How long does it take to earn a BS in applied business information systems degree?

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.

BS in Applied Business Information Systems Degree

Overview

Integrate Business and Technology

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.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Information Systems

Offered By

Colangelo College of Business

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 7 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

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.

Applied Business Information Systems vs. Business Information Systems

GCU offers both a Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Information Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems. Both programs can help you position yourself for career options in business and technology.

On the other hand, the BS in Business Information Systems degree program emphasizes the business side of information systems. Students focus on core business topics such as management, accounting, economics, statistics and marketing, while also studying technology degree topics.

The BS in Applied Business Information Systems has fewer core business topics to allow room for your applied knowledge of elective courses to focus on managing information systems.

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.

Fundamentals of 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.

Coursework

Applied Business Information Systems Degree Coursework

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

Careers

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

FAQ

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.

Is an applied business information systems degree worth it?

Are applied business information system jobs needed?

What is the average salary of BS in Applied Business Information Systems degree graduates?

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.^{(See disclaimer 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.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major52 credits

Open Elective Credits28-34 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

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.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Core Courses

CST-111

4 Total Credits

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.

ITT-116

4 Total Credits

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 switches and routers.

BUS-352

4 Total Credits

BIT-415

4 Total Credits

ITT-121

4 Total Credits

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.

SYM-400

4 Total Credits

SYM-408

4 Total Credits

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.

BIT-310

4 Total Credits

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.

BIT-210

4 Total Credits

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.

BIT-417

4 Total Credits

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.

BIT-460

4 Total Credits

BIT-470

4 Total Credits

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.

MGT-455

4 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
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

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Start Your Journey Today

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.

Apply Now

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.
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.
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.