Business Analytics and Information Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Part 1: General Questions

What is the difference between the undergraduate Business Analytics and Information Systems (BAIS) and Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics (AIBA) degree programs?

Fundamentally, they are both business degrees with an emphasis on analytics. Therefore, they have some common overlap in some of the curriculum requirements. However, there are some significant differences in the curriculum content of the two degree programs.

The following is a summary of the differences and overlap of curriculum requirements between the two majors:

BAIS major requires the following core curriculum courses only: 

  • ISM 3232 (Business Application Development)
  • ISM 3113 (Systems Analysis and Design)
  • ISM 4300 (Managing Information Resources)
  • ISM 4220 (Business Data Communications)

AIBA major requires the following core curriculum courses only: 

  • ISM 4541 (Data Mining and Predictive Analytics)
  • ISM 4542 (Statistical Programming for Business Analytics)
  • ISM 4543 (Applied Data Science)
  • ISM 4545 (Big Data for AI and Analytics)
  • ISM 4930 (Selected Topics in MIS) (NOTE: ISM 4930 Selected Topics Course is Data Visualization)

The BAIS major requires 5 courses in the major core curriculum plus 3 eligible major elective courses.
The AIBA major requires 7 courses in the major core curriculum plus 1 eligible major elective course.

The following curriculum courses are available for both (the overlap) the BAIS and AIBA majors:ISM 4641 (Python for Business Analytics): This is an optional elective for BAIS majors but a required core course for AIBA majors

ISM 4212 (Database Design and Administration): This course is part of the required core curriculum for both BAIS and AIBA majors.

Does the undergraduate BAIS degree program offer internship opportunities?

Yes, students may complete an internship as part of the degree program. Please review additional information about the requirements for the ISM 4940 Internship Course.

Part 2: For Prospective Students and current "Pre-BAIS" students.

Is the BAIS program eligible for a tuition waiver?

Yes, the BAIS program at USF is eligible for the Programs of Strategic Emphasis Waiver. This waiver is a tuition discount program for students at Florida public post-secondary institutions. As the BAIS program falls under the Management Information Systems CIP code (52.1201), students in this program can benefit from the waiver.

How do I get more information about the BAIS program and the waiver?

For more information about the BAIS program and the Programs of Strategic Emphasis Waiver, please visit the Programs for Strategic Emphasis webpage.

What is the difference between a degree in MIS and Business Analytics and Information Systems?

The BAIS degree combines traditional MIS skills with a strong foundation in data and analytics. This reflects the growing demand for business analytics. At USF, BAIS students have access to specialized data/analytics courses and a capstone experience, making them highly sought after by employers for their expertise in business intelligence.

Can I concentrate in other areas of technology?

USF offers a concentration in cybersecurity.

What are the course requirements for the Business Analytics and Information Systems degree?

The course requirements are in the USF Catalog