Prospective students interested in technology can now pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems at Houston Baptist University (HBU). The new degree officially launched in the fall 2021 semester and is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to analyze computing problems and design, implement and evaluate technology solutions in business and commercial environments.
The Information Systems Degree, one of HBU’s latest Securing America’s Future through Engineering (SAFE) degree programs, was developed in response to requests from several students for a less math-intensive pathway to programming and cybersecurity than required by the University’s computer science, cyber-engineering, and electrical engineering degree programs. Dr. Stanley Napper, HBU Provost and former Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, joined forces with key faculty from the computer science and electrical engineering departments and members of the engineering advisory board to create the new degree program.
Katie Evans, HBU’s current Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, shared her thoughts on the program’s benefits and future impact. “I am excited about the launch of our latest SAFE (Securing America’s Future through Engineering) degree program. The Information Systems degree will prepare future technology professionals who possess the business acumen and cybersecurity expertise to lead the computing and information operations for organizations who, by necessity, must increasingly focus on information and operation security. The addition of this degree program expands HBU’s capacity to meet Houston’s cybersecurity workforce needs,” said Evans.
The degree program’s curriculum provides students with a foundational education in business, science, and the humanities. Preparation in both technical and management skills prepares students for information systems jobs as system administrators as well as jobs in a variety of technical fields. The computer information systems degree is designed to keep up with the growing emphasis on cybersecurity as well as the expansion of corporate computer information systems operations and digital platforms.
“The addition of the Information Systems degree allows everyone who is interested in technology and/or cybersecurity an opportunity to build skills that are very much needed in the nation,” said Dr. Melissa Carlton, Assistant Professor of Computer Science in HBU’s College of Science and Engineering.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 42,400 openings for computer and information systems managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade per the latest Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Dr. Carlton welcomes the addition of HBU’s newest degree program and believes students will also value the opportunity it presents. “An Information Systems degree is designed to prepare students for careers in system administration as well as a variety of technical fields. I hope students coming to HBU will see value in analyzing, designing, implementing, and evaluating solutions for technology as a way for preparing for their career in Information Systems,” said Dr. Carlton.
To assist students pursuing science and engineering degrees at HBU, The Grace Hopper Scholarship has been renewed for the 2021-2022 award year. The scholarship recognizes Rear Admiral Grace M. Hopper, PhD, a pioneer of computer science and military service and is funded through a $1 million dollar renewal gift from Mr. Holly Frost and Ms. Kathaleen Wall. Financial support also is available through The Hopper Fellows Award, a scholarship designed for students who meet higher merit criteria and are willing to participate in leadership development and service activities for COSE.
For more information, visit HC.edu/science-and-engineering/degree-programs/information-systems/.
Types of Information Systems Jobs:
- System Administrators
- Network engineers
- System engineers
- IT managers
- IT support engineers
- Database administrator
- Cyber security analyst
- Software developer