Students must be computer literate and have a technical aptitude. While some of our students come in with extensive technical backgrounds, working as computer programmers or web designers, some come with more modest technical backgrounds and succeed nonetheless. We provide technical training and support resources to help you learn what you need to know.
Who will be my classmates?
BSMIS students take all their courses with the same classmates. Your group of classmates is called a cohort. The cohort model (pioneered at National-Louis University) enables students to support each other during the program and develop relationships that endure after the program ends.
Your classmates will be other working adults who wish to advance their careers as information technology professionals. Some are currently working with technology and want to round out their technical knowledge while learning more about business and management. Other students may have more general business or supervisory experience, and are now looking to apply this experience to information technology.
Who will be my instructors?
Our faculty members are entrepreneurs, consultants, business technology professionals – and great teachers. In an area as rapidly evolving as information systems, it is crucial that your instructors have leading-edge knowledge based on real world applications.
Faculty are also current in the latest instructional techniques for adult learners. National-Louis is recognized globally as a leader in adult learning, and our faculty have access to extensive resources to ensure an optimal learning experience.
How do the online and classroom programs compare?
The online and classroom programs have the same courses and teach the same material, but they do it in different ways.
The online program relies more on electronic means (email, discussion threads, chat) for communications among students and with the instructor. Online students have more flexibility as to when and where they interact, view presentation materials, and perform activities.
Both the online and classroom programs emphasize working in small groups, applying concepts to real world problems, active (vs. passive) learning, and building on (vs. re-teaching) what students already know.
Where are your campuses located?
The BSMIS classroom program is currently offered through our campuses in Illinois (Chicago, Wheeling, Skokie), McLean, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Depending on the composition of our classroom groups, we may also offer the program off-site at other locations (e.g., community colleges, employers). We also anticipate that the program will soon be available through our other Illinois campuses (Elgin and Lisle). More information about our locations can be found at http://www.nl.edu/campuses.
How much will it cost?
The standard undergraduate tuition is $458 per quarter hour.
More than 60% of our students receive federal financial aid. For additional information on financial aid, please call 1-888-NLU-TODAY, extension 5350.
Note that National-Louis will award credit for most of your previously completed community college and university courses. You can also receive credit for proficiency tests (e.g., CLEP), work/life experience, and training classes taken at vocational schools, the military, or your employer.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The program is designed to be completed in 18 months. Classes during this period are held one night per week, one weekend per month, or online. You know your class schedule for the entire 18 months at the outset. This facilitates scheduling your other work, family, and social activities.
What makes the BSMIS different from other technology bachelor degree programs?
The BSMIS is unique in that it is focuses on developing technology managers. The vast majority of technology bachelor degree programs focus mostly on hands-on technology skills (e.g., programming). The BSMIS, in contrast, focuses on how to effectively apply and manage technology in businesses and non-profit organizations. As more and more organizations buy software packages instead of building software on their own, or rely on low-cost locations to build software (e.g., China, India), employers need their technology professionals to possess a blend of technology, business, management, and communication skills The BSMIS is targeted at this market.
How long has National-Louis University offered business education?
Since 1989. National-Louis University has offered business education since 1989 when the College of Management and Business (CMB) was formed. NLU is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
