Computer Information Systems

Brown School of Business and Leadership

Department of Information Systems

Department Chair: Sarena Schwartz, Geckle Distinguished Faculty

Description

The computer information systems (CIS) major is designed for the student who is interested in pursuing a career that combines business and technology. Specifically, the program graduates will learn how to utilize various technologies to improve the organization’s processes, operations, and security. This major consists of courses in computer programming, database design and management, and network administration. The program’s in-depth practical application of computer technology prepares the graduate to enter the workplace as a well-versed technology professional. Many graduates of this bachelor’s degree program elect to continue their education at the graduate level by pursuing a Master's in Digital Transformation and Innovation.

CIS students will develop a portfolio of essential skills valued by employers. They will become problem-solvers who know how to think analytically, assess business problems, and design the best technology solutions to improve business performance.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate technology skills in software development, database design, network administration, and cloud-computing services.

2. Communicate technical and non-technical information to specific audiences in varied formats. 

3. Formulate technology solutions to improve organizational performance.

4.Demonstrate professional competencies related to contemporary careers.

Policies

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major. The lowest acceptable grade is a "C" in all courses listed in the catalog under "Program Requirements" for the major, including both courses in the major and SEE courses required by the major. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to advance to the next course without earning a grade of "C" or better in the prerequisite course(s). When a grade below "C" is earned in a major course, the student must repeat that course.

A course may be taken twice without special permission. Computer Information Systems majors must apply in writing to the Dean of the Brown School of Business and Leadership requesting permission to attempt a course for a third time.


Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in computer information systems. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE). Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements:

FYS 100First Year Seminar

1 credit

CDF 308Technology Law

3 credits

IS 135Computer Applications for Business

3 credits

IS 140Information Systems Architecture and Design

3 credits

IS 150Relational Database Design & SQL

3 credits

IS 201Modern Information Systems

3 credits

IS 231Network Technologies

3 credits

IS 232TCP and IP Communication Protocols for Windows and UNIX

3 credits

IS 235Advanced Windows Server Architecture & Administration

3 credits

IS 240Computer Programming I

3 credits

IS 241Computer Programming II

3 credits

IS 250Internship Preparation

1 credit

IS 252Advanced SQL Query Design with Oracle & SQL Server

3 credits

IS 320Human-Computer Interaction

3 credits

IS 330Business Application Programming

3 credits

IS 350IS Internship

Variable credits, 3-6

IS 355Exchange Server & Messaging Systems

3 credits

IS 365Writing for IS Applications

3 credits

IS 432Network Security-Firewalls, IDS, and Counter Measures

3 credits

IS 444Mobile Application Development

3 credits

IS 481IT Project Management

3 credits

MGT 210Business Writing

3 credits

MGT 300/MKT 301Applied Business Analytics

3 credits

Suggested Course Sequence

2024-25 SCS Computer Information Systems

Minor in Information Systems

The minor in information systems requires successful completion of a minimum of six courses and 18 credits with an IS prefix. All course prerequisites must be met to be eligible to take the selected course for a minor. Please see an academic advisor for more information. General guidelines regarding minors may be found in the Minors section of the catalog.

Other Options

The BS/MS option is available for students majoring in computer information systems who wish to combine their bachelor’s coursework with work toward a master’s degree in one of Stevenson’s graduate programs. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degree in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into a BS/MS option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors. For more information on this program see the Stevenson University Graduate Catalog.

Course Descriptions

See Information Systems Course Descriptions