College Catalog: 2011-2012

The Information Systems (IS) Program involves the study of computer-based information systems and their use in modern organizations. The program seeks to graduate students who, can effectively communicate, have developed conceptual, analytical, critical reasoning and problem solving skills, have become well-versed in the content components of information systems and technology, have developed the information technology (IT) skills necessary for today’s business environment, and have broadened knowledge of the global business environment and IT as a strategic resource.

In addition to studying the classical subject areas of Systems Analysis and Design, Programming Languages, Database Management Systems, Networks and Distributed Processing, and Managing Information Systems, students can select from a number of electives covering additional advanced topics including web development, decision support systems, wireless and Internet-based technologies, and computer law and ethics. The IS Program follows the suggested IS 2002 model curriculum, a collaborative effort of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Association for Information Systems (AIS), and Association for Information Technology Professionals (AITP) organizations. It is the most generally accepted curriculum by information systems program planners in undergraduate colleges.

The IS Program recognizes that contemporary information systems are both technical and social in nature and are an integral part of the strategy, goals, and objectives of an organization. The curriculum prepares students with the skills, knowledge, and business principles to understand and appreciate the economic, social, political, cultural, and technological environment so they will become responsible, effective leaders in the global economy. To this end, the program includes studies of accounting, business law, finance, management, marketing, and statistics. All students in the Anisfield School of Business also complete courses in economics, ethics, organizational theory and behavior, and an integrative strategic management course.

Information Systems students are taught by practitioner/scholars who expertly blend real world experience with academic theory. Much of the instruction takes place in technology laboratories where concepts are reinforced with hands-on computer learning. The labs are upgraded every 2-3 years with the most current hardware and software technologies.  Students have e-mail accounts for communicating among themselves, instructors, and others, and have access to the features of the Internet, WebCT, and Luminis, the Ramapo College information portal.

Ramapo graduates completing the Information Systems program face favorable employment prospects for positions as information technology professionals in business and other organizations. At almost every level in business, industry, and government, information systems are of crucial importance with continuously growing demand for information systems professionals. Career opportunities include job titles such as applications programmer, systems analyst, information systems designer, information systems manager, database administrator, network administrator, information center specialist, manager of information services, end-user computing support specialist, web master, and computer consultant.

The Information Systems major is offered by the Anisfield School of Business and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.

Rules of Acceptance into the Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Information Systems, and International Business Majors, see About the Anisfield School of Business (ASB).

1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers only apply to General Education Requirements NOT School Core or Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
3. Writing Intensive Requirement: Three writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: First Year Seminar, Critical Reading and Writing (formerly College English), and Readings in Humanities.

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

1. At least 1/2 of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the five courses required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A school core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.

The goal of the minor program in Information Systems (IS) is to provide Ramapo College students with an option to develop a competency in the field of information systems/technology which will complement their major program of study.  Students with a minor in Information Systems will be better prepared to work in their major fields since information systems/technology is an integral component of the world today.  A minor in Information Systems should have strong appeal for students majoring in accounting who are required to earn 150 credits of academic coursework in order to qualify for the CPA examination.

The minor program in Information Systems consists of five (5) information systems courses plus the prerequisite course INFO 224 Principles of Information Technology, a required course for all ASB students.

The program requirements are the following:

INFORMATION SYSTEMS MINOR

For more information, please contact Professor Stephen Klein, Convener Information Systems, Room ASB-310, 201-684-7375, sklein@ramapo.edu.

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
Anisfield School of Business Website
Faculty Profiles