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Business Information Systems Degree

Higher education for the adult learner is more important than ever! To respond to this need, Linfield College is proud to offer a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems for the adult student. This degree program employs a variety of delivery formats to overcome barriers you encounter in accessing higher education – work schedules, proximity to a college, responsibilities to family. You can complete all of the courses in the business information systems degree through online classes, with the exception of 4 Computer Science courses, or a combination of on-campus and online classes. The four Computer Science lab courses  meet on a schedule of weekends spaced about 3 – 4 weekends apart on the McMinnville, OR campus. This allows you to achieve your educational goals via the technological innovations available to us.

• Program Overview- The Linfield Business Information Systems Degree
• Why Choose Linfield College?
• Expected Competencies upon Completion of the Business Information Systems Degree Program
• Required Courses
• Frequently Asked Questions about Linfield's bachelors degree in Business Information Systems, including costs, tuition comparison, financial aid and program requirements.

The Business Information Systems Degree - Program Overview

The major in Business Information Systems is an interdepartmental program combining studies in computer information systems from Linfield's Department of Computer Science with management courses from the Department of Business. The curriculum, based on the Data Processing Management Association model, places strong emphasis on business problem solving through systematic analysis and management of the system development process.

A bachelor's degree in business information systems from Linfield prepares you to meet the challenges and complexities of the information systems and business world. Government research indicates that the employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Job opportunities will be best for applicants with a strong understanding of business and good communication skills- both areas of expertise gained through the Linfield degree requirements.

Salaries in this field exceed the average- the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that earnings for computer and information systems managers vary by speciality and level of responsibility but are higher than many other occupations. Median annual earnings of B.I.S. managers in May 2006 were $101,580. The middle 50 percent earned between $79,240 and $129,250. This data is found at

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos258.htm#projection

Graduates in business information systems will find opportunities in the profit and non-profit sector, as well as private industry and governmental agencies.

Why Choose Linfield College?

Linfield is one of the oldest colleges in the West and was chartered in 1858. The college is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities as an independent, not for profit institution, and has consistently earned high rankings by such organizations as U.S. News and World Report's “America's Best Colleges," Barron's Guide and The Princeton Review.

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) was launched in 1975 by Linfield College. Today you can earn a Linfield College Bachelor's degree with a choice of seven majors through this division. DCE's Adult Degree Program seeks to provide you with an affordable and convenient way to obtain your bachelor's degree.

The advantages of Linfield's adult degree program are:

• Desirable faculty to student ratio of 1 : 14
• Convenient methods of class delivery (online, 1 evening per week or a hybrid of both)
• Affordable costs, comparable to state schools
• Academic advising support and financial aid assistance
• Superior research and library assistance

Linfield College - Business Information Systems Major Competencies:

In successfully completing a major in business information systems degree, a student will be able to:

• understand the basic concepts of financial and managerial accounting and micro and macro economics.
• analyze and evaluate the impact of environmental influences on marketing strategies in a competitive environment.
• apply core management functions of decision-making, planning, organizing, leading and controlling to realistic organizational situations.
• professionally communicate ideas, research and analysis in both oral and written formats.
• understand the value and uses of information systems for business operation, management decision- making and strategic advantage.
• work in teams for project development/completion and presentation.
• demonstrate competency in at least one programming language.
• be familiar with system analysis and design.
• complete a comprehensive system development project.

FAQ's about Linfield's Business Information Systems Degree in the Adult Degree Program

How much will the degree cost? Will it be worth it to me?

A bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from Linfield College will boost your marketability, confidence and professional standing. For more information on cost, visit the Tuition Cost area of our website.

How does the Linfield Adult Degree Program compare to other colleges in regards to tuition costs for completing my degree?

You will find that the Linfield Adult Degree Program tuition is extremely competitive in tuition costs when compared to both public colleges and other private schools. Information on tuition comparison can be found on our Tuition Comparison page.

Can I get financial aid assistance?

Linfield College works with all students to provide assistance in obtaining financial aid including various types of Federal loans, grants and scholarships. Most admitted students in the Adult Degree Program are working and therefore attend college on a part time basis. You will find that the financial aid award usually covers your cost of tuition, fees, and books. Many employers offer full or partial tuition reimbursement. Please remember to ask your employer if they provide a benefit for continuing education.

Can I receive credit for previous college work?

