Business Information Systems is a Diploma program offered by Interactive College of Technology in Houston, TX. The program takes 45 weeks (37 credits, 795 contact hours) to complete, with a total tuition of $17,760.
Program Overview
This program is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for entry level positions and/or professional opportunities in a variety of business settings. The student acquires the essential skills in the most popular applications software, as well as additional software skills that are critical to the successful day-to-day usage, sharing, and management of information for many enterprises. The program is designed to give the student multiple options in selecting a career path. Certification in key Microsoft software applications enhances the value of this program. Further, for those students who qualify, the program includes an externship component to provide a real-life work experience.
What Sets This Program Apart
Objectives include preparing the student to enter the local labor market in an entry-level position where the various computer skills learned in the program are instrumental to success in the occupation, and developing the keyboarding skills needed to use common business application programs. O*NET target occupations include Administrative Assistant, Customer Service Representative, Data Entry, File Clerk, Office Clerk, Secretary, and Word Processing / Typist.
Admission Requirements & Process
Admission Information
Application for admission is open to all persons without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. All applicants desiring to pursue formal programs of study culminating in the award of an academic credential are admitted as regular students. Students are accepted under the following unconditional acceptance requirements.
General Requirements
Each applicant must:
- Be interviewed by an admissions associate, in person or virtually, and demonstrate the ability to successfully pursue the selected academic program through to completion and must be above the age of compulsory school attendance.
- In accordance with Federal Regulations, submit a copy of the high school transcript, diploma, or GED, showing successful completion of a regular diploma. If the diploma or transcript cannot be obtained, the applicant may provide a notarized self-certification of high school graduation. The self-certification statement must clearly identify the applicant to whom it applies.
- Provide any college transcripts to determine if any credits can transfer, or the student can qualify for Advanced standing. Transcripts must be evaluated before registration for classes.
- Applicants to occupational programs must take the TABE evaluation (Test for Adult Basic Education), used for placement purposes, to determine the need for improvement in the basic skill areas of Reading, English, or Mathematics. These courses are in addition to the regular program requirements and must be taken in the first two semesters. Applicants whose native language is other than English will take the CaMLA and will interview with the Department Chair or Director of Education who will approve admissions or recommend VESL classes.
- Occupational applicants who are first-time college students and who reside within 25 miles of the nearest campus must attend on-campus for the first semester. After one semester with a greater than 3.0 GPA, the student may petition the Department Chair for approval to take available virtual classes.
- Students must make satisfactory arrangements for payment of tuition and fees. The institution encourages every student to invest personal resources to minimize long-term debt.
- Complete a Drug-Free Certification Statement and certification that a campus tour of facilities and equipment has been provided.
- Classes are delivered in a variety of formats: on-ground, virtual, and hybrid. The I.T. and HVAC programs are offered on-ground only. Certain Medical Office Administration courses require on-campus enrollment.
Specific Program Admission Requirements: Acceptance of each applicant is based on meeting the above general requirements as well as program or area specific criteria. The Information Technologies Specialist diploma program is only open to candidates who have six months or more of direct work experience in the I.T. field. Skills assessment evaluations are available for students desiring to exempt courses for which they have previously acquired the knowledge or acceptable skill level; students who exempt courses are accorded advanced standing, and tuition charges and program lengths are adjusted appropriately.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Accreditation
The institution is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), which is the successor to COEI of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), 7840 Roswell Road, Bldg. 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, Georgia 30350. Telephone 770-396-3898.
Approvals
In Georgia, Interactive College of Technology is authorized by the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission. The Kentucky campus is approved by the Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education. Certain programs of study in this Catalog are approved for training of eligible veterans. The institution is authorized to enroll non-immigrant alien applicants pursuing a student visa. Specific policies apply.
Eligibilities
The institution is eligible for, and may participate in, certain federal programs of aid to education including Federal PELL Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Work Study Program, and Federal Direct Loans.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.Apply Now
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
Diploma program. Offered at the Main Campus (Chamblee), and Affiliate Campuses in Morrow, Gainesville, and Newport.
Curriculum
Recommended Elective Paths (choose a minimum of twelve credits)
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
The institution maintains a Financial Planning Department to assist students in obtaining the financial assistance they require for their educational expenses. Available resources include federal aid, part-time employment (administered through the Employment Assistance Office) and student loans from private lenders. Federal assistance programs are administered through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, U.S. Department of Education. Any U.S. citizen, national or person in the United States for other than temporary reasons who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment (on at least half-time basis) may apply for the programs.
