Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Science
Virginia Commonwealth University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
Program Details
Information Systems, Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of ScienceInformation Systems, Bachelor of Science
Virginia Commonwealth University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems is to prepare students for successful careers as information systems professionals through a curriculum that combines technical computing knowledge, skills and techniques with relevant business knowledge.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will have an ability to: Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions Design, implement and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline Support the delivery, use and management of information systems within an information systems environment
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | This degree prepares students for successful careers as information systems professionals through a curriculum that combines technical computing knowledge, skills and techniques with relevant business knowledge. The program prepares students with the most current technology skills needed to support the secure delivery and management of information systems. |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes The admission requirements for the School of Business detail the deadlines and other requirements for students to be admitted to one of these major programs of study. The following courses must be completed before the student may declare a specific business major: ACCT 203, ACCT 204, BUSN 201 or BUSN 205, BUSN 212 or MATH 200, BUSN 225, ECON 210, ECON 211, UNIV 111, UNIV 112, and UNIV 200. The School of Business has special academic policies, including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees. All baccalaureate degree programs in the School of Business require successful completion of the business knowledge exam as administered in BUSN 499. Students may need to take additional mathematics courses as prerequisites to BUSN 212 or MATH 200. These credits will count as open electives in the degree program. A maximum of six credits in INFO 491 may be applied to the degree. No more than six credits from the BUSN 16X Digital Literacy courses may be applied to the degree. INTL 493 may not be counted toward a business degree. Credit for SPCH 121 or SPCH 321 will substitute for BUSN 225, and no more than three credits of these courses may be applied toward a business degree. Students who earned a minimum grade of B in either ECON 203 or ECON 205 at VCU may substitute that credit for ECON 210. The pass/fail grading policy may not be used for many course requirements. Students should check with their academic adviser before taking the pass/fail grading option. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Complete courses that are equivalent to VCU's lower-level business courses with grades of B or better. Student must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to declare their business major. Missing lower-level courses must be taken before beginning the advanced business courses.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Students may pursue an accelerated B.S. and M.S. program allows qualified students to earn both degrees in a minimum of five years. Students in the program may count up to 12 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degrees. Thus, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 139 credits rather than the 151 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | This degree prepares students for careers in data analytics, systems analysis and design, project management, computer programming, cyber ethics, networking and web development. Through the school's close ties to the community, students leverage and build active partnerships in the private and public sectors. Employers range from multinational companies such as Amazon to small and medium-sized organizations employing fewer than five people. From public sector employers, such as government agencies and institutions of higher education, to private sector organizations, such as consulting firms and telecommunications companies, IS students have a variety of employment options. |
Program Credit Requirements
Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio
and the requirements for the selected program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Information Systems, Bachelor of Science
120
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
This is unofficial evaluation. Please contact the VCU Transfer Center to confirm its accuracy. Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies prior to enrolling at VCU will receive a waiver of their General Education requirements. All students must complete at least 30 of their last 45 credits through VCU to earn a bachelor's degree from VCU and have at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (300, 400 and 500 level).
BS in Information Systems
120
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
This is unofficial evaluation. Please contact the VCU Transfer Center to confirm its accuracy. Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies prior to enrolling at VCU will receive a waiver of their General Education requirements. All students must complete at least 30 of their last 45 credits through VCU to earn a bachelor's degree from VCU and have at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (300, 400 and 500 level).
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 90 credits may be applied to this program.
General Education
30
Foundations
12
Writing
9
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Quantitative
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Areas of Inquiry
18
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Select courses for Areas of Inquiry that cover the three Breadth of Knowledge areas of Humanities/Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Social/Behavioral Sciences as defined in the VCU Bulletin. Please consult with an advsior. The course work in the general education curriculum must be divided among the four Areas of Inquiry below, with at least three, and no more than nine, credits from each of the four areas. In fulfilling these requirements, students may apply no more than six credits with the same four-letter prefix (ex. RELS, MGMT) to the 17-18 credit total requirement, regardless of the area of inquiry under which they are listed.
Creativity, innovation and aesthetic inquiry
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Diversities in the human experience
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Global Perspectives
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Scientific & Logical Reasoning
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Earn 6 credits by completing a course from the following Category lists
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
Major Requirements
30
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 12 credits may be applied to this program.
Major Core Requirements
21
Earn 21 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Major Electives
9
Earn 9 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Ancillary Requirements
49
Ancillary core requirements
43
Earn 43 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Additional ancillary requirements
6
Foundations of Business or Intro to the World of Business requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Legal requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Elective Courses
11
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Take any courses to reach 120 total credits.
Earn 11 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Commonwealth University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have successfully completed the appropriate courses and earned the Associate of Science or Associate of Arts & Sciences in Business Administration should enter VCU as juniors, prepared to enter the Advanced Business Program portion of this degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have successfully completed the appropriate courses and earned the Associate of Science or Associate of Arts & Sciences in Business Administration should enter VCU as juniors, prepared to enter the Advanced Business Program portion of this degree. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
1902
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
VCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their pre...see moreVCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their previous institution. Some degree programs like Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Engineering have more competitive GPA requirements. Admission to programs in VCU Arts is also based on an evaluation of additional application materials and may be more competitive. Transfer applicants with fewer than 24 earned semester (36 quarter) hours will also be reviewed based on their high school GPA.
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering-Computer Sciences Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Computer Science, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Computer Science Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Information Science, Major in Information Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Computer Information Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Business Administration | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Math/Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Radford University | BS in Information Science and Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems, Major in Management Information Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Data Science & Analytics Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-1299.07 | Blockchain Engineers | Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.00 | Computer Occupations, All Other | All computer occupations not listed separately. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 25-1021.00 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 15-1299.08 | Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1221.00 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 11-3021.00 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. | Management Occupations |
| 15-1243.01 | Data Warehousing Specialists | Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1243.00 | Database Architects | Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.06 | Digital Forensics Analysts | Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.03 | Document Management Specialists | Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.02 | Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.05 | Information Security Engineers | Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.09 | Information Technology Project Managers | Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.04 | Penetration Testers | Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1252.00 | Software Developers | Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1255.01 | Video Game Designers | Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.01 | Web Administrators | Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1255.00 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
Cost To Complete