BS in Applied Business Information Systems Degree
Learn To Integrate Business and Technology With an Applied Business Information Systems Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Information Systems from Grand Canyon University is designed for students who want to integrate both business and technology into their future careers.
This program is made up of both classroom lectures and lab courses to reinforce and expand learning principles. The hands-on experience in software and enterprise applications can help you understand what it’s like to use an applied business information systems degree in practical, professional settings.
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Benefits of the BS in Applied Business Information Systems Degree Program
As a graduate of the BS in Applied Business Information Systems degree program, you will have been taught database, programming and system administration skills. You can use both your business and technology skills to leverage information systems to help companies achieve successful outcomes. Upon graduation, you will have been taught the computer, technical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills to help make change in how businesses use information systems to work effectively.
Pursue Your BS in Applied Business Information Systems Degree Online or On Campus
The BS in Applied Business Information Systems is offered online and on campus. In addition to providing the same interactive education you would expect from an on-campus program, the online applied information systems degree provides flexibility and convenience for busy adult learners. When completing your degree online, you can take advantage of various online resources, support and an online learning community that can assist you in your studies.
Develop Fundamentals During a BS in Applied Business Information Systems Degree Program
In this applied business information systems program, you will be taught the fundamentals of business information systems and technology, including:
- Programming
- Principles of database management
- Networking
- IT project management
- Ethical considerations related to IT governance
An applied business information systems degree program teaches you how to use your technology skills to support the use of information technology in businesses. People in these roles give organizations a competitive advantage by contributing expert knowledge, skills and modern ideas to improve the overall effectiveness of various information systems.
Applied Business Information Systems Degree Coursework and Class Offerings
This BS in applied business information systems degree from GCU combines coursework in business and technology. This transfer-friendly program is perfect for students who have an associate degree. Additionally, students with undergraduate credits who have not yet completed a bachelor's degree may apply.
The BS in Applied Business Information Systems degree program can provide you with a foundation in business-related technology, specifically the use of programming to solve problems. You will be taught about networks and networking in IT, system administration and maintenance as well as platform technologies. On the business side of the degree coursework, applied information systems grads learn about business statistics, object-oriented programming for business and IT project management.
The applied business information systems program can provide you with a well-rounded technology business background by offering courses about:
- Design, development, implementation and maintenance of relationship database structures
- Information systems development within the context of business information systems
- IT project management
- IT governance and ethics
- Integration of systems and software to meet current trends, strategies and techniques
- Use of business information systems to improving enterprise strategy and drive organizational success
BS in Applied Business Information Systems Careers and Pathways
As an applied business information systems grad, you may find yourself exploring various career opportunities and may find work in positions such as:
- Computer systems analyst
- Network and computer systems administrators
- Computer and information systems manager
- Computer user support specialist
- Software quality assurance analyst and tester
BS in Applied Business Information Systems FAQs
If you’re considering earning your applied information systems degree, read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about salary, career outlook and pursuing your degree.
An applied business information systems degree can provide you with the education you need in your field. In this program, you will not only be taught fundamentals of information systems, but also how to incorporate those technology skills into a business career.
The BS in applied business information systems degree program requires 120 total credits to completion. Depending on whether you complete your program online or on campus, each course length will vary. Online courses for this program are typically seven to eight weeks in length, while on campus courses generally last 15 weeks each.
