Bachelors in Business Administration Major in Information Systems Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Auburn University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Information Systems Management at Auburn University prepares students to connect business needs with technology, developing the skills to manage information systems, improve business processes, and support organizations in a digital environment. With 123 credit hours, students combine business fundamentals with programming, database management, digital business design, application development, information security, and practical information systems projects.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a strong academic and professional foundation through courses such as Calculus with Business Applications I, Professional Development in Business I, and Public Speaking, alongside Auburn's core science, humanities, and communication requirements. This stage develops quantitative reasoning, communication skills, and the broader academic foundation needed for business and technology study.

Year 2: Students begin building their business and information-systems knowledge through Business Analytics I, Business Analytics II, and Introduction to Management Information Systems, supported by Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Business Law. This year introduces students to analytical thinking and the role of information systems within business organizations.

Year 3: The curriculum becomes more technology-focused with Programming & Computer Applications, Database Management Systems, and Digital Business Design, while students also study marketing, finance, management, supply chain processes, and information analysis. Advanced Business Application Development further develops their ability to design and build technology solutions for business environments.

Year 4: Students move into advanced information systems and strategic business topics through Security and Information Assurance, Management Information Systems Projects, and Strategic Management. ISMN electives allow students to deepen their interests, while professional development and business electives help connect their technical knowledge with broader career goals.

Focus areas

Information systems management, programming, database management, business analytics, digital business design, business application development, information security, information assurance, information analysis, technology auditing, cloud services, project management, strategic management

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyze business information, design and manage information systems, program and develop business applications, work with databases, evaluate information security, understand digital business processes, manage technology-related projects, and apply technology solutions to organizational needs.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The Raymond J. Harbert College of Business is accredited at the undergraduate and graduate levels by AACSB International, an internationally recognized business-school accreditation body. Auburn states that its business curriculum is designed around the common body of knowledge identified by its accrediting agency, providing students with a structured business education alongside their Information Systems Management specialization.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Auburn's Harbert College of Business was ranked No. 31 among public universities and No. 51 overall in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Undergraduate Business Programs ranking. For the Information Systems Management major specifically, Auburn reports a 79% job placement rate, an average starting salary of $69,394, and employers including Deloitte, KPMG, and Regions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Auburn's Information Systems Management major combines technical coursework with practical experience in programming, databases, application development, information security, and management information systems projects. Students can also gain professional experience through internships, career coaching, and access to Harbert's technology infrastructure, including computer labs, virtual computing resources, and software used in business and information-systems coursework.

The major's practical opportunities include:

Management Information Systems Projects: The senior-level ISMN 5880 Management Information Systems Projects gives students dedicated project experience applying their information-systems knowledge.
Programming and application development: ISMN 3080 Programming & Computer Applications and ISMN 5650 Advanced Business Application Development provide hands-on technical preparation in programming and business application development.
Database experience: ISMN 3830 Database Management Systems develops knowledge directly relevant to designing, managing, and supporting business databases.
Information security: ISMN 5730 Security and Information Assurance gives students focused preparation in protecting information systems and managing information-security concerns.
Internships: Harbert provides internship opportunities that can be completed as early as the sophomore year, with opportunities locally, nationally, and globally. Students in the Information Systems Management major have interned with organizations including Deloitte, KPMG, Regions Bank, Parallon, and The Home Depot.
Career coaching: Harbert's Office of Professional and Career Development provides career coaching for self-exploration, job searching, salary negotiation, and graduate-school planning, with appointments available through Handshake.
Technology resources: Harbert's computer labs provide access to tools including Microsoft Office 365, Alteryx Designer, Gephi, KNIME, Microsoft Power BI, and Tableau Desktop. Harbert also provides a virtual computer lab with Windows desktop sessions accessible through a web browser.
ISMN-specific software access: Students currently taking Information Systems Management or Business Analytics courses can download eligible software through Auburn's Azure Dev Tools for Teaching service, including Microsoft development tools such as Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Auburn's Information Systems Management graduates are prepared for technology-focused business careers involving information systems, cybersecurity, databases, systems development, technical support, and technology-enabled business transformation. Auburn reports a 79% job placement rate and $69,394 average starting salary for the major, with graduates entering organizations such as Deloitte, KPMG, and Regions.

Typical career roles include IT Auditor, Cyber Analyst, Project Analyst/Manager, Database Administrator. Auburn's career-path information also identifies opportunities in network administration, security, web development, systems development, technical support, training, technical writing, marketing, and sales.

Students can build their transition from university to employment through:

Career development: Harbert's Office of Professional and Career Development provides career coaching, job-search assistance, salary-negotiation guidance, and graduate-school planning through Handshake.
Internship experience: 56.6% of Information Systems Management students complete at least one internship, while Harbert reports that 100% of students gain real-world experience through experiential learning.
Employment outcomes: Auburn reports a 79% job placement rate for the Information Systems Management major and an average starting salary of $69,394.
Employer connections: Students have gained internship experience with Deloitte, KPMG, Regions Bank, Parallon, and The Home Depot, providing exposure to technology, consulting, finance, and business operations environments.
Professional accreditation: AACSB accreditation of the Harbert College of Business provides an internationally recognized quality framework for business education and supports the long-term value of the business degree.
Advanced study: Auburn's Harbert College offers a Master of Science in Information Systems, providing a direct graduate-level pathway for students who want to deepen their expertise in information systems.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BSBA in Information Systems Management, students can pursue Auburn's Master of Science in Information Systems or other relevant graduate business and technology programs, depending on their academic interests and admission requirements. Students interested in management, analytics, cybersecurity, or broader business leadership can also consider related graduate specializations offered through Harbert College of Business.