Information Systems
Information Systems
Preparing graduates for today’s careers and tomorrow’s opportunities.
College of Arts and Sciences
Location: Crete
Degree Type: Undergraduate
Doane’s Information Systems program provides students with the technical and theoretical competency to prepare them to enter the industry in software development or information technology-related areas. What distinguishes Doane graduates from their peers graduating from other schools are the essential non-technical competencies cultivated through the active-learning emphasis and liberal-arts focus of Doane. These competencies, along with technical competencies, are developed through immersive experiences both inside and outside the classroom. These make graduates of the Doane Information Systems program highly sought after by employers and graduate schools.
The competencies, developed with guidance from our alumni advisory group of industry professionals, are captured in five outcomes. The Information Systems (IS) program creates an environment that challenges students as they develop confidence and competencies as:
- Problem-solvers
- Independent learners
- Communicators
Doane University's IS program affords each student multiple opportunities to develop a foundation of technology-related knowledge and hands-on competencies with current tools. In addition, three important topics—ethics, cybersecurity, and career opportunities—are intentionally woven into the fabric of every course. Together, the competencies, knowledge and threads prepare students not only for a next step professionally or academically, but are also of immense value throughout a career.
Unique Experiences in the Information Systems Curriculum
The Doane Information Systems program is very flexible, allowing students to tailor their experience to their interests and talents. There are two majors, Information Systems and Information Systems, and two focus areas, software development and information technology. Students can pursue either focus area which are in high demand in the industry. In addition, there are several minors students can pursue through the Information Systems program.
All majors are required to complete a minor or second major. Some of the programs commonly combined with Information Systems include engineering, math, and physics.
Doane Information Systems majors also complete a technology-related community service project. This is typically completed during the sophomore year as part of a larger experience that also explores career opportunities. Projects vary depending on identified needs, but recent projects have involved helping middle school students learn programming.
In addition, Doane Information Systems majors have the option of entering a mentoring relationship with an alumni with a career in the Information Systems field. In addition to communicating several times each academic year, there are opportunities each year to spend time together to discuss technology and careers.
Program Information
Career Paths
A student earning a Information Systems degree enjoys an extremely robust job market, with occupations projected to grow 13 percent over the next 8 years, faster than the average. Doane graduates have enjoyed a competitive advantage securing jobs at some well-known businesses including: Don’t Panic Labs, Boys Town, Fiserv, Foundation for Educational Services, Hudl, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, the Minnesota Vikings, Nelnet, Sandhills Publishing, Scooters, the State of Nebraska, the University of Nebraska, and Doane University.
Software Developers
2017 Median Pay: $103,560
Job Outlook: 24% over the next 10 years
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.
Web Developers
2017 Median Pay: $67,990
Job Outlook: 15% over the next 10 years
Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. In addition, web developers may create content for the site.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
2017 Median Pay: $81,100
Job Outlook: 6% over the next 10 years
Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.
Computer Support Specialists
2017 Median Pay: $52,810
Job Outlook: 11% over the next 10 years
Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations. These specialists either support computer networks or they provide technical assistance directly to computer users.
Information Security Analysts
2017 Median Pay: $95,510
Job Outlook: 28% over the next 10 years
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases.
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Internships
Doane Information Systems majors complete an internship as part of their course of study, so each graduate has at least one semester of on-the-job experience by the time they graduate. Doane students have had internships at a wide variety of organizations, including Crete Carrier, CS3 Marketing, Firespring, Kidwell / IBM, Lockheed Martin, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Nelnet, Sandhills Publishing, the University of Georgia Bioinformatics Department, and many more. Doane’s network of computer science alumni provides a rich opportunity for our students to earn valuable career experience through internships.
Courses
View detailed course information
Requirements for the Information Systems Major:
Complete the following 36 credits:
Discipline Foundation:
IST 140 - Introduction to Information Science and Technology (3)
IST 145 - Introduction to Programming and Problem-Solving (3)
IST 252 - Principles of Digital Logic & Computer Organization (3)
three credits of
IST 495 - Information Science and Technology Seminar (1)
Information Systems Core
IST 217 - Information Systems Theory and Practice (3)
IST 321 - Cybersecurity: Best Modern Practices (3)
IST 322 - Networking and Security I (3)
IST 328 - End User Support, Management, and Security (3)
Complete 12 additional IST credits above IST 217, excluding IST 421 and 495
Information Systems majors are highly encouraged to complete the coursework required for the Information Technology and Security professional certificate.
Complete the following cognate courses:
Complete an IST faculty-approved experiential activity related to the student's emphasis area. Such activities include, but are not limited to, formal internships (IST 421 ) and industry experience (including full-time, part-time, work-study, and summer positions). Three credits of IST 421 Information Science and Technology Internship fulfill this requirement but do not count towards the 36 IST credits for the major.
BUS 436 - Introduction to Project Management (3) /BUS 636
Recommendation
Complete a minor outside IST or an additional major.
Four-Year Plan
Advising Guide - Information Systems - Coming soon
Faculty & Staff
Alec Engebretson
Professor
Information Science & Tech
Mark Meysenburg
Professor
Information Science & Tech
Research
Every Doane Information Systems graduate will have at least one major independent project, developed as part of their senior capstone course. In addition, there are opportunities to engage in undergraduate research projects, while working one-on-one with Doane faculty members. Current research areas of interest include machine learning (neural networks and genetic algorithms), virtual reality applications developed in Doane’s VR lab, computer vision as applied to the natural sciences, and high-performance computing utilizing Doane’s very own supercomputer, Onyx. Many of these capstone and research projects have led to conference publications and presentations by Doane students.
The Doane Difference
Flexibility & Options
The Information Science and Technology Department offers two majors, Computer Science and Information Systems. Each involve the same four core courses and the same two focus areas (software development and information technology). Students can explore both majors before choosing one and can pursue either focus area from both majors. There are several minors that can be pursued.
Technical and Essential Non-Technical Competencies
The Information Systems program is designed to immerse the student in experiences which will allow them to gain competencies that are both technical and non-technical, but mutually essential to be successful in the industry.
Active and Experiential Learning
Our students are expected to be active participants in their learning during class time. You should also expect to engage as developing professionals through a community service project, internship, and capstone project—required as part of the majors—along with research opportunities in machine learning, parallel processing and virtual reality.