Grants
The Federal PELL Grant is an important source of gift aid for students who demonstrate financial need. Each year the institution also makes a limited number of awards through the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG) program, targeted for those students who qualify based upon financial need. The Federal College Work Study Program (CWSP) provides employment for students who demonstrate financial need and who must earn a part of their educational expenses.
Institutional Payment Plans
It is the goal of the institution that every needy and academically qualified student be able to seek the training necessary to obtain a skilled job. While each student's financial condition and resources may vary, the Financial Planning Department, within certain guidelines and policies, will arrange an affordable financial plan for each applicant. Plans are available for all students.
Student Loans
The institution, as a matter of practice, will discourage the student assuming unnecessary debt and encourage the student to "pay as you go" if possible. There are generally three types of Federal Loans available at this institution: the PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for undergraduate students), the Subsidized Federal Direct Loan (available to dependent and independent students with a limit of $3,500 for the first academic year and $4,500 for the second academic year), and the Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan. This institution also has sources for alternative loans for students who are not qualified for federal loans; these loans have a slightly higher interest rate (currently 9%) and require payments at the time the student begins his/her studies.
Veterans Benefits
The institution is pleased to work with eligible veterans who wish to attend the College under the various programs available for educational assistance. During the admission process, the admissions department will assist the veteran in obtaining proof of eligibility, which is required for admission to any eligible program of study.
Total program tuition is $17,760 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).
Career Outcomes
The most important objective of the Employment Assistance Department is to assist each graduate to obtain employment in his/her area of specialization. Satisfactory completion of coursework, including Career Development (LAS050) and fulfillment of all other obligations to the institution, is required in order to receive the assistance of this office.
The Employment Assistance Department provides specific training in various job-seeking techniques, including self-placement. The Employment Assistance Coordinator works with each eligible student prior to graduation to determine areas of employment interest and to explore employment options. Students are then informed as options become available. Continuous employment and re-employment assistance is provided to all eligible graduates. Although it is impossible to guarantee each student a job or a specific wage rate, the Employment Assistance Department works diligently to provide appropriate leads and arrange specific interviews. Records indicate that graduates of Interactive College of Technology and Interactive Learning Systems are well received in the business community.
The instructional staff works very closely with the Employment Assistance Department's staff in helping students to realize and meet the requirements of employers in business and industry. Through the joint efforts of the Employment Assistance Department and the instructional staff, students are made aware of their skill levels as compared to those desired by employers, and are advised and guided by the staff to attain the skill levels required to obtain employment.
What to Expect as a Student at Interactive College of Technology
Within the Office Technology program and all computer and business application courses, Interactive College of Technology principally utilizes an individualized computer-based educational system commonly referred to as COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION — a system that takes the beginning-level student and increases the skill competency each day. Through individualized instruction, each course can be delivered in a manner that meets the individual needs of each student. The low student/instructor ratio enables the instructor to be constantly available to assist each student. Instead of the traditional lectures, the student is provided information through the computer with customized educational courseware.
The technical divisions of Information Technology (taught at the main campus in Chamblee), and Heating and Air Conditioning Technology emphasize hands-on education. Low student-teacher ratios and functioning laboratories enable the student to learn by doing whenever possible and practical. The institution also includes an externship requirement in all its vocational programs of study, placing the student in a real-life environment in which the skills acquired in the program of study can be put to practical use.
Key advantages of the computer-based instructional classes include: the student learns at a rate unique to the individual — not at the pace of a structured class; absences do not cause a student to miss important material; the competency-based learning approach ensures a well-trained and qualified graduate with no learning gaps; the student has unlimited laboratory access during projected time of enrollment; low student/instructor ratio; and lifetime refresher and technology upgrade privileges.
In all program areas where there is a national certification, the passing of the certification is required to successfully pass the course. This high academic standard validates the graduate's skills and competencies. The campuses are non-residential; however, the staff assists students whenever possible in arranging suitable housing. All new students are required to attend a comprehensive orientation program, and formal commencement exercises are held once each year.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Accreditation
The institution is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), which is the successor to COEI of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), 7840 Roswell Road, Bldg. 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, Georgia 30350. Telephone 770-396-3898.
Approvals
In Georgia, Interactive College of Technology is authorized by the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission. The Kentucky campus is approved by the Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education. Certain programs of study in this Catalog are approved for training of eligible veterans. The institution is authorized to enroll non-immigrant alien applicants pursuing a student visa. Specific policies apply.
Eligibilities
The institution is eligible for, and may participate in, certain federal programs of aid to education including Federal PELL Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Work Study Program, and Federal Direct Loans.