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ApplyBachelor of science in business administration
Technological evolution powers the business world at multiple levels. You see it in the way leaders make decisions, companies secure information and professionals structure their days. The online bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA) with an emphasis in information systems and technology (IST) from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) explores this intersection. Prepare to implement software, systems and hardware to drive efficiency, predict trends with business analytics and artificial intelligence, manage databases and secure organizational networks.
UMSL’s program highlights information security and technology as tools to solve existing business problems and help an organization remain competitive. In preparation for leadership roles, students see where AI, analytics, cybersecurity and software complement common processes and influence employee and resource management.
This program is STEM designated — students are eligible for scholarships and job opportunities at government agencies.
Why earn an online BSBA in information systems and technology?
From cybersecurity threats to the growing role of data analytics and artificial intelligence, technology has transformed how employees do their jobs, how teams collaborate and how organizations make strategic decisions. Professionals proficient in both disciplines not only strengthen these relationships but highlight the next steps forward.
UMSL’s online BSBA equips you to pioneer innovation through a blend of applied technical and management-focused courses and a business core covering all functional areas. Overseen by the IST department of UMSL’s AACSB-accredited College of Business Administration, the program:
- Stands upon input from senior IT leaders and CIOs, as well as faculty directing the field through research
- Establishes a foundation in emerging technologies and data, project and resource management
- Complements broadly applied IST knowledge with courses covering the processes and expenses associated with business technology infrastructure
- Prepares students to communicate with technology and business stakeholders
- Introduces key competencies in business analytics, information theory, hardware and software systems, databases and systems design
- Equips students to develop, implement and manage information systems and other technology-rooted solutions
- Positions technology as both integral to day-to-day operations and a driver of long-term growth and innovation
- Highlights uses for artificial intelligence, machine learning and other disruptive technologies in the workplace
Quick facts
Official name
Bachelor of science in business administration with an emphasis in information systems and technologyCampus
Program type
Bachelor's degreeAcademic home
College of Business AdministrationDelivery mode
100% onlineAccreditation
Higher Learning Commission, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)Credit hours
120Estimated cost
$64,920.00Transfer credit hours
60Transfer estimated cost
$32,460.00*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Career prospects
Ignoring the impact of technology means that businesses miss out on growth opportunities — and expose their assets to multiple threats. Little wonder that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 15% more roles for computer and information systems managers through 2032.
Often related to network security, database management or system or data analysis, potential career paths include:
- Business manager
- Cybersecurity manager
- IT executive
- IT infrastructure administrator
- Project manager
- Software developer
Outside of the tech sector, students embark on careers securing assets, drawing insights from data and streamlining systems in manufacturing, retail, supply chain management, government, finance or media and communications.
Program structure
The online BSBA in information systems and technology requires 120 credit hours of course work. The program requires at least 48 credit hours be filled with business courses, of which a minimum of 21 credit hours need to be taken in information systems and technology courses.
For a comprehensive review of business fundamentals, the program goes over concepts in microeconomics, macroeconomics, probability and statistics, accounting, business laws, data analytics, supply chain management, finance, organizational behavior and marketing strategy. Students may explore advanced business or IST concepts through electives or put these credits toward a minor.
The College of Business Administration holds courses on campus or online using a semester schedule. Based on existing obligations, complete your degree entirely online or in a hybrid format.
The typical online student takes one to two classes each semester. The timeline to completion depends on the number of credits transferred and if a student attends full or part time.
Prepare for certification
The courses in this program cover content relevant to the Project Management Professional (PMP)® and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications.
Information systems and technology courses
The information systems and technology emphasis exposes you to:
- The basics of data programming and analysis with R and Python languages
- Information security and defense tactics for organizations and government agencies
- Artificial intelligence applications in business and cybersecurity
- Leadership skills essential for the IT field
- Project management in IT
Review all courses for the online BSBA in information systems and technology.
Delivery
100% onlineCalendar system
Semester-basedTypical program length
VariesTypical course load
1 or 2 classes each semesterAccreditation
The University of Missouri-St. Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.
The College of Business is accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
Faculty spotlight
Vivek Kumar Singh is an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) of information systems and technology. He received his PhD from the University of South Florida, Tampa. His research focuses on applications of data mining techniques in security of cloud computing, health care analytics and online learning. He has published articles in Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, Psychology and Marketing, and Psychological Studies, and in premier information systems conference outlets include ICIS, AMCIS, and HICSS.
Dr. Khan is currently developing cybersecurity programs at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis and teaches data networking and information security. Dr. Khan has published in journals, such as the Journal of Business Research, Journal of Strategic Information Systems, Journal of Information Technology and more. He has also presented papers at national academic conferences, authored book chapters and produced practitioner oriented research and industry reports.
His research interests include offshoring of business services, innovation and entrepreneurship and management of information technology and information security in high-reliability environments.