The development, implementation and management of these systems require the creative efforts of individuals who understand both the technical environment and the business environment. Graduates with an information systems major are able to provide technical leadership in the changing arena of information technology, to recognize opportunities in the business environment for the application of that technology and to understand the diversity of cultural, ethical and political values and the overall socio-economic context within which the modern enterprise operates. The programming languages studied are widely used within the business community. Power Macintosh computers in all residence hall rooms, widespread use of information technology in all facets of the university's operation, pervasive use of computers in the classroom and free access to the worldwide Internet.
Opportunities exist for interaction with the business community beyond the classroom.
Through the Drake Information Systems Consortium, a partnership of some 25 computer users in central Iowa, Drake serves as a focus for information systems professionals in a community with many industries that are heavy users of information technology. Modern information systems involve a partnership between information systems professionals and an application area. Knowledge of at least one business area beyond the basic level provides the information systems major with an opportunity to understand how information technology affects a particular area. The student's adviser must approve the track selections.