Information Systems
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Highlights
Career Opportunities
Graduates are typically hired by firms and organizations of all types and sizes for information technology applications such as telecommunications companies, system integrators, consulting firms, banks, health care organizations and large corporations. It is common for IS graduates to begin or move quickly into non-information technology organizations on the basis of their greater understanding of information and technology issues.
Subject Areas
Using information technology for competitive advantage, analysis of information requirements and systems design, web development, managing and building databases, telecommunications and networks and security, information analysts and problem solving, telecommunications, decision support systems knowledge management.
Project Work and Hands-on Activities
Highlighted throughout the program as group efforts to solve problems and create solution systems.
Program Description
Employment in the organizational use of information is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations as enterprises continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Companies increasingly rely on knowledge gained from information systems (IS) to make informed decisions. In addition, people with IS backgrounds are being promoted to top management positions where their skills add value to the organization.
The study of Information Systems concerns the analysis, control and flow of information within an organization to improve management decision-making, operations and customer service. The Information Systems (IS) major leads to a variety of careers that deal with technologies and the business professionals who use them. Some examples are systems analyst, telecommunications manager, network engineer, applications programmer, database analyst/designer, database administrator, technology training manager, software/hardware evaluator, knowledge manager and Web designer. In today’s environment, IS is one of the most effective pathways to leadership positions in organizations.
Curriculum
The IS program is built on the foundation of the Sellinger School’s required business core courses. The curriculum is designed to develop skills in the application of computer technologies, and in analytical and decision-making abilities, and to develop the necessary insight to meet the needs of our information dependent society. The courses in the management information systems program focus on topics that transform students into information systems consultants or professionals, or prepare students for success as technologically savvy individuals in other fields Emphasis is placed on strategic insights and technological problem analysis for business and basic knowledge of technology such as database systems, telecommunications, network management, future Web technologies and the role of information systems in organizations.
IS students enroll as business administration majors and select this specific concentration within the first two years. As students undertake the core business courses, they have the opportunity to take the management information systems course in the sophomore year. In this course, the student learns to use concepts of information technology, to address problems in business and management and to apply managerial concepts specific to computer-based information systems.
A student’s education in information systems begins in the junior year with courses in e-Business Strategy and Knowledge Management, Databases, and applications programming. Senior courses include Telecommunications and Distributed Processing, Systems Analysis and Design and Web Technologies as a capstone course. Students gain the ability to design, develop, implement, operate and maintain computer-based information systems for the business community. Project work is highlighted throughout the program, and this helps strengthen the relationships among students while working closely with the faculty.
Facilities and Equipment
Loyola College has made a substantial investment in classroom technology to meet the increasing demand of faculty and students for advanced technology tools in the classroom. Currently, Loyola has 69 technology classrooms and three interactive distance learning classrooms. Each technology classroom is equipped with state-of-the-art technology tools that include fully networked computers, sound, and projection systems. Loyola has a laboratory-classroom dedicated to Information Systems Students. In addition, there are many computer labs around the campus to support the needs of IS students and their projects.
Other Activities
IS students may take advantage of the Lattanze Center, an internationally-known center of excellence for issues pertaining to information systems. The Lattanze Center's close connection to the Information Systems faculty and students provides a valuable resource for internships, projects, and career entry.
IS students are invited to attend executive-level presentations and to participate in research projects funded by the Center. Students may also find opportunities for internships and special study projects with companies associated with the Lattanze Center.
In addition, students have the opportunity to get a close look at the Information Systems profession through the Shadow Program and Career Night sponsored by the Lattanze Student Organization. Students may also be elected to Beta Gamma Sigma, the National Business Honor Society.
Internships and Placement
The department offers a shadowing program and an elective internship class for the IS student. Local firms are eager to offer internships to Loyola students because of the future job prospects and the up-to-date information systems knowledge students bring to their firms.
Management information systems students have worked before graduation with companies such as Northrop Grumman, Black & Decker, Sogeti, Ernst & Young, T. Rowe Price, Legg Mason and Zurich North America.
Faculty
Ellen D. Hoadley
Associate Professor
B.A., Florida State University;
M.B.A., Ph.D, Indiana University.
Steven Kramer
Assistant Professor
B.S., University of South Florida;
M.S., University of Rhode Island;
Ph.D., University of Maryland.
C. Robert Margenthaler
Professor Emeritus
B.S., Bradley University;
M.S., West Coast University;
M.S., Arizona State University;
Ph.D., University of Illinois.
John C. McFadden
Affiliate Assistant Professor
Executive in Residence
B.S.M.E., Villanova Unversity
M.S.A., The George Washington University.
Gloria Phillips-Wren
Associate Professor and Chair
B.A., Western Maryland College;
M.Ed., Towson University;
M.B.A. (Fellows), Loyola College in Maryland;
M.S., Ph.D., University of Maryland (Baltimore County).
Jeannie Pridmore
B.A.
Ph.D. Alburn University.
Daniel Rice
Assistant Professor B.S.,
United States Coast Guard Academy;
M.B.A., Ph.D. (candidate), University of Connecticut.
Phoebe C. Sharkey
Professor
A.B., Duke University;
M.S., Georgetown University;
Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University.
A. Kimbrough Sherman
Department Chair, Associate Professor
A.B., Brown University;
M.B.A., University of Maryland;
Ph.D., University of Maryland.
Paul P. Tallon
Associate Professor
B. Comm., University College, Dublin;
M.Mgmt. Sci., University College, Dublin;
Ph.D., University of California, Irvine.
George Wright
Associate Professor
B.S., United States Naval Academy;
M.B.A., D.B.A., George Washington University.
Course Sequence
3rd year
Electronic Business and Competitive Advantage
Applications Development
Database Design and Implementation
Telecommunications and Security
Required business courses (2)
Core courses (2)
General electives (2)
4th year
Information Systems
Analysis and Design
Web Technologies
Required business courses (3)
Core courses (1)
General electives (3)
Elective courses include:
Internship in Information Systems
Independent Study in
Information Systems
Program Description - Click Here