May 04, 2026  
2026-2027 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Western Washington University Catalog

Business Administration — Management Information Systems Concentration, BA

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham


Introduction

The Business Administration program has been designed to prepare students for leadership roles in business and the community. One program objective is to provide students with the perceptual and analytical skills necessary in making decisions and evaluating policy in business; another is to develop student understanding of the social, economic and regulatory environment of business. The program is designed for students with a variety of career goals, including opportunities with financial institutions, manufacturing and retail firms, service industries and the public sector.

Learning Competency Goals

  • Demonstrate breadth of business knowledge
  • Produce quality business documents
  • Analyze problems using an ethical perspective
  • Analyze the legal implications of business decisions
  • Critically analyze problems and defend resolutions
  • Solve business problems using quantitative techniques
  • Apply a global perspective in conducting business
  • Identify and analyze social consequences of business activities
  • Understand the importance of environmental sustainability

Why Consider a Management Information System (MIS) Concentration in the Business Administration Major?

As technologies continue to develop, there is an ongoing demand for professionals who can develop technology-based solutions to support organizations. Management Information Systems (MIS) students are problem solvers who develop an understanding of business, people, and technology. They learn how to develop and implement systems to enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Career opportunities for MIS students include business/system analysis, database development and management, business intelligence and analytics, information systems consulting, systems administration, software development, software quality assurance, end-user support, and other professional roles.

Student Resources

Department website: Decision Sciences

Contact information: Sherri Nelson, Department Manager, Parks Hall 343, 360-650-3275, OfficeDSCI@wwu.edu

Department advising: Visit the Advising section of the Decision Sciences website.

Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

Career Services Center: Connect major to a career

Sample careers: Business Analyst, Computer Systems Manager, Software Quality Assurance, Systems Administrator, Database Administrator, Software Developer, Data Analyst, Consultant

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Category of Major : Major with minimum requirements

Open majors can be declared by new and continuing students in good standing without additional requirements. All students are eligible for Direct Admission to Major at the time of admission to the university, subject to space availability.

Students who began their studies at WWU before the 2026-2027 academic year may declare their major by completing the Student Academic Declaration & Change Form and meeting the major’s retention requirements (if applicable).

Retention Standards

To remain in good standing, students must meet the following academic requirements:

  • Maintain a minimum WWU cumulative GPA of 2.50.
    • Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.50 will receive an academic warning and have one quarter to raise their GPA to 2.50 or higher.
    • Students whose cumulative GPA remains below 2.50 for two or more consecutive quarters will be dropped from CBE and will not be readmitted until their cumulative WWU GPA is 2.50 or higher.
  • Students whose cumulative GPA fall below 2.00 will be dismissed immediately from CBE and will not be readmitted or permitted to register for CBE major restricted courses until their cumulative WWU GPA is 2.50 or higher.

Transfer students admitted without a WWU GPA (i.e., no graded coursework at WWU at the time of admission) are admitted to both WWU and CBE. They must maintain the GPA described in the retention standards above to remain in good standing.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements (86-88 credits)


Foundation Courses (30 credits)


Advanced Core Courses (4 credits)


MIS Concentration Courses (28 credits)