Jobs in this field are expecting growth throughout the next several years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for computer and IT jobs to increase by about 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, resulting in about 682,800 new jobs over the decade.1
Salary expectations for applied business information systems occupations will vary depending on the specific position, however we can look at two examples for reference. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer systems analysts had a median annual wage of $99,270 in May 2021.2 In May 2021, computer and information systems managers had a median annual wage of $159,010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.3
If you are passionate for both business and technology, a degree in information systems could be the right path for you. Fill out the form on this page to get in touch with a university counselor and begin planning your technology business career at GCU.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations, retrieved on March 27, 2023.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Computer Systems Analysts, as of May 2021, retrieved on March 27, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as computer systems analysts. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Computer and Information Systems Managers, as of May 2021, retrieved on March 27, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as computer and information systems managers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides a foundation for programming and problem solving using computer programming, as well as an introduction to the academic discipline of IT. Topics include variables, expressions, functions, control structures, and pervasive IT themes: IT history, organizational issues, and relationship of IT to other computing disciplines. The course prepares students for advanced concepts and techniques in programming and information technology, including object-oriented design, data structures, computer systems, and networks. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in lecture and on gaining initial exposure to common operating systems, enterprise architectures, and tools commonly used by IT professionals. Prerequisite: MAT-154 or MAT-261.
Course Description
This course exposes students to the fundamentals of networks and networking in IT. It then builds deeper understanding of how networks work, including the topics of LANs, WANs, service providers, packets, hubs, routers, switches, and Internet protocols. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on setting up and configuring local and enterprise networks, experimenting with various topologies, and scalability planning with routers and switches. Prerequisite: CST-111 or ITT-111 or CST-105 or acceptance into the bootcamp program.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the practical application of descriptive and inferential statistics in business. Topics include probability, probability distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course examines various areas of information technology project management. Traditional and agile project management topics are covered with specific focus on information technology projects. A project management software scheduling tool is also used in the course. Prerequisite: BIT-200, BIT-205, CST-111 or ITT-111.
Course Description
This course introduces students to system administration and maintenance as well as platform technologies. The course surveys operating systems, applications, administrative activities and domains, computer architecture and organization, and computing infrastructures. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on developing practical skills in configuring computer systems, deploying enterprise applications, managing user permissions, and remote administration. Prerequisite: ITT-116.
Course Description
This course examines the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of relational database structures. Emphasis is on appropriate application and implementation. Prerequisite: BIT-200 or BIT-205 or CST-110, or CST-111 or CST-105 or ITT-111.
Course Description
This course covers the characteristics of object-relational and NoSQL databases and their application in business. The course also focuses on the main principles of object-oriented, object-relational, and NoSQL databases, and their relative advantages. Students gain working knowledge of object-relational features as implemented in standard SQL database management systems. Students also learn to manage unstructured and semi-structured data with XML. Prerequisite: SYM-400.
Course Description
This course introduces key aspects of information systems development within the context of business information systems. Students focus on systems development with an emphasis on the system development life cycle, including requirements analysis and traceability, feasibility, and cost-benefit analysis. Systems development, deployment, and post-implementation processes are also addressed.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to object-oriented programming using most current business application programming languages and tools. Students will design, create, run, and debug applications. The course emphasizes the development of correct, well-documented programs using object-oriented programming concepts. Students also learn to create GUI-based programs. Prerequisite: CST-111 or ITT-111.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course examines the role of governance and ethics within information technology. Topics include understanding and satisfying Sarbanes/Oxley, preparing for an information technology audit, complying with government regulations such as HIPAA, and understanding data-privacy issues. Students examine real-world case studies. Prerequisite: BIT-200, BIT-205, CST-110, or CST-111.
Course Description
This course examines the process of integrating different systems and software applications by examining current and emerging trends, strategies, and techniques for effectively developing systems integration solutions. Prerequisites: BIT-310, BIT-415, and SYM-408.
Course Description
This writing intensive course emphasizes the centrality of business information systems in improving enterprise strategy to drive organizational success. Students learn how to help organizations achieve competitive advantage through the strategic aligning of information systems with organizational goals. There is particular emphasis on strategies for achieving organizational goals through the deployment of information technology-based solutions. Prerequisite: BIT-310.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to designing, planning, operating, and controlling production systems. Emphasis is on managerial concepts and strategies relating to the management of operations in both manufacturing and service environments. Quantitative and qualitative methods and tools are introduced and applied. Prerequisite: BUS-352, MAT-274, MAT-374, or ESG-374.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.