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Offered through the prestigious Foster School of Business, the Information Systems (IS) Option within the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration equips students with the skills to bridge the gap between business strategy and information technology. The curriculum emphasizes both the technical foundations of computing and the strategic role of IT in business environments.
Information Systems:
Information Systems focuses on how organizations use technology, data, and systems to solve problems, streamline operations, and support decision-making. The IS option provides a foundation in areas such as databases, cybersecurity, programming, analytics, and systems design—preparing students for high-impact roles in business technology.
Core Information Systems Courses:
Introduction to Information Systems (gateway course)
Essentials of Business Finance and IS
Business IT Fundamentals (data modeling, databases, SQL)
Application Programming Fundamentals (modular programming, file structures)
Networks and Cybersecurity
Database Management (SQL, data warehousing, design)
Business Data Analytics (clustering, regression, web/text mining)
Systems Analysis and Design
Systems Implementation (project management, GUI, testing)
Electives and Advanced Options:
Selected Topics in IS (AI, automation, emerging technologies)
Practical Experience/Internship
Undergraduate Research
Internship support via IS 495 and Foster’s Career Services Office
Hands-on labs and projects involving real-world system development
Opportunities to engage in research
Access to mentorships, case competitions, and student tech clubs
Courses in project management, software testing, and systems integration
Graduates are prepared for tech-centered roles in business environments across sectors such as consulting, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce
Strong foundation for graduate study in IS, business analytics, or MBA programs
Foster graduates report strong employment outcomes with high average salaries and placement at companies like Amazon, Deloitte, T-Mobile, and Microsoft
Foster School’s career services and industry connections provide a competitive edge
SAT/ACT Update: The UW no longer requires SAT or ACT scores for most applicants. Homeschooled applicants and applicants who come from schools with non-standard grading practices that do not have letter or numeric grades are still required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Learn more about SAT/ACT scores.English Language Proficiency: https://admit.washington.edu/apply/freshman/how-to-apply/english-proficiency/Recommendations: School Report- Required, Final Report- Required, Teacher Evaluation(s): Not Applicable, Other Evaluation(s): Not Applicable.Application details: The freshman application is available September 1 each year. The application includes self-reporting your academic history, two essays, demographic information and your intended first-choice and second-choice major. If you plan to apply to the Honors Program, you’ll find the Honors application within the general UW application.Additional details: Additional information about yourself or your circumstances Maximum length: 200 words You are not required to write anything in this section, but you may include additional information here if something has particular significance to you. For example, you may use this space if: You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations You have experienced unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attendedThings not required: No Common App personal essay The Common App personal essay will not be reviewed as part of your application to the University of Washington. Be sure to complete the University of Washington writing section to tell us everything you want us to know. No interviews/demonstrated interest The UW does not conduct formal interviews or consider demonstrated interest in the admission decision. No letters of recommendation We ask that you not send letters of recommendation or other supplemental materials such as drawings, CDs, DVDs, books or other portfolio type items. We will learn everything we need to know about you through your essay responses and academic history.Writing Requirements: Common App essay- Optional, College questions- 2 Required Questions, 2 Optional Questions.Business AnalystSystems AnalystIT ConsultantDatabase AdministratorCybersecurity AnalystApplication DeveloperProject Manager
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