Computer Information Systems, B.S.

CIS students working together on assignment with laptops in classroom.

Control the Process of Managing and Storing Data

A computer information systems science degree prepares you for work in one of today’s fastest-growing fields. As a computer information systems (CIS) major, you’ll take courses that focus on the processing of data for business or government use. You’ll learn file processing and database management, including replicating clerical functions, generating management reports, and providing decision support information. We even offer an End-User Computing Concentration within the computer information systems major. Our CIS program of study is based on the latest Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) curricular recommendations for information systems. We also provide both internal and external internships where you can gain valuable, hands-on work experience.

Available Concentration: 

Computer Information Systems Degree (B.S.), End-User Computing Concentration  

Program Highlights

  • On campus
  • Instructors with industry experience
  • Work in one or more real world projects
  • Build an attractive portfolio as part of the program

Prepare for an In-Demand Career in a Growing Field

Study computer information systems and concepts to coordinate and direct data management in an organization.

A Computer Information Systems Degree Sets You Up for Success

  • CIS student being helped by a faculty member in classroom.

    Individualized Attention and Outstanding Student Support

    Get the hands-on experience and educational foundation you need to build your career in tech. You’ll benefit from professors with real-world experience and the teaching expertise to help you develop the knowledge and skill sets that organizations are looking for.

  • Two CIS students in front of a lap top smiling. One wearing black coat the other a WSU sweatshirt.

    Accredited Program Prepares You for Success 

    The CIS program at Westfield State is based on the latest ACM curricular recommendations for Information Systems. Within the CIS program, we consistently update and revise our curriculum to ensure that you get the latest technology to prepare you for a successful future.

  • CIS student wearing orange hoodie working on laptop in classroom.

    Pursue Your Interests As You Choose Your Electives

    Our program offers a variety of elective courses that allow you to concentrate and specialize in an area that interests you most. Choose from web programming, cloud computing, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, game development, mobile programming, cybersecurity, and other interesting fields.

Program Details

Program Mission

Program Mission:

Our mission is to provide our students with a high quality and comprehensive education in different areas of computer science and information technology, so that upon graduation they will:

  1. Be gainfully employed in a computer-related field, engaged in graduate study, or successfully involved in activities or careers that make use of the knowledge and abilities acquired in their computer science and computer information systems program of study.
  2. Contribute to their workplaces and society in a manner that is meaningful, professional, and ethically responsible.
  3.  Have the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the workplace by acquiring, whether via graduate work, professional improvement opportunities, professional societies, or self-study, the knowledge and skills that will allow them to be successful.
  4. Communicate effectively, so as to enable them to perform both collaborative work within teams and effective interaction with a broad range of audiences.
Program Vision

CIS Vision:

The computer information systems (CIS) major has as its focus application-level information systems development for business or government use. Database management and file processing are central to this activity, which typically includes the transaction support function, generation of management reports, and provision of decision support information. Graduates of this program typically are recruited as business application programmers, or as end-user computing support personnel. 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).

Learning Outcomes

The goal of this is program is for our computer information systems students to be able to:

  • Analyze complex computing problems and apply computing principles and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.  
  • Design, implement, and evaluate computing-based solutions 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.

What Can You Do with a Computer Information Systems Degree?

Graduates of this program are typically recruited for the following positions:

  • Application Programmer
  • Web Designer
  • Database Developer
  • Database Administrators
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Technical Writers
  • Network Administrator
  • End-User Computing Support
CIS student wearing black and white striped shirt with glasses and pony tail smiling in classroom.

Ready to learn more?

Course 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:

CAIS Programming Language Sequence Elective (6-8 credits):

Students must select one sequence from the following:

One of the following CAIS courses (Tier 2 electives) - 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 general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

View the computer information systems course plan

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 17:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 87%

    of students receive financial aid

  • 700+

    Internship Opportunities

Learn from Industry Leaders

Our dedicated full-time faculty combine theory and practice to prepare you for what’s ahead. As experienced professionals, they are constantly keeping up with the latest technology to ensure you get the most out of your learning experience. A state-of-the-art Student Multimedia Technology Center and modern student classroom/lab/distance learning facility, small class sizes, and one-on-one attention will give you the support you need to pursue the career you want.

Computer and Information Science Professor Goopeel Chung poses for a professional photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

What is computer information systems?

The primary focus of computer information systems is centered around processing data for business or government use. File processing and database management are central to this activity, which typically includes replication of clerical functions, generation of management reports, and provision of decision support information.

What can you expect for computer information systems salary?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $169,510 in May 2023.

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Computer Information Systems, B.S.