Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Information Systems

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Central Michigan University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Information Systems at Central Michigan University combines business knowledge with technology, programming, data analysis, and cybersecurity to prepare students for careers in today's technology-driven organizations. Students learn to design and manage business information systems, analyze data, protect digital information, and use enterprise software such as SAP, making the program suitable for those interested in connecting technology with business strategy.

Curriculum Structure

The university's program page identifies the major's concentrations and learning areas but does not provide a complete year-by-year course sequence. The following is therefore a learning-stage overview rather than an official prescribed study plan.

First Year – Business and Technology Foundations

Students begin by developing a foundation in business, accounting, economics, and information technology. Subjects such as Introduction to Financial Accounting, Principles of Microeconomics, and Principles of Macroeconomics help students understand how organizations operate and make financial decisions.

Second Year – Information Systems and Business Applications

Students develop their understanding of how technology supports business operations, data management, and organizational decision-making. Their studies build toward areas such as business information systems, programming, and database applications, establishing the foundation for more specialized technical coursework.

Third Year – Specialized Information Systems Knowledge

Students can explore concentration areas such as Business Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Enterprise Software. Through topics including data mining, machine learning, artificial intelligence, information security, and SAP enterprise applications, students develop skills for solving complex business and technology challenges.

Fourth Year – Applied Technology and Career Preparation

Students can apply their knowledge through practical business simulations, the ERPsim Competition, SAP learning opportunities, and internships. These experiences help students strengthen their technical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities while preparing for professional roles in information systems.

Focus Areas

Information systems, business data analytics, cybersecurity, enterprise software, SAP, programming, database management, business technology, data mining, machine learning, artificial intelligence, network management, information security, systems analysis, and business process improvement.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to combine business knowledge with technical skills, analyze data for decision-making, manage information systems, understand cybersecurity risks, work with enterprise software, solve business problems, and manage technology-related projects. The program also supports the development of analytical thinking, problem-solving, and practical technology skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Central Michigan University's College of Business Administration holds AACSB accreditation in business and accounting. Its Assurance of Learning framework evaluates business knowledge, data analysis, oral communication, written communication, and problem-solving, helping maintain academic quality and alignment with professional expectations.

Reputation (Employability and Recognition)

Central Michigan University highlights strong employment prospects for Information Systems graduates, reporting that nearly all graduates receive job offers before graduation. The university also identifies Information Systems as a major associated with some of the highest starting salaries among College of Business Administration graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Central Michigan University, Information Systems students can gain practical experience through SAP software, business simulations, cybersecurity-focused learning, and internship opportunities. The program emphasizes learning by doing, allowing students to apply technology and business concepts to realistic organizational challenges. Students can also explore specialized concentrations and participate in the ERPsim Competition, where teams use SAP to manage business operations and compete based on financial performance. Key opportunities include:

SAP Software: Students learn to use SAP, an enterprise software platform used by organizations to manage business processes and information.
SAP Academy: CMU offers a two-week SAP Academy designed to help students build SAP knowledge and pursue industry-recognized certification.
ERPsim Competition: Students work in teams using SAP to operate a simulated business, make decisions, manage business activities, and compete to generate the highest net income.
Internships: Information Systems students can access internship opportunities with companies such as Ford, Steelcase, and Eli Lilly.
Business Data Analytics: Students can explore data mining, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for business decision-making.
Cybersecurity: The cybersecurity concentration develops knowledge of managing digital threats, protecting organizational information, and understanding security risks.
Enterprise Software: Students explore SAP applications and how organizations integrate people, processes, and technology.
Modern Learning Labs: The College of Business Administration provides modern laboratories equipped with current software to support practical business and technology learning.
Business Projects: The College of Business Administration incorporates projects and presentations that reflect applied business challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Information Systems B.S.B.A. can pursue careers in technology management, data analytics, cybersecurity, enterprise software, and business systems. With practical exposure to SAP, business simulations, and technical concentrations, students can prepare for opportunities in organizations that depend on technology to manage information, improve operations, and support strategic decisions.

Potential Career Options: Information Systems Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, SAP Analyst.

Students can strengthen their career preparation through the following opportunities:

Career Preparation: The College of Business Administration provides career-focused learning through applied projects, presentations, faculty access, and tutoring support.
Internship Opportunities: The university connects Information Systems students with internship opportunities at companies including Ford, Steelcase, and Eli Lilly.
Employment Outcomes: CMU reports that nearly all Information Systems graduates receive job offers before graduation. This is a university-published program statement; a specific numerical placement percentage is not provided.
Salary Figures: The university lists the following projected career salary figures:
- Computer Programmer: $98,670
- Cybersecurity Analyst: $124,910
- IT Manager: $171,200
- SAP Architect/Analyst: $123,100
- Computer Network Architect: $130,390
- Computer Support Specialist: $61,550
- Database Administrators and Architects: $123,100
- Network System Administrator: $96,800

These are published career salary estimates, not guaranteed starting salaries for graduates.

Professional Accreditation: AACSB accreditation provides recognition of the College of Business Administration's academic quality and commitment to continuous improvement.
Central Career Guarantee: Eligible participating students who meet the university's requirements are guaranteed a job offer or graduate school acceptance within six months of graduation, or $2,000 in financial support. Terms and eligibility conditions apply.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S.B.A. in Information Systems, students may pursue an accelerated master's degree in Information Systems, an accelerated Master of Science in Administration (MSA), or an accelerated Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Information Systems. These pathways allow students to deepen their technical, analytical, and management expertise while preparing for advanced professional responsibilities.