Bachelor's in Information Systems Major

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Marquette University

Program Overview

Marquette University’s Information Systems major prepares students to bridge the gap between business and technology by learning how to design, develop, and manage information systems that help organisations solve problems and improve productivity. Ideal for analytical thinkers who enjoy technology and business strategy, the program combines business fundamentals with database management, application development, systems analysis, project management, and emerging technologies, helping students prepare for technology-focused roles across industries.

Curriculum Structure

The degree requires at least 124 credit hours, including the Marquette Core Curriculum, business core, Information Systems major courses, and electives. The following is a typical four-year progression for a non-accounting major; the exact sequence may vary.

Year 1: Students establish a foundation in business, mathematics, economics, and accounting through courses such as Business Day 1 (BUAD 1001), Applied Statistics (BUAD 1560), and Elements of Calculus (MATH 1400). Principles of Financial Accounting (ACCO 1030) and Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 1103) help students understand how organisations manage resources and make decisions.

Year 2: Students begin connecting business operations with technology through Introduction to Information Systems (INSY 3001), Introduction to Applied Artificial Intelligence (BUAD 2001), and Introduction to Financial Management (FINA 3001). They also study Marketing (MARK 3001), Organizational Behavior (MANA 3001), and Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM 3001), developing a broader understanding of how information systems support different business functions.

Year 3: Students progress into specialised Information Systems courses, including Business Applications Development (INSY 4051), Database Management Systems (INSY 4052), and Systems Analysis and Design (INSY 4158). They can also explore Project Management (INSY 4053), Web-based Applications (INSY 4055), Emerging Technologies (INSY 4054), or Privacy and Security (INSY 4156), building technical and analytical capabilities for professional environments.

Year 4: Students refine their expertise through additional major courses and business electives while completing Analytics and Ethics structured electives. Strategic Management (MANA 4101) and the university’s CORE 4929 requirement help students integrate their business knowledge, ethical reasoning, and technical understanding as they prepare for professional responsibilities.

Focus Areas

Information systems, business technology, application development, database management, systems analysis and design, project management, web-based applications, emerging technologies, information security and privacy, business analytics, artificial intelligence, technology governance.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop technical, analytical, and communication skills, understand the relationship between technology and organisations, design and manage information systems, analyse business processes, solve organisational problems, and use technology to improve productivity and create business value.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Marquette’s College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), providing external recognition of its business education standards and academic quality.

Reputation (Employability and Outcomes)

Marquette reports that 82% of its business students participate in internships. The university’s 2024–2025 first-destination data reports a 90% employment rate and an average base salary of $74,274 for Information Systems graduates. These figures are based on the university’s reported outcomes for the major.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Marquette, Information Systems students gain practical experience by applying technology to real business challenges, developing databases, exploring business software, and learning how organisations use information systems to improve their operations. O’Brien Hall provides collaborative spaces designed to connect students with industry, while internships, mentoring, business competitions, and career development activities help students prepare for professional opportunities.

Students can develop practical skills through:

Database development: In Introduction to Information Systems (INSY 3001), students participate in designing and creating a database system while exploring business intelligence, analytics, cloud infrastructure, networking, and security.
Application development: Business Applications Development (INSY 4051) provides specialised learning in business application development.
Database management: Database Management Systems (INSY 4052) develops knowledge of managing data systems used by organisations.
Systems analysis and design: INSY 4158 helps students study how information systems are analysed and designed to address organisational needs.
Internships: Students can gain professional experience with employers such as Accenture, Amazon, Deloitte, EY, PwC, Johnson Controls, and Target. The university reports that 82% of business students participate in internships.
Executive mentoring: During junior year, students participate in a one-on-one mentoring program and are paired with an executive from a Milwaukee-area firm to help develop professional connections.
Business competitions: Students can participate in competitions involving financial analysis, supply chain, real estate, and other business challenges, applying classroom knowledge to practical problems.
O’Brien Hall: The Dr. E. J. and Margaret O’Brien Hall offers collaborative learning spaces designed to encourage interaction between business students and industry.
Study abroad: Information Systems students can choose from more than 50 programs in nearly 30 countries, with credit-bearing opportunities ranging from short experiences to semester-long study.
Career preparation: The Business Career Center supports students with career development, employer connections, internship preparation, and professional networking.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Marquette’s Information Systems program can pursue careers where business processes, technology, data, and organisational needs intersect. The degree develops a combination of technical, analytical, and communication skills that can support opportunities in consulting, systems development, database management, technology operations, and business analysis.

Potential career roles: Business Systems Analyst, Information Systems Analyst, Database Developer, IT Project Coordinator.

Career services: Marquette’s Business Career Center offers career guidance, employer connections, internship support, networking opportunities, and career preparation resources to help students transition into professional roles.
Employment and salary outcomes: For the 2024–2025 graduating cohort, Information Systems graduates reported a 90% employment rate and an average base salary of $74,274. These are program-specific university figures.
Industry connections: Recent Information Systems graduates have joined employers including Accenture, Amazon, Baker Tilly, Deloitte, EY, Generac Power Systems, Johnson Controls, Milwaukee Tool, PwC, Target, and US Cellular. Students can also gain industry exposure through internships and executive mentoring.
Professional recognition: AACSB accreditation provides external recognition of the College of Business Administration’s business education standards, supporting the academic credibility of the degree.
Graduate outcomes: Marquette’s College of Business Administration reported a 90% career outcomes rate for the 2024–2025 graduating cohort, reflecting graduates who were employed, continuing education, or engaged in other recognised post-graduation activities.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may continue into a Master of Science in Information Systems, Business Analytics, Information Technology, or a Master of Business Administration (MBA), depending on their career interests and admission eligibility. Further study can help students specialise in areas such as data analytics, technology management, cybersecurity, information systems strategy, or business leadership.