In recent years, many academic institutions, business schools in particular, have begun offering degrees in decision and information sciences. This type of degree is highly marketable in today’s business world, where demands are constantly changing in light of technology advancements and rapidly evolving business needs. Those who study decision and information sciences explore topics such as creative problem solving, the relationship between technology and business, and business communication.
Studying decision and information sciences gives students many marketable skills. Students get a multidisciplinary understanding of the business world. They will learn about business strategy and management while also exploring technical subjects and acquiring practical skills like application development and web content development. Another benefit of studying decision and information sciences is that it puts business professionals at the forefront of many emerging business focuses. For example, those whose who choose this academic discipline will acquire experience in subjects that have only come to prominence in the business world in the last few years. These include web optimization, mobile app development, and social commerce.
Industries
There are many different industries in which business professionals who are trained in decision and information sciences can find work, according to the University of North Texas. Basically any type of business can benefit from the knowledge acquired from studies in this area. Industries where decision and information sciences students are especially likely to find work include advertising, cost analysis, engineering economics, human resources management, insurance, logistics, supply chain management, marketing research, real estate, risk management, and systems integration.
Curriculum
The curriculum for a program in this discipline will be similar to that of an information technology or information systems degree program. However, decision and information sciences coursework will generally reflect a more multi-disciplinary approach to business and information technology studies. Not only will students study computing and develop quantitative skills, but they will also need to learn how to solve business issues. Typical course titles seen in decisions and information science curriculums include managerial operations, statistics for business decisions, business systems, operations and supply chain management, database management, and information systems and operations strategy.
Specializations
Those who decide to study decision and information sciences can focus on a variety of different specializations, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago. The following are just a few options:
Information Systems
- Those who study for a decision and information sciences degree with a specialization in information systems will typically find themselves working as business analysts, IT consultants, information security analysts, or database managers. This specialization will involve heavy coursework in application development, information security, data mining, and project management.
Business and Data Analytics
- Business professionals who specialize in data analytics will want to study business modeling, multivariate statistics, decision making, and risk management.
Supply Chain Management
- Those with a great deal of knowledge in supply chain management are able to facilitate business operations by handling logistical challenges posed by the need to get supplies to the right company facility.
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A career in decision and information sciences is perfect for a student with combined interests in both business and technology.