BSBA Information Systems

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Bowling Green State University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a specialization in Information Systems at Bowling Green State University combines business knowledge with technical expertise to prepare students for careers at the intersection of business and technology. Students explore database management, systems analysis and design, cybersecurity, business intelligence, and project management while developing the problem-solving, communication, and technical skills needed to help organizations improve efficiency and make informed business decisions.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Business and Technology Foundations

Students begin with foundational business, mathematics, and communication courses while exploring how organizations operate. Introduction to Management Information Systems introduces the role of technology in business, while Overview of Business Administration helps students understand major business functions and professional opportunities.

Year 2 – Developing Technical and Analytical Skills

Students strengthen their understanding of business processes, programming, and information systems through introductory and intermediate coursework. Database Management introduces the organization and handling of business information, while Systems Analysis and Design develops the ability to examine organizational requirements and plan technology-based solutions.

Year 3 – Applying Information Systems to Business

Students advance into specialized subjects such as Business Process Management with SAP, Information Systems Security, and Information Systems Project Management. These courses develop their understanding of enterprise systems, information protection, and the coordination of technology projects within organizations.

Year 4 – Integration and Professional Preparation

Students complete advanced specialization requirements and the BSBA capstone, Integrated Business Experience (BA 4500), which brings together knowledge from different business disciplines to address real business challenges. This final stage strengthens their ability to evaluate business problems, communicate solutions, and apply technical knowledge in professional settings.

Focus Areas

Information systems, business technology, database management, systems analysis and design, cybersecurity, business intelligence, enterprise systems, business process management, project management, electronic commerce, information technology strategy.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyze business information requirements, design and evaluate information systems, apply business software, understand database management and information security, solve organizational problems, communicate technical recommendations, and use technology to support business productivity and decision-making.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Schmidthorst College of Business at BGSU holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an internationally recognized accreditation body for business education. This accreditation reflects the college's commitment to academic quality, continuous improvement, and professional business education.

Reputation (Employability and Career Outcomes)

BGSU reports that 98% of its graduates enter careers, pursue advanced degrees, or start businesses within six months of graduation. The university also reports that 73% of business graduates complete at least one internship, while its business graduates have a median starting salary of more than $61,000.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

BGSU's Information Systems specialization connects classroom learning with practical business applications through its applied business curriculum, internships, professional organizations, and industry engagement. Students gain opportunities to develop technical skills, understand enterprise technology, and apply business knowledge to organizational challenges. The university's Integrated Business Experience also provides an opportunity to bring together learning from different business disciplines.

Students can strengthen their practical experience through the following opportunities:

Business Process Management with SAP: Explore enterprise business processes and the use of SAP systems in organizational operations.
Database Management: Develop knowledge of database systems and the management of business information.
Systems Analysis and Design: Learn how to identify organizational requirements and develop information system solutions.
Information Systems Security: Study security principles relevant to protecting organizational information and technology systems.
Integrated Business Experience (BA 4500): Apply knowledge from the business core to solve real business problems through the senior-level capstone.
Internships: Gain professional experience, with opportunities to begin internships as early as freshman year. BGSU reports that over 73% of business graduates complete one or more internships.
Business Innovation and Technology Group: Connect with fellow students and explore interests in business innovation and technology.
Beta Alpha Psi: Participate in a professional and honorary organization for accounting and information systems students.
Career Coaching: Receive support from the college's dedicated career coach for internship preparation, professional development, and career planning.
Meet the Firms: Network with employers and explore professional opportunities through the college's annual networking event.
Study Abroad: Explore international learning opportunities through BGSU's university partnerships.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSBA Information Systems specialization can pursue careers in business technology, information management, systems development, consulting, and IT operations. The combination of business understanding and technical knowledge prepares students to help organizations improve their systems, manage information securely, and support technology-driven business decisions.

Potential Career Roles:

Business Intelligence Analyst, IT Consultant, Information Solutions Architect, IT Auditor, Systems Analyst

Career Development and Graduate Outcomes

Career Coaching: BGSU provides a dedicated business career coach who supports students throughout their career preparation and job search.
Internship Opportunities: Students can gain practical experience through internships, with more than 73% of business graduates completing at least one internship.
Industry Connections: BGSU's corporate and alumni network includes more than 1,000 organizations, providing opportunities for mentorship, internships, and professional networking.
Professional Networking: The annual Meet the Firms event allows students to connect with employers and explore career opportunities.
Graduate Outcomes: BGSU reports that 98% of graduates begin careers, pursue advanced degrees, or establish businesses within six months of graduation.
Salary Information: The university reports a median starting salary of more than $61,000 for BGSU business graduates. This is a college-level figure, not a separate Information Systems graduate salary.
Accreditation Value: AACSB accreditation provides recognition of the Schmidthorst College of Business's academic quality and commitment to continuous improvement.
Professional Development: Business Innovation and Technology Group and Beta Alpha Psi offer opportunities for networking, professional engagement, and development.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BSBA in Information Systems, graduates may pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Information Systems, Master of Science in Business Analytics, or postgraduate study in cybersecurity, information technology management, or related fields, subject to the admission requirements of the chosen university.