Typical BIS job titles:
Webmaster
Systems Analyst
Computer Trainer
Helpdesk Manager
Database Programmer
Java or VB Programmer
Information Technologist
Facilities & Resources
You'll have access to over 250 computer systems in twelve computer laboratories across campus. The computer systems are linked to the campuswide network with T1 connectivity to the Internet. In the classroom and computer labs, BIS majors have access to a broad range of business software in areas such as e-commerce, marketing, accounting, finance, human resource management, and operations management. Microcomputer packages for web page development, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, word processing, and statistical analysis are also available. As a BIS major you will study with excellent Christian faculty members who are not only highly qualified academically but also have extensive and recent business experience as well. Our faculty members regularly use advanced information technology to extend student learning and faculty interaction beyond the walls of the classroom. Our web site contains additional information about our faculty teaching and research interests as well as information about our departmental programs.
Opportunities
Messiah's Internship Program can help you obtain practical experience in corporations or non-profit organizations throughout the central Pennsylvania area. Through independent or directed-study courses you may obtain a variety of computer certifications. You may choose to travel to Christian colleges and churches in underdeveloped regions of the world to install, upgrade, and maintain computers and network systems. In addition, you may also take advantage of the wide variety of Temple University's highly acclaimed Business School e-commerce course offerings by studying at Messiah College's Philadelphia Campus.
Curriculum
For more details on the curriculum requirements and the types of courses you would be taking as a Business Information Systems Major, visit our Online Course Catalog or take a look at the printable Business Information Systems Major Brochure.
For more details on the curriculum requirements and the types of courses you would be taking as a Business Information Systems Minor, visit our Online Course Catalog.
(Course catalog and major brochure include PDF files. Click here for the Adobe® PDF Reader®)
Why Messiah College?
The business information systems program at Messiah College offers several unique advantages. Every student at Messiah takes a core of general education courses which provides a broad liberal arts background for the major. The major itself is one of the few programs in the country which offers a blend of business and computer science courses with information systems at the center. The focus is on the application of computer systems to business. Prospective employers place great value on this orientation. In addition, Messiah College faculty members are committed to integrating their faith with the approach to the subject they teach.
How to Apply
To apply for admission to Messiah College, simply call and request an application at 1-800-233-4220 or apply online! Open House dates and major-specific events are scheduled throughout the year. Students may arrange for a variety of visit options to suit their interests and schedule.
* Messiah College does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, age, disability, or national or ethnic origin.
The area of business information systems (BIS) is virtually exploding with growth. Many see it as vital to the sustained growth of the world economy. From e-commerce to Internet startups, from information technology support organizations to software development firms, there are many different and exciting paths to pursue in information systems. The world of business and non-profit organizations needs responsible, caring, and capable individuals to help people overcome their fears and master rapidly changing information technology. In addition, due to the growing technological gap of the "haves" and "have nots" between genders, races, and nations, there is a critical need for dedicated and educated Christians to help shrink that gap in the future. The business information systems major at Messiah College combines business, information systems, and computer science disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach emphasizes hands-on learning as well as the underlying theory. For example, as a BIS major you will learn and use Visual Basic to build Windows computer applications. The BIS program emphasizes developing appropriate information systems solutions to business and organizational needs and includes specialized learning and work in the following fields:
