Management Information Systems

Pursue  a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and prepare for a successful career in one of the fastest growing fastest-growing job markets

The Management Information Systems degree includes common-core coursework in computing and information technology  fundamentals, programming, networking and databases. Graduates in this field can be employed in many different computing fields. They are network analysts and engineers who are responsible for an organization’s infrastructure and security, database administrators and analysts who are responsible for effectively storing data and efficiently retrieving information for an organization, and they are systems analysts who take an organization’s needs and goals and shapes technology to help them grow.

Learn About Our Major in Management Information Systems

Student Experience

Over 150 alums have graduated with a related information technology major over the past 20 years. Loras College alums are important contributors to their communities, states and country. Many continue a life of service starting during their college days and lasting throughout their professional lives.

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GETTING INVOLVED – STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTING MACHINERY
What is ACM?

The Loras College ACM organization is a student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery. Its purpose is to enhance the appreciation for computer science in both students and faculty, to encourage further study in computer science and to provide opportunities to explore new developments and careers in the field of computer science.

What does the ACM do?

The Loras ACM Club has many events throughout the year, ranging from the informative to the fun. The club takes trips to places of interest, including IBM in Rochester, MN. In addition, the club sponsors talks by faculty from Loras and other colleges. Each year, several social gatherings are held to allow students to mingle with faculty along with their peers. Traditionally, the club enjoys Christmas caroling and the Year-End Picnic with the Loras College Mathematics Club. The club is also involved in a service project each year.

MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Mathematics and Computer Information Technology annually offer several awards and scholarships to students taking related courses. Some are available only to those majoring in Mathematics or Computer Information Technology while others are available to first-year students, regardless of their intended major. Winners are selected by Mathematics and Computer Information Technology faculty, and awards are presented at a ceremony each spring.

Computer Information Technology Awards and Scholarships

  • McKesson HBOC Scholarship — awarded since 1999.
    Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually. Candidates must be in their final year of study in Computer Science or Management Information Systems (MIS). Eligible candidates usually apply in April of each year and are required to submit a current transcript and an essay regarding their qualifications. A successful candidate will have excelled academically, been involved in extracurricular activities and demonstrated financial need. The recipients are chosen by representatives of McKesson HBOC along with Loras Accounting and Business, Mathematics and Computer Science faculty.
  • Computer Information Technology Alumni Award — awarded since 1986.
    Candidates must be graduating seniors and nominated by a faculty member teaching a computer science-related course. Each candidate is asked to submit an essay detailing how they plan to use their experience in the future. The winner is selected by faculty vote. Recently, winners have garnered $100, a certificate and a nameplate engraved in their honor and displayed in Hennessy Hall.

Mathematics Awards and Scholarships

  • First-Year Mathematics Award — awarded since 1980.
    Recent winners have received $100 and a certificate in addition to the coveted handshake from the department chairperson. Candidates must be first-year students and nominated by a department faculty member. Each nominee is asked to submit a mathematical autobiography, and the winner(s) are chosen by department vote. Winners’ names are proudly displayed on nameplates near the main entrance of Hennessy Hall.
  • Droessler Scholarship — awarded since 1994.
    A scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is awarded annually from the endowment graciously provided by Dr. Earl Droessler, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at North Carolina State University. Dr. Droessler is a 1942 graduate of Loras College. A candidate for this scholarship must have either junior or senior standing, have declared a mathematics major and have a minimum 3.0 GPA in all courses. Strong candidates will have shown creativity and devotion to their study of mathematics and the liberal arts in general, and be involved in extracurricular activities. Candidates are nominated by department faculty members, and winners are selected by a vote of the department faculty.
  • Sullivan Applied Mathematics and Science Award — awarded since 2001.
    Recipients receive $500. The Sullivan award is intended to reward and provide further motivation for female majors in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics or Engineering. Candidates for this annual award must maintain a 3.5 GPA and have demonstrated quality course selection in the pursuit of a liberal arts education.
  • Father Louis Ernsdorff Senior Math Award — awarded since 1980.Winners of the award receive $100, a certificate and a nameplate engraved in their honor and displayed in Hennessy Hall. Candidates for this award must be graduating seniors nominated by a faculty member in the department. The winner is then selected by a vote of the department faculty.