Absolutely! Most academic college classes that you have taken from an accredited community college or four year college or university; for which you received a grade of “C” or higher, will count towards your bachelor’s degree. Our academic advisors will review all transcripts and will work with you to transfer as many credit as possible.

What about experience? I own my own business—shouldn’t that count for something?

We have a program that awards credit for knowledge gained on the job or through volunteer activities called credit for prior learning (CPL). You will work closely with an instructor to decide what courses you will challenge and assemble a portfolio to present prior learning demonstrated through experience. Your academic advisor can tell you more about this program.

Can I complete my degree online?

Yes! If you choose to take all your classes online this option is available to you.

I’ve never taken an online class. What is that experience like?

We recommend that you read the Guide to Online College for Adults. Here is a summary of what to expect in Linfield's online classes:

• Online courses are perfect for students with schedules that demand flexibility.
• Online classes will require you to post assignments by a certain time each week. You can do most of the work on your own schedule.
• You will have separate links for submitting homework, group discussion, and personal communication with your instructor, and tests are done online.
• With Internet access you can work from anywhere in the world. This is an ideal program for those who travel.
• Expect to spend the same amount of time in an online class as you would in a face-to-face class, and expect to adhere to similar homework deadlines.

A fee is charged for each online course in addition to tuition. Once you register and pay the fee, you will sign up for a Linfield computer account (if you have not taken any online classes previously with Linfield DCE).

Isn’t online learning new? What experience does Linfield have in this delivery format?

The Linfield degree completion program is designed for adult students. Linfield has been delivering online classes for over ten years. Many of our instructors were involved in the early design of online learning and have valuable expertise. Online classes provide plenty of communication between you, your professor and class members.

Can I complete my Business Information Systems degree with a blend of on campus and online classes?

Yes.  Linfield's Adult Degree Program offers classes that meet on campus for face to face and hybrid learning (combining classroom instruction with online), giving adult students more personal access to Linfield's strong teaching faculty.

You recognize the value of interactive learning and your life demands a flexible class schedule; so you can have it both ways by blending an evening class and an online class.

What are the evening classes like?

Adult students enjoy the small class size at Linfield, with an enviable 14 to 1 ratio between students and professor. You will enjoy plenty of interaction, through discussion, lecture, and guided instruction so that you get all the benefits of college learning as an adult. Classes that meet once per week for 3 hours are designed to fit into your busy schedule and start at 6:00pm.

If I choose to complete my degree entirely online, will it be the same as a “regular” Linfield degree, even if I do it through the Internet?

Whether you take a combination of on-campus and online classes or all online classes, your completed bachelor’s degree is identical to the fully accredited and highly regarded bachelor’s degrees awarded by Linfield College to students who attend classes on the McMinnville and Portland, Oregon campuses..

The diploma shows the Linfield College bachelor’s degree awarded, for example, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  The transcript records the courses and credits earned and does not show how the courses were delivered, whether online, on campus, or hybrid.

You and your family are invited to participate in your commencement ceremony, held on the McMinnville, Oregon campus each May and December.

What are the General Education requirements in a Linfield bachelor’s degree?

The general education is called the Linfield Curriculum and stresses wide exposure to the ways that educated individuals, be they scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, teachers, or ethicists, engage ideas, articulate choices and assert opinions. The Linfield Curriculum consists of an Inquiry Seminar (college writing), seven courses in the Modes of Inquiry, two courses in Diversity Studies, and a Writing-Intensive course in each major. Courses taken to satisfy the Linfield Curriculum also complete requirements in one or more areas of each student’s major.  

How many credits will it take to finish my degree?

The requirement for a bachelor’s degree from Linfield College is a cumulative total of 125 semester credits, which includes the Major, Linfield Curriculum, and electives. Credits that you completed at accredited community colleges and four-year colleges and universities count toward this total. A minimum of 30 credits in the degree must be completed at Linfield. Your advisor will work with you to maximize your previous college and work experiences, and provide a suggested academic plan to finish your program in the major you choose.

When does the academic year start?

Classes begin 4 times per year. Thanks to our continuous enrollment program, you can apply year round and start your classes at the beginning of the next semester.  This allows you to accelerate your degree completion at Linfield.

I’d like to find out more. What is the next step?

Please contact us and one of our knowledgeable admissions and enrollment specialists will be in touch with you shortly.

Congratulations on taking the first step to completing your bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems!