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Catalog 2004-2005
Information Systems (BS)
School of Administration and Business

Requirements of the Major

Career Paths

Convener: Stephen I. Klein
Advisors: Yuan Gao
Cherie Sherman
Alexander Vengerov

(disclaimer below)

About the Major

The Information Systems program involves the study of computer-based information systems and their use in modern organizations. The program focuses on the application of information technologies and systems in business organizations to achieve a sustained competitive advantage. 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 computer graphics and web site development, artificial intelligence, object-oriented technologies, wireless and Internet-based technologies, and computer law and ethics.

The Information Systems program recognizes contemporary information systems are both technical and social in nature. Information Systems are an integral part of the strategy, goals, and objectives of the organization, and the information systems professional must have sufficient background to understand the functions of an organization. To this end, the program includes studies of accounting, business law, finance, management, marketing, and statistics. All students in the School of Administration and Business also must complete courses in economics, ethics and organizational theory, and an integrative policy studies course.

The program develops in students the ability to solve problems, work in groups, communicate effectively, apply analytical techniques, be creative and recognize creativity in others, tolerate and manage change, and understand the global business environment.

Information Systems students have access to advanced desktop computer systems in computer networked, laboratory environments. Much of the instruction takes place in these laboratories where concepts are reinforced with hands-on computer learning. The computer software available includes the most current versions of programming languages, word processing, spreadsheets, data management, graphics, statistics, desktop publishing, and multimedia systems. Students have e-mail accounts for communicating among themselves, instructors, and others, and have access to the features of the Internet.

Ramapo graduates completing the Information Systems program face favorable employment prospects, with high growth rates, because of the increasing importance of information systems in organizations today. At almost every level in business, industry, and government, information systems are of crucial importance and must be continuously managed, maintained, and developed to enhance organization objectives.

Career opportunities for information systems professionals 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 School of Administration and Business and leads to a B.S. degree.

A minor in Information Systems in not available.

Double majors within SAB are not permitted, except with Economics.

Students who have graduated with a Business Administration (BS) degree cannot return to undertake a second major in Information Systems.

The residency requirement is a minimum of 15 credits in Information Systems Core and 13 credits in the Professional Core at Ramapo College.

Rules For Acceptance into the Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems, and International Business Majors:

Ramapo Students

1. Students with less than 45 credits who indicate Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems or International Business as their major will be accepted as provisional business students.

2. Provisional students are automatically evaluated at the end of the semester they achieve 45 or more credits. Students must have a 2.5 GPA or better at 45 credits for official acceptance into SAB.

3. Students who have achieved a GPA of 2.5 or better at 45 credits will receive written
notification of their acceptance into the School of Administration and Business.
Students with a GPA below 2.5 will be notified in writing to contact The
Advisement Center to choose another major as well as their right to submit an
appeal.

Returning Ramapo Students and Transfer Students

1. Students transferring into Ramapo or with 45 or more credits must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or better to be accepted into the School of Administration and Business.

2. Students transferring into Ramapo with less than 45 credits will be accepted into SAB as
provisional students and evaluated on only their Ramapo credits at the end of the semester
they achieve 45 or more credits. At least 15 credits must be Ramapo credits.

3. Transfer students or returning Ramapo students with 45 or more credits and a GPA of less than 2.5 who have been out of school for more than 3 years may be accepted as provisional business students. Students must attain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or better for one semester (15 credits) in order to continue the major.

For information on the 2.5 GPA Policy Appeals Process, see your Business advisor or the SAB Unit secretary in Room A-233.

Ramapo College of New Jersey recognizes the value of publishing on the Internet and encourages the campus community to produce personal World Wide Web pages to enhance communications. The College does not preview, review, censor, or control the content of these pages in any way as a matter of course. Personal Web pages are those of the authors, and do not in any way constitute official Ramapo College of New Jersey content.