Computer Information Systems Degree (B.S)

The Computer Information Systems (CIS) major has as its focus the processing of data for business or government use. File processing and database management are central to this activity, which typically includes replication of clerical function, generation of management reports, and provision of decision support information. Graduates of this program typically are recruited as business application programmers, web designers, database developers or administrators, technical writers, network administrators or support staff, or as end-user computing support personnel.

The CIS program of study is based on the latest ACM curricular recommendations for Information Systems. The CIS program of study has undergone curricular revision recently, and is kept up-to-date through not only its required courses, but also the choice of electives available within it.

Click here for CIS Program Card

Requirements

Requirements for the Computer Information Systems Major

The CIS program of study requires 66-70 credits in the major, to include 36-40 credits of direct CAIS study, 21 credits in business background courses, and 9 credits in supporting liberal arts course work (of which 9-10 credits simultaneously fulfill 3 core course requirements). The requirements are as follow:

Direct CAIS Study - 36-40 Credits:

One of the following Algorithmic Language Electives - 3 or 4 Credits:

One of the following CAIS courses (Tier 2 electives) - 3 or 4 Credits:

Two of the following CAIS courses (Tier 3 electives) - 6 or 7 Credits:

One additional Tier 2 or Tier 3 elective from the lists above - 3-4 Credits

Business Background Study - 21 Credits:

Two of the following three courses - 6 Credits:

Designated CORE and/or Liberal Arts courses - 9 Credits:

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in the Common Core.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
Westfield State professor with Computer Science students