In order to better reflect its educational mission and degree offerings, the Department of Systems and Technology in the Auburn Harbert College of Business is being renamed the Department of Business Analytics and Information Systems.

“Our previous name wasn’t aligned to our department’s programs,” said Uzma Raja, department chair and the Gayle Parks Forehand Endowed Professor in Business Analytics. “Our new name showcases our highly ranked Business Analytics degree, which is among the few such programs in the nation.”

U.S. News and World Report ranks the Auburn business analytics bachelor’s degree program number 16 among public institutions and number 33 among all undergraduate business analytics programs. Among the 14 universities in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Auburn’s business analytics ranks first.  

The roughly 225 students majoring in business analytics are well-equipped to use data to solve problems and exploit opportunities in healthcare, marketing, finance, consulting, transportation, and information technology.

The 170 undergraduates majoring in information systems management acquire the knowledge and training to lead organizational change projects that improve business processes. These students also design and create innovative digital products and services.

According to Raja, a hallmark of both degree programs is their applied nature.

“Things change rapidly, so we make sure our [curricula are] dynamic,” she said. “Our students complete capstone projects with industry, solving real-world problems. When they graduate, they’re ready to hit the ground running.”

Both business analytics and information systems management are also widely popular minors across campus.

The department will continue to offer bachelors’ degrees in business analytics and information systems management, a master’s degree in information systems, and a doctoral degree in business, information systems. In addition, the department will continue running its popular graduate certificate programs in business analytics, cybersecurity management, and information systems.

The name change takes effect September 16, 2022, pending approval from the Auburn University Board of Trustees.