Beginning Fall 2002, students at Brigham Young University will be able to earn a bachelor's of science degree in information systems. The new major, offered through the Marriott School of Management, will replace the information-systems emphasis in the business-management program.
"Having a bachelor's degree in information systems will give our students the experience and credentials they need to increase both their skill base and their job marketability," said Marshall Romney, director of the information-systems management program. "This program will give our graduates the tools they need to succeed in one of the most competitive industries in business today."
The new 75 credit-hour program adds 12 more systems credit hours than the current emphasis. Each student will be required to complete 30 credit hours in information systems and computer science as well as 45 credit hours in business-management courses. Eighteen of the 30 systems credit hours will be grouped together in a core format that students will take their junior year.
"We recognized that our students needed more experience during their junior year so they would have skills to get competitive internships between their junior and senior years," said Stephen Liddle, associate professor of information systems. "Completion of a competitive internship, followed by our new projects and consulting capstone class, will help our students distinguish themselves in the job market."
Program directors initially plan to accept up to 150 students in the program. To be considered, students must complete information systems 201 with a B or better and be accepted into the Marriott School undergraduate program. To be accepted into the undergraduate program, students must demonstrate proficiencies in Microsoft Office applications and complete the pre-management core courses with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Students may apply online for the Marriott School undergraduate program at marriott.byu.edu/bsmgt/application/index.cfm and may begin applying online for the information-systems program 1 April 2002. Students must complete all application procedures by the 30 June 2002 deadline. For questions concerning the information-systems major, visit the advisement center in room 460 TNRB. Additional information will soon be available on the Marriott School home page — marriott.byu.edu
The Marriott School is located at Brigham Young University, the largest privately owned, church-sponsored university in the United States. The school has nationally and internationally ranked programs in accountancy, business management, information systems, organizational behavior and entrepreneurship. The mission of the Marriott School focuses on education, research, outreach and friendship to train men and women to become outstanding leaders in a global environment. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled in the Marriott School's graduate and undergraduate programs.
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Writer: S. Wade Hansen