DUHAWK DISTINCTION: ONCE A DUHAWK – ALWAYS A DUHAWK
Computing alums have gone on to successful careers in large, mid-sized and small businesses including organizations such as:

  • Allstate Insurance: Northbrook, IL
  • Cottingham and Butler: Dubuque, IA
  • CUNA Mutual Group: Madison, WI
  • IBM Corporation: Rochester, MN
  • John Deere & Company: Moline, IL
  • McGladrey & Pullen: Dubuque, Davenport, IA
  • Principal Financial Group: Des Moines, IA
  • Rockwell Collins: Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Walgreens: Chicago, IL
  • Wells Fargo: Des Moines, IA

Student Learning Outcomes

 

Student Learning Outcomes – Management Information Systems
1. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
2. An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
3. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
4. An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
5. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
6. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
7. Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
8. An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
9. An understanding of processes that support the delivery and management of information systems within a specific application environment

 

Curriculum

View Highlighted Courses

 

Web Publishing
This course is designed to introduce you to the tools, techniques, and skills needed to publish and manage materials posted on a web site. It introduces basic HTML coding and the skills needed to publish simple web pages on an internet server. It then continues to build on authoring techniques, and introduces programming with JavaScript, a popular web programming language. It also covers topics on web design, web project management, and web maintenance from the management, technical, and user perspectives, culminating with a comprehensive web site application.

Visual Basic Programming
 This course focuses on continued development of computer applications, focusing on programming software in an object-oriented/event-driven environment by taking full advantage of the Microsoft Visual Basic programming language. The course integrates hands-on real-world scenarios with in-depth discussions of programming concepts and techniques. The course will have a lab component requiring student laptop computers equipped with the Microsoft Visual Basic programming software.

Network Management
This course focuses on LAN management issues associated with evaluating, installing, and administrating computer networks. This course will integrate current technology and internetworking issues within the context of network operating systems and hardware. The course will have a lab component requiring dedicated desktop and server computers, and network hardware.

Systems Engineering
This course uses modeling techniques that aid in the analysis of computer information systems. Students will study, create, and analyze various models and utilize them in designing these systems. Students will also analyze how these systems fit into an organization’s overall structure and strategic plan.

Database Management
Database Management is a study of the database models, the design, development, and implementation of a database, E-R and UML diagrams, SQL query language, normalization, database selection, distributed databases, ethical use of databases, and database security and control.

View All Management Information Systems Course Offerings PDF

Major & Minor Requirements

Students will complete the following requirements in order to achieve a major or minor in Management Information Systems [MIS]. 

Degree Requirements

 

Requirements for the major in Management Information Systems (B.S.):

Req Course Cr’s
1 Managerial Accounting 3
2 Principles of Management 3
3 Principles of Marketing 3
Select one from Req. 4
4 Statistics 4
4 Probability and Statistics 3
4 Business Statistics 3
5 Principles of Computing & IT 3
6 Network Management 3
7 Database Management 3
8 Systems Engineering 3
9 Business Seminar 3
Select two from Req. 10
10 Introduction to Programming 4
10 Intro to Programming with Robotics 4
10 Data Structures & Algorithms 4
10 Visual Basic Programming 3
10 Structured COBOL Programming 3
10 Enterprise Systems & Development 3
10 Web Programming 3
Select two from Req. 11
11 Accounting Systems 3
11 Applied Analytics 3
11 Data Analysis 3
11 Web Publishing 3
39-43 total credits required

Requirements for the minor in Management Information Systems:

Select one from Req 1
1 Principles of Computing & IT 3
2 Managerial Accounting 3
3 Principles of Management 3
Select at least 9 credits from Req 4
4 Introduction to Programming 4
4 Network Management 3
4 Database Management 3
4 Human Computer Interaction 3
4 Data Analysis 3
4 Web Publishing 1
4 Visual Basic Programming 3
4 Structured COBOL Programming 3
4 Web Programming 3
4 Systems Engineering 3
18 total required credits

View Full Requirements & Additional Information PDF

Career Opportunities

“What can you do with a Management Information Systems degree?”

The education and experiences offered in our Management Information Systems major prepare students for successful careers in large, midsized and small businesses in careers such as those below, as well as the pursuit of graduate degrees in analytics, business and law.

  • Analyst/Programmer
  • Internet Marketing Analyst
  • Internet Developer
  • Network Administrator
  • Online Services Manager
  • Systems Engineers
  • Systems Operations
  • Product Forecaster/Estimator
  • Webmaster
  • Technical Sales Representative
  • Software Tester
  • Systems Consulting

Supporting Your Investment

Loras takes great pride in supporting your investment – both through providing an exceptional learning experience and in sharing the cost of your degree. 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. We have scholarships, grants and special awards for all students based on their achievements and financial need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to earn my Loras degree?

Most students earn their undergraduate degree in four years or less. If you have questions about transferring any previously earned credits or degrees, please see our Transfer Student Information.

How much is tuition?

At Loras College, financial access to education is one of our defining values. We are committed to helping all of our students make their degree affordable. We partner with every student and family to understand their unique financial needs ensuring 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. We offer Scholarships, grants and special awards for all students based on their achievements and financial need. Loras is consistently ranked as one of the best universities for return on investment.  View our Tuition and Fees page.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Submit your federal FAFSA, apply to Loras College and visit loras.edu/financial-aid for information, scholarship opportunities and much more.