Bachelor of Science in Information Systems & Analytics (formerly BS ISDS)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Louisiana State University Baton Rouge

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems & Analytics at Louisiana State University is designed for students who want to combine business knowledge with technology, data, and problem-solving to help organizations make smarter decisions and improve how they operate. The 120-credit STEM-designated program develops skills in information systems, analytics, programming, cloud computing, business intelligence, cybersecurity, data management, and digital consulting, with optional concentrations in Analytics, Cyber Risk, and Digital Services and Consulting for on-campus students.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with the foundations needed for business and technology study through courses such as Introduction to Management Information Systems for Business Majors, Business Statistics and Analytics I, and Business Statistics and Analytics II, alongside English, mathematics, economics, and other general education subjects. This stage develops quantitative reasoning and introduces students to how information systems and analytics support business decision-making.

Year 2: Students build their business foundation through Introductory Financial Accounting, Introductory Managerial Accounting, Principles of Finance, Principles of Management, and Principles of Marketing. At the same time, subjects such as Foundations of Information Systems begin developing a deeper understanding of how technology supports organizational operations and management.

Year 3: The curriculum becomes more specialized as students study Design of Information Systems Solutions, Data and Information Management, and Management of Information Systems Projects. Students can also use upper-level electives to explore areas such as Advanced Business Programming, Data Warehousing, Data Mining & Artificial Intelligence for Business, Information Systems Consulting, or Business Analysis in Practice.

Year 4: Students bring together their technical and business knowledge through advanced subjects such as Enterprise Architecture and Analysis and Design of Information Systems, supported by additional 3000- and 4000-level business and ISDS electives. Depending on their interests, on-campus students can further specialize through the Analytics, Cyber Risk, or Digital Services and Consulting concentration options.

Focus areas

Business intelligence, business analytics, information systems, programming, IT management, cloud computing, digital consulting, predictive modeling, data warehousing, data mining, cyber risk, supply chain management, artificial intelligence

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyze business requirements, design and implement information systems, manage organizational data, use analytical and visualization technologies, evaluate technology-based business solutions, understand enterprise architecture, manage information systems projects, and apply digital technologies to business challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The BS in Information Systems & Analytics is offered through LSU's E. J. Ourso College of Business, which has been continuously accredited by AACSB International since 1931 and was most recently reaccredited in 2021. LSU notes that AACSB accreditation is held by fewer than five percent of the world's business programs, providing an internationally recognized quality framework for business education.

Reputation (employability rankings)

LSU's official Information Systems & Analytics profile reports an average alumni salary of $65,000 five years after graduation. The E. J. Ourso College of Business is also ranked T-116 overall in the 2027 U.S. News Best Undergraduate Business Programs ranking, according to LSU's official rankings page.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Information Systems & Analytics is built around applied technology and business problem-solving rather than classroom theory alone. Students work with programming, databases, analytics, visualization, cloud technologies, and information systems while gaining practical exposure through internships, capstone projects, industry speakers, and professional certifications. LSU specifically identifies tools including Python, SQL, Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, R, Git, SAS, JMP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, giving students experience with technologies used across modern business and analytics environments.

Students can develop this practical experience through:

Industry certifications: Students earn SAFe® Scrum Master and an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect or Cloud Practitioner certification while completing the degree.
Programming and technical tools: Coursework exposes students to Python, SQL, R, Git, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SAS, and JMP, alongside business-focused analytics and information systems applications.
Data and visualization tools: Students learn Tableau and Microsoft Power BI, supporting practical work in business intelligence, analytics, data visualization, and decision-making.
Capstone projects: Capstone projects provide opportunities to apply information systems knowledge to practical business problems and create networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Internships: LSU specifically identifies internships as an industry opportunity within the program, and its online ISA pathway also allows qualifying students working in professional IT roles to earn credit through ISDS 3075 Internship in Information Systems and Decision Sciences.
Industry interaction: Classroom speakers and courses such as CIO Hot Topics give students opportunities to interact with professionals and learn about current information-technology leadership issues.
Business Education Complex: Students have access to LSU's Business Education Complex, which includes classrooms, the SMART Lab, the Professional Sales Lab, and the Ideation Lab, supporting the broader business-learning environment.
Industry exposure: Recent employers of LSU ISA graduates include CenturyLink, Cognizant, Deloitte, Disney, Dow, Exxon, General Motors, IBM, and Shell, giving students examples of the range of organizations where these skills are applied.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BS in Information Systems & Analytics prepares graduates for technology-focused business careers where they can connect data, information systems, and organizational strategy. LSU identifies career paths including IT consulting, IT outsourcing, business architecture, business analysis, business intelligence, database administration, information systems integration, and data science, with graduates hired by organizations such as Deloitte, IBM, General Motors, Shell, Disney, and Exxon.

Typical job roles include Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Database Administrator.

Students can strengthen their transition into professional roles through:

Career and professional development: The Ourso College provides professional and career development resources, while the program itself incorporates internships, capstone projects, industry speakers, and networking opportunities.
Salary outcomes: LSU's official major profile reports an average alumni Information Systems & Analytics salary of $65,000 five years after graduation.
College-wide graduation outcomes: For AY 2024–25, the Ourso College reports that 92% of graduates reported positive post-graduate outcomes, with an average starting salary of $77,266 across all graduates; these figures are college-wide rather than specific to ISA.
Employer connections: ISA graduates have been hired by CenturyLink, Cognizant, Deloitte, Disney, Dow, Exxon, General Motors, IBM, and Shell, demonstrating the program's connections with technology, consulting, energy, entertainment, manufacturing, and other industries.
Industry collaboration: LSU states that the ISA curriculum was designed in collaboration with industry partners and incorporates industry opportunities, certifications, capstone projects, and professional networking.
Long-term accreditation value: The E. J. Ourso College of Business has maintained AACSB accreditation since 1931, giving students a business education backed by a globally recognized accreditation framework.
Additional specialization: On-campus students can add an Analytics, Cyber Risk, or Digital Services and Consulting concentration, while SDEIS also offers minors in Analytics, Entrepreneurship, and Information Technology Management.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Information Systems & Analytics, students can continue into graduate-level study in areas such as analytics, information systems, business administration, or related technology fields. LSU's E. J. Ourso College offers graduate programs including the Master of Science in Analytics, Master of Business Administration, and doctoral study in Business Administration (Entrepreneurship & Information Systems), providing several pathways for students who want to deepen their technical, analytical, or business leadership expertise.