Careers in Information

   & Decision Sciences

Information Assurance and Security Management

Information Assurance is critical to defending critical infrastructure world wide. The Information Assurance and Security Management program (IASM) at CSUSB defines new directions and leads students to the beginning of a life-long learning process that helps them continue to define the future protecting critical economic infrastructure. Graduates from the IASM are information systems professionals with a broad spectrum of both technical and managerial skills. They use these skills to integrate information from seemingly disparate disciplines (national security affairs, information systems, computer science, business, and operations analysis) into a coherent plan to support enterprise operations.

All IASM students are aware of the full spectrum of threats and vulnerabilities in information systems. They are skilled at protecting data, information and the means of processing them. They recognize that Information Assurance is more than technical solutions. Information Assurance is a defense in depth that balances Technology, Policy and Practice, and Awareness, Training and Education.

All students in the CSUSB program are aware of principles and practices in Information Assurance. Information Management majors are provided with introductory skills and abilities to design and execute Information Assurance procedures and practices. Student choosing to concentrate in Information Assurance and Security Management and seek Committee for National Security Systems (CNSS) certifications, develop a full repertoire of skill ranging from Systems Administration to Senior Systems Management and Certification.

Each year, the program develops a cadre of highly motivated, educated professionals who are knowledgeable in the principles of Information Assurance. The program goal is to reduce vulnerability in our National Information Infrastructure by promoting higher education in Information Assurance and producing a growing number of professionals with Information Assurance expertise in many disciplines.

The overall quality of our program is demonstrated through our selection as a national Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education and as a National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service school (full scholarships).

Information security skills are in high demand from a variety of employers. Students in the program study not only what makes systems work but, more importantly, why they fail.

For more Information on Information Assurance and Security Management, scholarships, resources and certifications, please visit the iASM website.

Information Management

Information is a major resource for organizational success, and its effective management is vital. The information manager, armed with knowledge and skills in computer technology, management, decision-making, and systems and strategic planning, has the brightest future in modern organizations. This manager integrates and applies computers within the workplace and assists in planning, organizing, controlling and evaluating information technology.

Information management majors are in strong demand in general management, customer relations, consulting, marketing and sales, operations management, information resource management, and systems management. Graduates with technical backgrounds in computer programming, accounting and electronics will qualify for positions in systems analysis, technical support, EDP auditing, programming, networking, and telecommunications. Some of these careers require additional education or experience.

Information processing has become an integral part of most organizations. The private sector is the largest employer, followed by government agencies and small specialists companies. Educational institutions also employ information processing personnel. Employment opportunities will continue to be excellent as data base systems, geographical information system (GIS) and Internet applications in businesses and organizations expand. In addition, growth is expected in health services, communications and education.

Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management majors study principles of operations research and the applications of quantitative techniques to administrative situations. They are in strong demand in general management, customer relations, consulting, marketing and sales, and operation management. Most management and administrative positions start as a staff position. As a staff assistant to a line manager or agency administrator, you would be expected to present concise reports based on solid quantitative analysis. Later on, as you advance into managerial positions, you will evaluate analytical reports to make the most effective decisions. If you are an aspiring manager, a background in quantitative methods is a must for you. Our Management Science concentration offers you such a background. Not only will you learn the applications of quantitative techniques to administrative situation, but you will learn about the exciting field of operations research.

Excellent opportunities exist in business, industry and government. Quantitative analysis has become an integral part of banks, manufacturing firms, schools, law firms, government agencies, insurance companies and hospitals and other similar enterprises. The private sector is the largest employer, followed by government agencies and small specialist companies.

Transportation and Logisitics

The dynamic field of Transportation and Logisitics embraces management, engineering, economics and other disciplines. As companies confront the challenges, opportunities and technologies associated with converting inputs to outputs, they rely on professionals who can exploit quantitative and analytical techniques to improve productivity and solve managerial problems. The transportation of goods and services is of major importance to our global economy. This is why Transportation and Logisitics is a rapidly growing and highly paid field.

Today, professionals are continually confronted with new challenges, new opportunities, and new technologies. The ability to respond and react to theses complex concepts is critical to maintaining a competitive role in the industrial and service economies. The field of Transportation and Logisitics is designed to explain the quantitative and analytical tools for improving productivity and solving managerial problems in manufacturing or service operation. It is aimed to train and educate students for a variety of highly demanded positions in general management, manufacturing and service management, material management, inventory management, etc.

Excellent opportunities exist in business, industry and government. Specialists in Operations Management are in high demand in general management, manufacturing and service management, material management and inventory management.