Bachelor in Decision Support Systems (BIT-DSS)

The DSS option educates our students in the design, implementation and use of computerized systems that support business managers in the decision-making process.

A decision support system (DSS) is a computer system that typically encompasses mathematical models as well as informational databases and a user interface in order to provide recommended decisions to manager-users. A DSS differs from a traditional information system (IS) or management information system (MIS) in that it not only provides the user with information, databases or reports, as does an IS or MIS, but it also provides answers to user queries, i.e., decisions, through its modeling component. In essence a DSS is a computer system that helps managers make decisions.

The first bachelor’s degree in business at what would eventually become Virginia Tech was offered in 1925 and the first master’s degree in 1931. A school of business was established in 1961 with 28 faculty members and 823 students. Business became one of the colleges of the university in 1965.

The college was named for two alumni, Robert B. Pamplin and his son, Robert B. Pamplin Jr., in 1986 in recognition of their lifetime accomplishments, service to Virginia Tech and especially to its college of business, and their financial support. Robert B. Pamplin, who died in June 2009 at age 97, was the retired chairman of Georgia-Pacific. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. is chairman, president, and CEO of the R.B. Pamplin Corporation of Portland, Oregon. The Pamplins’ total gifts to the college exceed $25 million.