Information Systems - Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)

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Information Systems Technologists work with businesses, governments, and other organizations that use computer hardware and software every day. They provide day-to-day support for users. They make sure all parts of a computer system work to meet the organization’s goals. They use their strong communications skills to help and work with a variety of people within an organization.

With one of OC’s five IT AAS-T degrees, students can transfer directly into the Olympic College Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Systems program.

Olympic College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Systems (BAS IS) degree is designed to ensure a smooth pathway for students who hold an IT-related technical associate degree. Students with such a degree will typically be able to complete the BAS IS program in two years with little additional preparation.

As an open door institution, Olympic College seeks to accommodate as many qualified students as possible. The entry requirements of the BAS IS program establish minimum qualifications to provide maximum access to the degree and at the same time ensure student success at the baccalaureate level.

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Systems will prepare graduates to strategically plan, manage, and apply information technology solutions to business processes and challenges. This broad-based, rigorous degree is designed for students with a variety of experiences and backgrounds. The curriculum is competency-based to ensure that students can demonstrate successfully mastery of relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities. Much of the curriculum is aligned with in-demand industry certifications. Topics include business processes, software development, web development, networking, information assurance, project management, analytics, communication, teamwork, and leadership. The program includes opportunities for work-based learning, internships, and capstone projects.

Program Learning Outcomes

Develop organizational solutions based on information systems, applying integrated problem-solving techniques and systems thinking.
Analyze and develop recommendations for information systems design and implementation in accordance with best practices and standards, legal and regulatory requirements, and ethical and social considerations including respect for privacy and intellectual property.
Apply effective collaborative and communication skills in a wide range of technical team environments and evaluate the success of various team strategies based on the project goals and constraints.
Develop successful and respectful relationships with clients, coworkers, managers, and stakeholders, applying a wide range of adaptive and effective communication skills to convey complex technical concepts.
Present and compare industry standard tools and applications in content delivery across various media, including Web, mobile and client/server environments, and discuss how they support the organization’s goals.
Develop solutions for networking and security problems, balancing business concerns, technical issues, and security.
Perform analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of computer-based systems, following established procedures and stressing software development best practices.
Critically evaluate and analyze data using proven methods to aid organizational decision-making.
Design professional development strategies for evaluating, recommending, and applying new techniques, technologies, computer languages and user requirements as both the needs of the organization and capabilities of the technology emerge.

Required Courses (180 credits - 90 at entry + 90 in program)

Coursework Needed at Junior and Senior Levels in the BAS

Emphasizing the BAS IS degree’s broad-based and applied course of study, 300- and 400-level classes build on foundational information systems credits earned at the associates level to instill a wide range of technical and professional knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) necessary to succeed in the IT industry. These KSAs draw from core technical topics such as software development, Web, networking, and information assurance, as well as professional subjects like project management, communication, and teamwork. Throughout this two-year course of study, students will assemble a portfolio that reflects their growing mastery of learning outcomes.

Although students will move through these courses as a cohort, several classes offer students room for customization. For instance, in IS 390 - IS Reading and Research , students will conduct independent research on a technical subject of their choice, guided by a faculty mentor and working closely with library resources to deepen theoretical knowledge and produce a substantial scholarly paper. In IS 490 - Senior Project I , students will apply theory to practice. After developing a proposal with faculty, students will work in industry placements, pursue advanced certifications, and/or strengthen skills applications as they anticipate more focused career roles or graduate school. They will also finalize portfolios.

While core program topics will often be addressed in discrete courses, some - like security and critical thinking - will also be threaded throughout the curriculum. IS 470 - Enterprise Systems , asks students to integrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in these topics as they form work-based teams, developing an enterprise-level environment by taking roles as network admins, software developers, web database designers and project managers. Teams will produce professional documentation and will work with faculty to ensure high quality results.

Program progression is contingent on a grade of 2.0 or above in each IS course and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all other courses applied to the degree.

Program Entrance Prerequisites (90 Credits)

Course Preparation Needed by Students Transferring with a Technical Associates Degree

IT-related technical degree or equivalent credits from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA. Minimum 2.0 GPA in prerequisite courses and minimum 2.5 GPA in IT-related courses used for program entry.

Foundational IT Courses and Technical Skills Requirements for BAS IS Entry:

In order to assure student success at the baccalaureate level, students entering OC’s BAS IS program will be expected to already have developed a strong IT foundation. The required courses outlined below, or their equivalents**, contain foundational knowledge upon which upper-division BAS IS courses build. Applicants transferring with a technical associate degree will be prepared for upper-division courses by successfully completing these courses or demonstrating proficiency in commensurate technical skills prior to entering the program.

Please Note

**Applicants with prior coursework, previously earned degrees, industry certifications, and/or extensive work experience should meet with the program director to discuss options.