Program Overview
The Information Systems and Technology (IST) program at Duquesne University prepares students to leverage technology for organizational transformation and data-driven decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes the application, development, and management of technology, with optional tracks in Data Analytics and Digital Business Technology. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in data analysis, database administration, project management, and other technology-related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Information Systems and Technology (IST) program at Duquesne University prepares students for careers focused on leveraging technology to transform organizations and facilitate data-driven decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes the application, development, management, and implementation of technology, with a focus on adding value to processes, products, methods, and decision-making. Two optional tracks are available: Data Analytics and Digital Business Technology. The Data Analytics track equips students with expertise for careers utilizing data for decision-making and designing business intelligence tools, while the Digital Business Technology track provides expertise for roles that bridge the business environment with technology.
Outline:
The IST program consists of a series of courses that provide a comprehensive foundation in the field, including:
- ISYS 184—Business Information Systems: This foundational course explores the role of information systems in modern businesses and how they contribute to profitability, market share, customer service, and inventory management. It also introduces students to IST career opportunities and demonstrates the applications of information systems in various fields.
- ISYS 284—Data for Decision Making: This course focuses on the acquisition, storage, analysis, and presentation of information to support decision-making. Students learn to utilize data to make evidence-based decisions in business contexts.
- ISYS 380—User Experience Design: This course introduces the principles of user experience (UX) design, including methods, tools, and techniques to create user-centered products and services. Students apply these concepts through hands-on projects to enhance the user journey.
- ISYS 381W—Systems Analysis and Design: This course provides an introduction to the analysis and design of information systems. Students learn how to identify and model the information requirements of an organization and explore the systems development life cycle and agile methodologies.
- ISYS 382—Data and Information Management: This course focuses on the core concepts of data and information management. Students learn to identify organizational information requirements, model those requirements, and implement database designs.
- ISYS 480—Introduction to Python for Data Analytics: This course introduces students to data analytics through the Python programming language. Students develop problem-solving and algorithmic thinking skills, and learn to enhance decision-making and productivity in business scenarios.
- ISYS 483—Enterprise Systems: This course provides an overview of enterprise models and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Students explore the ERP life cycle, architecture, business process engineering, and functionality. The course emphasizes the importance of ERP systems and their impact on organizations' competitive advantage.
- ISYS 484—Business Intelligence: This course focuses on business intelligence and analytics, including the methodologies, processes, and tools to transform data into meaningful information. Students learn to use data and analytics to drive decision-making and create competitive advantages.
- ISYS 486—IT Security and Risk Management: This course introduces the principles of IT security and risk management. Students learn about hardware, software, processes, communications, applications, and policies and procedures related to organizational security.
- ISYS 489W—Information Systems Capstone: This capstone course integrates the IST curriculum with project management methodologies. Students apply concepts from previous courses to design, develop, and implement an application development project that addresses a real-life business challenge. They also conduct research and deliver a research paper on a topic in information systems.
- ISYS 490—Applied Data Analytics: This course provides a deeper exploration of data analytics techniques using the Python programming language.
Careers:
Graduates of the IST program are well-prepared for a range of careers in the technology industry, including:
- Data analysts: Utilize data for decision-making and design business intelligence tools
- Database administrators: Manage and maintain databases
- Marketing analysts: Analyze marketing data to develop strategies
- Project managers: Plan, execute, and manage technology projects
- Systems analysts: Design, develop, and implement information systems
- Logistics specialists: Manage the flow of goods and services within an organization
- Business analysts: Analyze and improve business processes
- IT consultants: Provide expertise on IT-related issues
- Systems administrators: Manage and maintain computer systems
