UCM Expands Options for Students Seeking Bachelor’s Degree in Areas of Marketing and Computer Information Systems

By Janice Phelan, May 20, 2019

Beginning in fall 2019, students seeking a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration with a concentration in computer information systems or marketing will have even more choices. These include additional business administration and marketing online courses as well as a degree completion option for the computer information systems concentration/major through the University of Central Missouri’s Lee’s Summit campus.
 
The changes are examples of UCM’s commitment to offering flexible, affordable programs that are geared to fit the schedules of busy adults.

Computer information systems concentration/major

The university’s bachelor’s of science in business administration (BSBA) with a concentration in computer information systems (CIS) will be offered as a degree completion program at the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit, beginning next fall.

Through the CIS program, students can specialize in one of three tracks -- software development; networking, systems administration and security; and mobile and web development.

“Our CIS program was recently named the best CIS program in Missouri for the money and ranked 17th nationwide by collegefactuals.com,” said Dr. Someswar Kesh, UCM chair, Division of Business Analytics and professor of CIS.

“CIS students have proven themselves in the industry by occupying top positions in various corporations, both in the Kansas City and St. Louis area as well as nationwide.”

Average starting salaries for CIS graduates across the nation are $62,000, while many with a few years of experience will make close to $100,000, he added.

CIS graduates can choose from a wide variety of career paths such as software developer, software engineer, applications analyst, networking and systems administrator, web developer and IT security specialist, Kesh said. Students in the program learn technological skills such as coding, IT security and database management and systems administration, all in a business context. The CIS program focuses on applying these skills to real-life business problem-solving. “CIS graduates are in high demand because of the combination of technological and business skills,” Kesh added.

The CIS program, as well as UCM’s bachelor’s degree in big data and business analytics, are both accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International and ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). The UCM computer information systems program is one of just 13 programs in the nation earning accreditation from both organizations.

Marketing concentration

Students now have the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s of science degree in business administration (concentration in marketing) online, thanks to an expanded online business course schedule.

“In the past, our online courses have been mostly restricted to the summer,” said Dr. Ginger Killian, associate dean for the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies. “However, beginning this fall, we are beginning to offer business courses online during the fall and spring semesters. Beginning fall of 2020, we will also offer the required marketing courses during fall and spring in an online format.”

“The additional online options were established to provide an option to students who might have left college without completing their degree,” added Dr. Todd McClure, UCM assistant professor of marketing. “We feel that the diverse student body that will find this program attractive will also allow for a highly integrative and interactive learning experience.”

“We recognize that not every student can complete a face-to-face undergraduate program due to work schedules and other life priorities,” Killian added. “Whether students are in the military or working full time, the online BSBA program in marketing allows students to earn their undergraduate degree in a flexible, convenient format. The courses are six to eight weeks in duration and are completely online. So, whether you study at your best at 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., our online program is designed to meet your needs and help you achieve your goals.”

The UCM marketing program provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects, network with industry leaders and learn cutting-edge marketing skills while receiving support and personalized attention from the university’s experienced faculty. This UCM program is also accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International.

The demand for marketing professionals is growing, and careers include advertising, digital marketing, social media marketing, sales and sales management, sports marketing, retail management and brand management.

The University of Central Missouri has campuses in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit. The fully accredited university offers affordable and flexible programs including undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificate programs.