Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Western Michigan University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems at Western Michigan University combines business knowledge with technical expertise, preparing students to bridge the gap between technology teams and business leaders. Through subjects such as application development, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, database management, cybersecurity and business analytics, students develop practical problem-solving, project management and communication skills for technology-driven careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Business and Computing Foundations

Students begin by building a strong foundation in business, mathematics, computing and communication. Courses such as CIS 1020 – Business Computing & Data Analysis, CIS 2500 – Data Analytics for Business and BCM 1420 – Introduction to Business Communication introduce students to digital business tools, data interpretation and professional communication.

Year 2 – Core Business and Information Systems

Students develop an understanding of how technology supports business operations while strengthening their knowledge of organizational processes and analytical thinking. Subjects such as CIS 2700 – IT Foundations for Modern Business, MGMT 2500 – Organizational Behavior and MKTG 2500 – Marketing Principles help students connect technology with management and business decision-making.

Year 3 – Technical Specialization

Students advance into computer information systems topics, developing skills in programming, database applications, systems analysis and data management. Courses such as CIS 2600 – Business Database Applications, CIS 3600 – Systems Analysis and CIS 4600 – Business Application Programming provide a foundation for designing and managing technology solutions in business environments.

Year 4 – Advanced Applications and Professional Preparation

In the final year, students bring together their technical and business knowledge through advanced applications, professional development and project-based learning. The programme's enterprise-wide AI-assisted software capstone allows students to collaborate on a practical solution, while areas such as cloud computing, machine learning, IT security and business analytics support preparation for professional roles.

Focus Areas

Computer Information Systems, Business Information Technology, Application Development, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Database Management, Systems Analysis, Cybersecurity, Networking, Business Analytics, IT Project Management, Enterprise Software Solutions.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyse business requirements, design and implement technology solutions, manage databases, interpret business data, understand information security, apply emerging technologies to organizational challenges, manage projects and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical teams.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is delivered through WMU's Haworth College of Business, integrating business administration with applied information technology. Its curriculum supports professional preparation for information systems, application development, analytics and technology management careers. A specific programme-level professional accreditation was not confirmed on the official programme page.

Reputation (Employability and Career Outcomes)

According to WMU's 2024–25 Career Outcomes Report, 100% of responding Computer Information Systems bachelor's graduates working full-time reported that their jobs were related to their degree. Recent graduates have been hired by organizations including Amazon, Comerica, Ford, Meta, PNC and Stryker.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Western Michigan University, students gain practical experience by applying business and technology concepts to realistic organizational challenges. The programme incorporates hands-on coursework, industry-relevant tools, AI-enabled technologies and collaborative projects, helping students build technical confidence alongside teamwork and communication skills. Its enterprise-wide capstone project provides an opportunity to develop an AI-assisted software solution that students can showcase to prospective employers.

Students can strengthen their professional and technical experience through the following opportunities:

Enterprise Software Capstone: Collaborate on an enterprise-wide software solution assisted by AI, integrating programming, systems knowledge and business problem-solving.
Database Applications: Develop practical knowledge of business database applications and information management.
Application Programming: Explore programming and application development through technical coursework.
Business Analytics: Apply data analysis concepts to business decision-making and organizational scenarios.
Internships: Computer Information Systems majors may earn academic credit for approved internships, subject to departmental approval.
Business Externship Program: Gain professional exposure and develop career readiness through WMU's business externship opportunities.
Handshake: Access internship and full-time job opportunities, publish résumés and connect with employers.
Business Technology Network: Participate in professional networking, company visits and technology-focused student activities.
Industry Engagement: Connect with professionals through employer events, classroom engagement and departmental career development opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems at Western Michigan University are prepared to pursue careers combining technical expertise with business operations, data management and technology-driven decision-making. The programme's integration of business education, IT applications and practical project experience supports opportunities across technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare, manufacturing and other industries.

Potential Career Roles: Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, IT Project Manager.

Career Development and Graduate Opportunities

Zhang Career Center: Provides career coaching, internship guidance, employer recruiting events, résumé support and professional development opportunities.
Internship and Employment Support: Students can use Handshake to explore internship and full-time employment opportunities, publish résumés and connect with employers.
Employment Outcomes: WMU's 2024–25 Career Outcomes Report indicates that 100% of responding Computer Information Systems bachelor's graduates working full-time reported employment related to their degree.
Graduate Satisfaction: The same report records 100% job satisfaction among responding Computer Information Systems graduates working full-time.
Employer Connections: Recent graduates have secured employment with organizations including Amazon, Comerica, Ford, Meta, PNC and Stryker.
Professional Networking: The Business Externship Program, Business Technology Network and employer events help students develop professional connections and workplace awareness.
Career Preparation: Students can access career coaching, professional development events and job-search resources.
Industry-Relevant Skills: Training in AI applications, cloud computing, database management, systems analysis and analytics supports professional development across technology-related career paths.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BBA in Computer Information Systems, graduates may pursue postgraduate education in areas such as a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Information Systems Management or an MBA, subject to individual admission requirements. WMU offers graduate-level programmes in Cybersecurity and graduate certificates in Business Analytics and Cybersecurity, allowing students to develop additional expertise in specialized areas.