The major in Business Information Systems is concerned with the study of business information and its production, flows and usage within organisations. It encompasses both manual activities and those involving computing and telecommunications. The goal of the major in Business Information Systems is to develop skills and competencies in students that will enable them to embark upon a professional career in ICT, information systems and associated industries. Specifically, students develop skills in the design, specification and implementation of information systems in addition to understanding the financial and other resources required to assist organisations to effectively utilise information systems and technologies.
This major is not available to students to count towards the Bachelor of Commerce component of the following flexible double degree combinations
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Computing
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Software Engineering
Learning Outcomes
- Identify, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs, establish priorities and the goals, constraints and uncertainties of the system (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business etc), using systems thinking, while recognising ethical implications of professional practice;
- Apply problem-solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and/or processes to meet specified requirements, including innovative approaches to synthesise alternative solutions, concepts and procedures, while demonstrating information skills and research methods;
- Communicate and coordinate proficiently by: listening, speaking, reading and writing English for professional practice; working as an effective member or leader of diverse teams; using basic tools and practices of formal project management; and
- Manage own time and processes effectively by prioritising competing demands to achieve personal and team goals, with regular review of personal performance as a primary means of managing continuing professional development.
Other Information
Professional Accreditation
Students who commence the Bachelor of Commerce program are eligible for Professional level recognition of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) within the Accreditation Period 2026, provided they complete both the Business Information Systems major and Business Information Systems minor with 12 unique courses studied. Alternatively, students seeking a professionally accredited program in Business Information Systems should consider transferring to the Bachelor of Business Information Systems program.
The Accreditation Period refers to the year of study commencement. A student who commenced a program within the Accreditation period will, on graduation, be considered to have completed an accredited program. Further information about which ANU programs are ACS accredited, including the accreditation period and type of accreditation, can be found on the ACS Accredited Programs page.
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the recognised association for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals, attracting a large and active membership from all levels of the ICT industry. A member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the public voice of the ICT profession and the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the ICT industry, with a commitment to the wider community to ensure the beneficial use of ICT.
Membership benefits include:
- Professional recognition;
- Professional development;
- Career support;
- Networking opportunities; and
- Rewards and Discounts
Additional advice
Students are advised that courses cannot be double-counted towards the Business Information Systems Major (BUSN-MAJ) and the Business Information Systems Minor (BISM-MIN). Therefore, students must select other courses to count towards the BISM-MIN if they want both the BUSN-MAJ and the BISM-MIN to be listed on their transcripts.
CBE students seeking Australian Computer Society (ACS) accredited studies in their Bachelor of Commerce (BCOMM) must complete both the Business Information Systems Major (BUSN-MAJ) and Business Information Systems Minor (BISM-MIN), with a total of 12 unique courses studied.
The following list shows the recommended twelve unique courses to be studied:
- BIS Major (BUSN-MAJ)
- COMP1100 - Programming as Problem Solving (6 units)
- CRIM2010 - Cybercrime: an Introduction (6 units)
- COMP2400 - Relational Databases (6 units)
- INFS2005 - Accounting Information Systems (6 units)
- INFS2024 - Information Systems Analysis (6 units)
- INFS3002 - Enterprise Systems in Business (6 units)
- INFS3024 - Information Systems Management (6 units)
- INFS3059 - Information Systems Capstone Project (6 units)
- BIS Minor (BISM-MIN)
- INFS1001 - Business Information Systems (6 units)
- MGMT3002 - Techniques for Business Project Management (6 units)
- MGMT3016 - Business Ethics (6 units)
- SOCY2166 - Social Science of the Internet (6 units)
Students who have difficulties enrolling in 12 unique courses are asked to seek approval from the Research School of Management for alternative course choices (contact equiries.rsm@anu.edu.au for further information).
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This major requires the completion of 48 units, which must include:
6 units from the completion of a course from the following list:
INFS1001 - Business Information Systems (6 units)
COMP1100 - Programming as Problem Solving (6 units)
COMP1110 - Structured Programming (6 units)
COMP1710 - Web Development and Design (6 units)
6 units from the completion of a course from the following list:
COMP2700 - Cyber Security Foundations (6 units)
CRIM2010 - Cybercrime: an introduction (6 units)
36 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
COMP2400 - Relational Databases (6 units)
INFS2005 - Accounting Information Systems (6 units)
INFS2024 - Information Systems Analysis (6 units)
INFS3002 - Enterprise Systems in Business (6 units)
INFS3024 - Information Systems Management (6 units)
INFS3059 - Information Systems Capstone Project (6 units)
Back to the top