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Program RequirementsAccounting Information Systems (AIS)Management Information Systems (MIS)
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Business Information Systems

Professor
William Jackson (MIS)
Assistant Professor
Al Case (AIS)
Donna Lane (MIS)
Katie Pittman (MIS)

The increasingly critical role of information systems within organizations has created a demand for graduates who are knowledgeable about both information systems and business. Students enrolled in the Certificates in Business Information Systems (CBIS) program choose a focus area in either Accounting Information Systems (AIS) or Management Information Systems (MIS). This certificate program provides students with an opportunity to gain expertise in business software applications and to develop in-depth knowledge of organizational information systems.

The AIS option provides students with the accounting and technical skills necessary for successful careers in accounting and accounting information systems in today’s technology-oriented marketplace. The MIS option includes a combination of applied and theoretical courses in business computer applications, programming, and information systems. This option equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively operate and manage in a high-tech environment.

In size and scope, the certificate is between a minor and a major. To be awarded an AIS or MIS certificate, students must complete the course requirements listed below and the SOU requirements for a BA or BS degree or the transfer equivalent. A majority of the credits must be taken at SOU. All courses taken for the certificate must be completed with a grade of C or better. Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA in all certificate courses.

Program Requirements

Program prerequisites include Business Computer Applications (BA 131), Accounting Information I, II (BA 211, 213), and Management Information Systems (BA 382).


Core Courses (12 credits)

Advanced Business Applications of Spreadsheets (BA 285)4
Advanced Business Applications of Databases (BA 384)4
Programming I (CS 200)4

Program prerequisites include Business Computer Applications (BA 131), Accounting Information I, II (BA 211, 213), and Management Information Systems (BA 382).


Focus Area Coursework (24 credits)

Program prerequisites include Business Computer Applications (BA 131), Accounting Information I, II (BA 211, 213), and Management Information Systems (BA 382).


Credits must be taken from one of the focus areas listed below.

Accounting Information Systems (AIS)


(24 credits)


Requirements (16 credits)

Financial Reporting and Analysis I (BA 351)4
Financial Reporting and Analysis II (BA 352)4
Cost and Management Accounting I (BA 451)4
Accounting Information Systems (BA 454)4


Electives (8 credits)

Seminar/Special Topics (BA 407)*4
Practicum (BA 409)*4
Business Information Systems (BA 484)4
Advanced Management Information Systems (BA 497)4
Programming II (CS 257)4
End User Computing (CS 345)4
Other CS courses as approved4-8

Management Information Systems (MIS)


(24 credits)


Requirements (12 credits)

Business Information Systems (BA 484)4
Advanced MIS (BA 497)4
Programming II (CS 257)4


Electives (12 credits)†

Seminar/Special Topics (BA 407)*4
Practicum (BA 409)*4
Applied Business Research (BA 428)4
End User Computing (CS 345)4
Other CS courses as approved4-12

--- Footnotes ---
1Must be in a related area and be approved in advance by the certificate advisor.
--- Footnotes ---
2Elective courses must be chosen in consultation with certificate advisor to develop a consistent area of study relevant to student interests. Examples include software development, database administration, and Web development.