Our Mission
The DSS department provides industry-focused programs that prepare students to transform data into actionable knowledge to drive decision-making. Our students are discerning in their use of information; they are critical thinkers, and effective communicators of meaningful analysis.
Our Vision
Overview
Decision & Systems Sciences programs go beyond the tradition information systems major by focusing on technology related activities that enhance organizational transactions, sense making and decision making. DSS majors and business intelligence minors can work in the information systems field or any other discipline where strong technology and business intelligence skills are needed. Hence, the DSS programs are designed to equip the 21st century manager or analyst with the relevant skills to succeed in a technology driven, data intensive world.
Majors acquire general business skills plus knowledge and experience in programming, systems analysis & design, process analysis, database management, decision support systems, query and reporting, online analytical processing (OLAP), data mining, statistical analysis, quantitative analysis, forecasting, project management, competitive intelligence, knowledge management, business intelligence, supply chain, ERP, operations management, CRM, and telecommunications and enterprise security. Technology employed in the DSS curriculum includes Microsoft Office, Oracle, SAP, SPSS Clementine, and Visual Basic.
The business intelligence minor is designed to enhance the skill set of both business and arts & sciences majors so that they are fundamentally better equipped to succeed in a data-intensive world. Organizations typically gather information in order to assess their operating environment to conduct marketing research or customer relationship management, and to perform competitor analysis. Organizations accumulate business intelligence in order to gain sustainable competitive advantage and regard such intelligence as a valuable core competence.
Why DSS?
Most majors offered within a business school have a very clearly defined path. Students who study decision and system sciences at Saint Joseph’s University take a different approach. The breadth of subjects explored within DSS courses uniquely prepare students for careers in technology management and management consulting.
Job prospects and potential salary for our graduates and pay are excellent. Our programs were developed by industry for industry. DSS programs are designed for people who want to distinguish themselves from their peers by acquiring a set of essential skills that really make a difference in today’s organizations.