B.S.B.A. Degree in Information Systems with Business Analytics Concentration

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Arkansas

Program Overview

The B.S.B.A. in Information Systems with a Business Analytics Concentration at the University of Arkansas combines business knowledge with information technology, data analysis, visualization, and business intelligence to prepare students to solve real-world organizational problems. It is well suited to students who enjoy working with technology and data and want to turn information into better business decisions through areas such as analytics, enterprise systems, databases, and business intelligence.

Curriculum Structure

First Year:
Students begin by building a foundation in business, mathematics, technology, and communication. Courses such as MATH 20503 Finite Mathematics, ISYS 11203 Business Application Knowledge - Computer Competency, and SCMT 21003 Integrated Supply Chain Management introduce quantitative thinking, computer applications, and the way technology supports business operations. Students also take MGMT 21003 Organizational Behavior and other university requirements to develop their understanding of organizations and professional communication.

Second Year:
The second year moves students further into information systems and analytics while completing key business and general education requirements. ISYS 21003 Business Information Systems, ISYS 20303 Foundations of Business Analytics, and ISYS 22603 Principles of Information Systems introduce the role of information systems in organizations, the foundations of business analytics, and the management of technology-based business systems. MATH 22003 Survey of Calculus also strengthens the quantitative foundation needed for later analytics coursework.

Third Year:
Students begin applying their knowledge to more advanced information systems and business functions. ISYS 32903 Systems Analysis and Design develops skills for analyzing and designing business systems, while ISYS 33903 Business Application Development Fundamentals introduces application development and ISYS 32103 ERP Fundamentals explores enterprise resource planning systems. The concentration then becomes more prominent through ISYS 31903 Business Analytics and Visualization, where students study analytics, visualization, and data-driven decision-making.

Fourth Year:
The final year focuses strongly on business intelligence, databases, project development, and applied analytics. Students study ISYS 42803 Business Database Systems and ISYS 42903 Business Intelligence, developing the ability to manage business data and turn it into useful information for decision-making. The degree concludes with ISYS 43603 Business Project Development and ISYS 43903 Seminar in Applied Business Analytics, allowing students to bring together their information systems and analytics knowledge in applied work.

Focus Areas

Business analytics, data visualization, business intelligence, information systems, enterprise resource planning, business databases, systems analysis and design, application development, data-driven decision-making, applied business analytics.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to use technology and data to solve business problems, analyze and visualize organizational information, support management decision-making, understand enterprise systems, work with business databases, design and develop business applications, and apply analytics concepts to practical business situations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is offered through the Sam M. Walton College of Business, which has maintained AACSB accreditation since 1931. AACSB accreditation applies to the Walton College as a business school and represents its commitment to established standards in business education and continuous improvement; the Information Systems degree is part of this AACSB-accredited college.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

The University of Arkansas reports that its Information Systems graduates are sought by companies for roles including programmer, analyst, database administrator, and web developer, while the Information Systems department states that its graduates consistently earn among the highest average salaries in Walton College. For 2024–25, the official Walton employment statistics report an average salary of $64,000 for Information Systems graduates, while 84% of job-seeking Walton undergraduate students landed employment. The Walton College also reports that its Management Information Systems program was ranked 14th among public institutions and 18th overall in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 undergraduate business specialty rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Information Systems program at Walton College places a strong emphasis on applying technology and analytics to realistic business situations. Students can work with enterprise systems and analytical platforms used by organizations, including SAP, IBM, Microsoft, SAS, and Teradata, while the department also provides access to real-world datasets from companies such as Acxiom, Dillard’s, Sam’s Club, Tyson Foods, and Walmart. Coursework includes projects and applied activities designed to connect classroom concepts with business problems, while Walton College provides career fairs, internship opportunities, employer engagement, and career coaching to help students gain professional experience.

Students can develop practical experience through:

SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Students gain exposure to SAP ERP systems, including foundations, configuration, implementation, and customization.
Business analytics and visualization platforms: The department uses analytical and visualization technologies from IBM, Microsoft, SAP, SAS, and Teradata to support data-driven business decision-making.
Database and computing platforms: Students can work with technologies including IBM Z/DB2, Microsoft SQL Server and Data Tools, SAP HANA, and Teradata Enterprise Data Warehousing.
Real-world corporate datasets: Coursework can incorporate datasets from Acxiom, Dillard’s, Sam’s Club, Tyson Foods, Walmart, and other organizations, giving students exposure to realistic business information.
Applied projects: Walton reports that typical Information Systems courses include projects, with several classes featuring capstone practicums presented to the class by industry partners.
Internships: Walton Career Connections supports internship opportunities and works with employers to recruit Information Systems students; internship opportunities can be posted and managed through the university’s Handshake system.
Career fairs and employer engagement: Walton’s career fairs are held in both fall and spring and attract hundreds of companies, including employers seeking summer interns and post-graduation hires.
Business Building technology: Walton College classrooms provide technology such as computers, document cameras, projectors/displays, wireless display casting, lecture capture, microphones, and annotation-enabled monitors.
Business Behavioral Research Laboratory: The Walton College’s Business Behavioral Research Lab includes computer laboratories equipped with software such as SAP, DirectRT, MediaLab, and Visual Studio, alongside computers and projection technology for research activities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Information Systems B.S.B.A. with Business Analytics Concentration can combine business knowledge with analytics, databases, enterprise systems, and technology skills for careers that bridge business and IT. The university specifically identifies Information Systems graduates as working in areas such as programming, analysis, systems design, consulting, database administration, web development, and business problem-solving.

Typical career roles include: Business Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Analyst, Information Systems Analyst

Career development opportunities include:

Career Connections: Walton provides dedicated career counseling, employer relations, career-readiness support, and resources designed to help students transition into professional careers.
Internship support: Walton Career Connections works with employers to create, market, recruit for, and evaluate internship programs, with Information Systems students specifically included among the majors supported.
Employment and salary outcomes: For 2024–25, Walton reports an $64,000 average salary for Information Systems graduates. Across Walton undergraduate business majors, 84% of job-seeking graduates landed employment, while 88% represents the percentage of known undergraduate outcomes.
Industry connections: Walton identifies strong ties with organizations including Walmart, J.B. Hunt, Tyson, and other Fortune 500 companies, creating opportunities for internships, employment, and interaction with industry professionals.
Information Systems industry partnerships: The Information Systems department has established connections with major technology providers including IBM, SAS, SAP, Microsoft, and Teradata, providing students with exposure to enterprise technology used in business environments.
Corporate project exposure: Information Systems coursework can use live or real-world datasets from organizations including Tyson Foods, Dillard’s, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Acxiom, helping students understand practical business technology challenges.
Employer recruiting: Walton’s career fairs bring hundreds of employers to campus, while Career Connections maintains employer relationships to support internship and full-time recruitment.
Professional value of accreditation: The Walton College’s AACSB accreditation has been maintained since 1931, providing an established quality framework for its undergraduate business education.
Graduation outcomes: Walton’s official 2024–25 employment data reports 84% employment among job-seeking undergraduate students and 15% of the graduating class pursuing advanced degrees.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the B.S.B.A. in Information Systems with Business Analytics Concentration, students can continue into graduate-level study at the University of Arkansas, including the Master of Information Systems or Master of Applied Business Analytics. The Information Systems department also offers graduate-level business analytics study covering areas such as data analytics, decision support, enterprise systems, and advanced analytics, providing a pathway for students who want to deepen their technical or analytical specialization.