Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Concentration in Information Systems

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

San Francisco State University

Program Overview

San Francisco State University’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Information Systems combines business knowledge with technical and managerial expertise, preparing students to understand how technology supports modern organizations. Students explore business application development, information systems analysis and design, enterprise data management, networking, and IT project management while building the analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills needed to work across business and technology environments.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Business and Information Systems Foundations

Students establish a foundation in business, economics, mathematics, and information technology through courses such as Introduction to Microeconomic Analysis (ECON 101), Introduction to Information Systems (ISYS 263), and Business Calculus (MATH 110) or an approved calculus alternative. These subjects help students develop quantitative reasoning and understand how information systems support business activities.

Year 2 – Core Business Knowledge

Students build their understanding of organizational operations through Introduction to Financial Accounting (ACCT 100), Introduction to Managerial Accounting (ACCT 101), and Introduction to Management and Organizational Behavior (MGMT 405). They also study Principles of Marketing (MKTG 431), Business Finance (FIN 350), and Information Systems for Management (ISYS 363), connecting technology with business decisions and organizational needs.

Year 3 – Systems Development and Data Management

Students move into specialized information systems coursework, including Building Business Applications (ISYS 350), Information Systems Analysis and Design (ISYS 463), and Managing Enterprise Data (ISYS 464). These courses develop skills in application development, systems planning, database management, and designing technology solutions for business requirements.

Year 4 – IT Project Management and Professional Application

Students deepen their technical and managerial knowledge through Managing Enterprise Networks (ISYS 565) and Information Technology Project Management (ISYS 663). Depending on their selected electives, students may also explore Information Systems Internship (ISYS 567), Business Intelligence (ISYS 650), Information Security Management (ISYS 575), or AI and Machine Learning for Business Applications (ISYS 574), supporting their transition into professional roles.

Focus Areas

Information systems management, business application development, systems analysis and design, enterprise data management, network administration, IT project management, business analytics, information security, business intelligence, application development, technology strategy, and organizational problem-solving.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to integrate business knowledge across functional areas, analyze organizational and technical problems, design and evaluate information systems, manage business data, apply quantitative methods and appropriate technologies, communicate business information effectively, collaborate in diverse teams, and evaluate decisions from ethical, sustainable, and global perspectives.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Information Systems concentration is offered through SF State's Lam Family College of Business. The university's business programs hold AACSB accreditation, an internationally recognized quality assurance framework for business education.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

SF State's official program information identifies career pathways including technology/business analyst, programmer/analyst, database designer or administrator, network administrator, and technical support specialist. The university's curriculum also includes applied technical electives and an internship option, connecting academic learning with professional development.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

San Francisco State University’s Information Systems concentration combines business education with practical technology-focused learning. Students develop technical and managerial skills through application development, enterprise data management, systems analysis, networking, and IT project management. The curriculum also offers opportunities to explore Python programming, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and business intelligence.

Students can gain practical experience through the following program-specific opportunities:

Business Application Development: ISYS 350 – Building Business Applications introduces students to developing business-oriented applications.
Systems Analysis and Design: ISYS 463 – Information Systems Analysis and Design develops skills in analyzing business requirements and designing information systems.
Enterprise Data Management: ISYS 464 – Managing Enterprise Data focuses on managing organizational data resources.
Network Management: ISYS 565 – Managing Enterprise Networks covers network infrastructure, protocols, hardware, software, and network administration.
IT Project Management: ISYS 663 – Information Technology Project Management develops project planning and management knowledge.
Internship: ISYS 567 – Information Systems Internship provides an approved field experience, including a major report. Eligibility includes a minimum 3.0 GPA in ISYS courses and instructor permission.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: ISYS 573 and ISYS 574 offer electives in generative AI, large language models, and AI/ML for business applications.
Business Intelligence: ISYS 650 allows students to explore business intelligence and technology-supported decision-making.
Career Services and Professional Development Center: Students can access resume reviews, interview preparation, career coaching, employer panels, job listings, and internship opportunities.
Handshake: SF State's career platform provides access to job and internship announcements.
Business Mentorship Program: Students can connect with SF State alumni and professionals through mentorship opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Information Systems concentration can pursue professional opportunities that combine business knowledge, analytical thinking, and technical expertise. The program prepares students for roles involving business technology solutions, application development, data management, network administration, and IT project coordination.

Potential Career Roles:

Technology/Business Analyst, Programmer/Analyst, Database Administrator, Network Administrator

Career Development and Future Opportunities

Career Advising: The Lam-Larsen Career Services and Professional Development Center offers one-on-one support with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, interview preparation, and job-search strategies.
Industry Networking: Students can participate in professional panels, workshops, networking opportunities, and career coaching.
Internship Opportunities: The college provides job and internship listings through Handshake, while ISYS 567 offers an academic internship pathway for eligible students.
Professional Mentorship: The Lam Family College of Business Mentorship Program connects students with successful professionals and alumni.
Technology Specialization: Electives in AI, machine learning, business intelligence, information security, and application development support further technical specialization.
Accreditation: The Lam Family College of Business is AACSB-accredited, providing an internationally recognized quality framework for business education.
Employment Statistics: The official program page does not provide a specific graduate employment rate or program-level salary figure. The university provides career resources for researching occupational salaries.
Industry Engagement: The college supports business-community engagement through professional events, employer connections, career services, and internship opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates can continue their education through postgraduate programs in information systems, business analytics, information technology, or business administration. San Francisco State University also offers an accelerated SF State Scholars pathway combining the B.S. in Business Administration (Information Systems) with the M.S. in Business Analytics, allowing eligible students to complete graduate coursework during their junior or senior undergraduate years.