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Undergraduate Catalog 2011

Business Technology Administration

Faculty

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Chair

Andrew Sears

Professors

Guisseppi Forgionne
Aryya Gangopadhyay
Anthony F. Norcio
Roy Rada
Victoria Yoon

Associate Professors

Gerald Canfield
Zhiyuan Chen
Henry Emurian
George Karabatis
Anita Komlodi
A. Gunes Koru
Wayne Lutters
A. Ant Ozok
Carolyn Seaman
Dongsong Zhang
Lina Zhou

Assistant Professors

Zhiling Guo
Amy Hurst
Vandana Janeja
Ravi Kuber
Sredeevi Sampath

Senior Lecturers

Amy Everhart
Tate Redding

Lecturers

Dina Gorin Glazer
Jeffrey D. Martens
Dana Smith

Courses in this program are listed under IS and BTA.

The United States and other developed countries depend on computers for almost every transaction that occurs in our everyday lives. Many people refer to the present as the information age, and it is computer systems that have made this possible. The Department of Information Systems offers programs to prepare students to be the technical people who design, build and manage these computer systems or to be knowledgeable users of them.

The information systems program is interdisciplinary, including courses in mathematics and statistics, computer programming, management science, economics and technical writing, as well as specific courses in computer information system analysis, design, construction and management. Career learning through cooperative education assignments is strongly encouraged.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Technology Administration (BTA) is designed for students who want a grounding in the development and use of office systems based on microcomputers. Another major, minor or certificate program in a field of the student’s interest must be completed along with the B.A. curriculum to qualify for the degree.

Career and Academic Paths

Graduates from the B.A. program will find their end-user computer skills applicable to many positions in business and government. Often, the student’s other major, minor or certificate program (e.g., public administration or finance will determine the field in which they eventually work. Some students, particularly those interested in careers in law or technical writing, combine the English writing minor with the B.A. degree.
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Academic Advising

Undergraduates are advised by information systems faculty, some of whom specialize in academic advising and some of whom are primarily teachers. For students considering transferring to UMBC, Maryland community colleges have articulated programs that define the courses that will transfer as equivalent to UMBC courses. All students must meet with their assigned academic advisor before registering for courses. Students are also encouraged to meet with their advisor any time during the semester to discuss major or career plans.
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Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business Technology Administration

Students who wish to obtain a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Business Technology Administration (BTA) must satisfy the following requirements:

1) A grade of C or better for any course to be applied to the BTA major

Courses required for the BTA:

  • IS 101 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems
  • IS 125 Information Systems Logic and Structured Design
  • IS 202 Systems Analysis Methods
  • IS 295 Introduction to Applications Programming
  • IS 300 Management Information Systems
  • IS 303 Human Factors in Computer Systems Design
  • IS 350 Business Communications Systems
  • IS 440 Integrating Technology into Business Processes
  • An IS elective at the 300 or 400 level, not to include IS 399, 400, 468 or 469

Mathematics and Statistics:

  • MATH 115 Finite Mathematics
  • MATH 155 Elementary Calculus
  • STAT 121 Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences

Administrative Science:

  • MGMT 210 The Practice of Management
  • ECON 101 Principles of Economics I
  • ECON 102 Principles of Economics II
  • ECON 121 Principles of Accounting I
  • ECON 122 Principles of Accounting II
  • ENGL 393 Technical Writing

2) Completion of a minor, certificate or second major.

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Departmental Honors for Undergraduates in the BTA Program

The departmental honors program recognizes academic excellence for those students choosing to engage in a series of enhanced learning experiences offered by the department. Please see your IS advisor for more details regarding departmental honors.
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Special Opportunities

UMBC has a very large and active cooperative education and internship program. All information systems students are encouraged to do co-ops or internships. The practical work experience gained is valued by employers in the field and is of considerable help in finding a job after graduation. One-third to one-half of IS majors take advantage of these opportunities.
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Student Organizations

Information Systems Council of Majors The Information Systems Council of Majors offers programs and tours in areas of interest to students. Council members also have opportunities to attend meetings of computer-related professional societies.
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