ACCT 2030 - Survey of Accounting (or ACCT 2101 and ACCT 2102) and CISM 4130 - Management Information Systems. Finishing the minor only requires three more upper division CISM courses.

You have a choice of completing a Traditional IS Minor or completing the IS Minor while earning an SAP® Certificate.Take a look at the course requirements for these options:

>> Traditional IS Minor Courses
>> IS Minor with SAP Courses