Information Systems

Are you interested in developing software systems or managing the information structure for an organization? Would you like to be a chief information officer someday? The information systems major at Central allows students to choose from an emphasis in accounting information systems (AIS), computer information systems (CIS) or management information systems (MIS). Graduates have entered graduate school and immediate employment as IT managers, web programmers and information systems auditors.


100%
of information systems majors in the class of 2017 have had at least one internship
Top 15
U.S. News and World Report lists computer systems analyst and software developer in the top 15 on their list of the top 100 jobs for 2017

The Central Difference

Entrepreneur Connections

Many alumni have started their own IT-related companies, and with Des Moines’ recent growth in startups, students have direct access to experience these highly entrepreneurial environments via internships and job offers after graduation. Central offers an entrepreneurship minor for anyone interested in developing his or her own startup.

A Strong Foundation for Our Son

Jill Villalobos’ son, Josh, graduated from Central College in 2016. She shares their experience during the college search and why she knew Central was the right choice for their family.

Communication

Central has a long history of developing communication skills in its graduates. Our information systems majors are known for their ability to write and speak clearly about technical material.

Facilities

The Weller Center for Business and International Studies houses faculty offices and classrooms for the economics, accounting, business management and modern language departments. The building includes state-of-the-art technologies, a 24-hour computer lab on the main floor and eight high-tech classrooms, two of which contain student computers.

The Vermeer Science Center is home to the mathematics, computer science, biology, chemistry, physics and natural science programs. The computer science department has dedicated collaborative learning spaces with updated equipment for student use.

Off-Campus Experiences

Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.

Central College student

Beyond Central

Putting the “Hire” in Higher Education

  • IT operations coordinator, National Research Center for College & University Admissions, Lee's Summit, Mo.
  • Hardware/Software analyst, Vermeer Corporation, Pella
  • Business solutions application development associate, McGladrey Inc.
  • Senior business analyst, DuPont Pioneer, Johnston
  • Programmer analyst, IMT Group, West Des Moines
  • IT audit support manager, ING
  • Product analyst, Nationwide
Central College student

Organizations

Information systems students may be interested in participating on a programming team for competition or in one of the following clubs:

  • Accounting Club
  • Business Club
  • Economics Club
  • Computer Science Club

Graduate Placement

The IT field is constantly changing, so many information systems graduates choose to continue their education while they are working. Central grads take graduate courses that lead to certification or an advanced degree in areas such as networking, information security and business administration.

Internships

Information systems students have interned at a number of businesses, both locally and abroad, including Alliance Technology Group (ATG) in Des Moines.

Central College student

Courses & Faculty

Introductory courses for the information systems major establish a base for students in the fields of computer science and business management, which are the building blocks of the interdisciplinary field of information systems. The course Introduction to Information Management provides a foundation to the field.

Upper-level courses allow students to select an area of focus (such as accounting information systems, computer information systems or management information systems) and take courses related to that area.

Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.

Meet the Faculty

  • Stephen Fyfe, B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Professor of Computer Science
  • Tuan Nguyen, B.B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics
  • George Nwaogu, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics
  • Maggie Schlerman, B.A., M.Acc., C.P.A., Associate Professor of Accounting

Sample Coursework

First Year

  • Introduction to Information Management
  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Data Structures
  • Principles of Microeconomics
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Core courses and electives

Sophomore Year

  • Principles of Management
  • Introduction to Financial Accounting
  • Web and Database Systems
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • Core courses and electives

Junior Year

  • Information systems focus-area courses
  • Ethics course
  • Communications course
  • Core courses and electives

Senior Year

  • Information systems focus-area courses
  • Core courses and electives

TAKE THE NEXT STEP


Learn More

Want to find out more about Information Systems at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.

Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.

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