Bachelor of Science in Business in Information Systems

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Kansas

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business in Information Systems at the University of Kansas combines a strong business foundation with the technology and information systems skills organizations use to solve problems and support strategic decisions. It suits students interested in technology, business processes, data, and systems, preparing them for roles in areas such as information systems management, consulting, database administration, systems analysis, and technology management.

Curriculum Structure

Freshman Year: Students begin by building their business and quantitative foundation through courses such as BUS 150 – Market Foundations of Business, ACCT 200 – Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, and MATH 115 – Calculus I, alongside KU Core requirements. They also begin their professional development through BUS 110 – Introduction to Professionalism, establishing the business knowledge and professional skills needed for later information systems coursework.

Sophomore Year: The second year develops analytical and business knowledge through BSAN 202 – Statistics, BSAN 310 – Introduction to Business Analytics, and FIN 310 – Finance, while BUS 215 – Applied Excel for Data-Driven Decision Making or IST 310 – Introduction to Information & Management Productivity Systems adds practical data and technology skills. Students also take IST 230 – Introduction to Business Analytics and Information Systems Professions, connecting their academic studies with potential professional directions.

Junior Year: Students move into specialized information systems study with IST 325, IST 335 – System Analysis and Design, and an approved Information Systems major elective. Alongside information systems, courses such as BE 301 – Managerial Economics, MKTG 310 – Marketing, and MGMT 310 – Principles of Management help students understand how technology operates within wider business environments.

Senior Year: The final year focuses on advanced information systems knowledge through IST 403 – Business Data Networks and additional approved IST electives. Students complete the MGMT 498 – Business Strategy Capstone or MGMT 499 – Business Strategy Capstone, Honors, bringing together their business, analytical, technological, and strategic knowledge before graduation.

Focus Areas

Information systems, database management, systems analysis and design, business data networks, enterprise systems, information security and assurance, software development, emerging information technologies, business analytics, data visualization, operations and supply chain systems.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop effective oral and written communication, analytical problem-solving, collaboration and leadership skills, together with knowledge of core business disciplines and how they integrate across organizations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The KU School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an accreditation held by the School of Business and its accounting program.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The KU School of Business reports that 91% of 2024–25 Information Systems graduates were employed six months after graduation, with a $60,000 median starting salary. KU also reports that its School of Business was ranked No. 44 among public undergraduate business programs by U.S. News & World Report for 2026.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students can build practical experience alongside their Information Systems coursework through internships, career preparation, case competitions, professional organizations, study abroad and business-focused experiential activities. The School of Business also provides access to career advisors, Handshake, industry mentors and a dedicated business facility, giving students opportunities to connect classroom learning with real organizational and technology challenges.

Students can develop their practical and professional experience through:

Information Systems coursework: The major includes applied technology subjects such as IST 328 – Database Management Systems, IST 335 – System Analysis and Design, IST 403 – Business Data Networks, IST 404 – Managing Enterprise Systems, IST 435 – Information Security and Assurance, and IST 450 – Fundamentals of Software Development. Students can also select courses in emerging technologies, business analytics, data visualization and business analytics practicum work.
Internships and experiential learning: KU Business has an Experiential Learning Requirement. Students can use Handshake to submit qualifying experiences and can work with career advisors to identify internships and other professional opportunities.
Career preparation: BUS 210 – Career Management and Planning helps students build resumes, develop interview skills and explore internship opportunities. Business Career Services also provides advising, employer-led mock interviews, career fairs and employer engagement.
Industry mentoring: Information Systems students can consult Area Industry Mentors (AIMs) associated with their academic area to help tailor elective coursework toward their intended career specialization.
Case competitions: KU Business case competitions allow students to research, design, prototype and test real-life business solutions, receive mentoring from professionals and present their ideas to industry, venture-capital and academic judges.
Information Systems student organization: The Analytics and Information Systems Club brings together students interested in business analytics and information systems and provides an additional setting for professional and academic engagement.
Study abroad: KU Business provides an Information Systems-specific study abroad guide, allowing students to explore international study opportunities while continuing their business education.
Capitol Federal Hall: Students study in the KU School of Business's 176,000-square-foot Capitol Federal Hall, which KU describes as a hub for collaboration and innovation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of KU's Information Systems major can combine business knowledge with technical, analytical and communication skills to support organizations' strategic and operational objectives. The School of Business identifies opportunities across information systems and technology, consulting and sales, technology management, supply chain, business analytics, and operations and production.

Typical career roles include: Database Administrator, Information Systems Manager, Information Technology Consultant, Systems Analyst.

Students can further develop their career prospects through:

Career services: KU Business Career Services provides career advising, employer-led mock interviews, career fairs and professional development opportunities. The school reported more than 1,000 employer-led mock interviews and more than 100 employers attending its 2025 Business Career Fair.
Employment outcomes: KU reports a $60,000 median starting salary for 2024–25 Information Systems graduates and 91% employment six months after graduation for that graduating group.
Recruiter connections: KU's Information Systems career resources identify Cerner, Netsmart Technologies, Ernst & Young (EY), Accenture and Deloitte among top recruiters of KU Information Systems graduates.
Industry engagement: Students can gain exposure to employers through career fairs, employer events, industry mentoring and case competitions, including opportunities supported by companies such as EY.
Professional development: The B.S.B. Professional Development Program includes BUS 110 – Introduction to Professionalism, BUS 210 – Career Management and Planning, and IST 230 – Introduction to Business Analytics and Information Systems Professions, with co-curricular and extracurricular engagement incorporated into the professional development pathway.
Accreditation value: The KU School of Business holds AACSB accreditation, providing an internationally recognized quality framework for business education.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S.B. in Information Systems, students can pursue graduate-level study in business and related areas. KU's School of Business offers graduate options including the M.S. in Business Analytics, MBA, and M.S. in Organizational Leadership, allowing graduates to deepen their expertise in analytics, management or broader business leadership.