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Information Systems

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Minor
Information Systems Program professor showcasing hardware

Information Systems Program

Computing and Information Systems (CIS) is concerned with all aspects of computers and information systems. A successful CIS graduate will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in one of three majors: Computer Science, Information Systems or Cybersecurity. The curriculum is based on the guidelines of prominent professional organizations and combines theory with current in-demand technical skills to prepare graduates for continual learning throughout their careers in this fast-paced field. 

Undergraduate Programs

What Can I Do With a Degree in Information Systems?

With a degree in Information Systems, the Computing & Information Systems (CIS) Department prepares students for a number of positions with systems analyst and IT professional among them.

Because technology contributes meaningfully to almost all aspects of science and society, non-majors may be interested in an Information System minor (18 credits). 

Curriculum Requirements

  • Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems

    Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems 

    Major Requirements (63-64 credits):
    The student must complete the requirements listed in the following categories:

    1) CIS Core Courses (41-42 credits):
    CS 102 Fundamentals of IT and Computing - 3-4 credits
    CS 110 C++ Programming I - 3 credits
    CS 111 C++ Programming II - 3 credits
    CS 170 Discrete Structures I - 3 credits
    CS 221 Data Structures - 3 credits
    CS 225 Cybersecurity - 3 credits
    CS 265 Information Systems Management - 3 credits
    CS 292 Engineering and Computer Ethics - 2 credits
    CS 321 Data Communications and Network Security - 3 credits
    CS 322 Advanced Networking - 3 credits
    CS 350 Database Concepts and Information Structures - 3 credits
    CS 351 Information Systems Analysis and Design - 3 credits
    or
    CS 355 Software Engineering - 3 credits
    CS 357 Computing Science Project I - 1 credit
    CS 358 Computing Science Project II - 2 credits

    2) CIS Electives (9 credits):
    Choose from the following:  CS 205, CS 214, CS 250, CS 255, CS 221, CS 270, CS 305, CS 315, 
    CS 225, CS 322, CS 365, CS 366, CS 367 or CS 375

    3) CIS Mathematics Requirement (7 credits):

    MA 111 Calculus I - 4 credits
    or
    MA 109 Calculus I - 4 credits

    MA 311 Probability and Statistics - 3 credits

     

    4) Required Social Science Courses (6 credits):
    This concentration also requires 6 credits chosen from business and/or economics. These credits can be included under the core curriculum social science requirement. 

  • Requirements for an Information Systems Minor (18 Credits)

    Requirements for an Information Systems Minor (18 Credits)

    Information Systems Minor (18 credits):
    CS 102 Fundamentals of IT and Computing - 3 credits
    CS 110 C++ Programming I - 3 credits 
    CS 225 Cybersecurity - 3 credits
    CS 265 Information Systems Management - 3 credits
    CS 321 Data Communications and Network Security - 3 credits

    Three additional credits in CIS courses at the 200 level or above are required. One computer-focused course from another department may be included, subject to the approval of the CIS department chairperson. Students should consult with the CIS faculty for assistance in planning the courses for the Information Systems minor.

Program Highlights

Program Educational Objectives

Information Systems Program Educational Objectives

Within two to five years of graduation, graduates of the information technology program will:

  1. Practice the discipline of Information Systems in industry or graduate school by employing aspects of their broad knowledge of the field in problem solving and use of technical skills.
  2. Conduct themselves in a professional, ethical and responsible manner with respect and awareness for security, social issues and responsibilities inherent in the field.

Results

Unique features of the Information Technology degree:
  • Project driven courses from Freshman Seminar through Senior Project
  • Hands on experience with equipment from leading hardware manufacturers
  • Experience with cloud and virtualization technologies
  • The CIS Department manages its own subnetwork and servers. This allows the department faculty considerable flexibility in determining the software utilized in course projects. 
  • The CIS Department has two additional labs for use by students.  The IT Projects Lab provides CIS students with the opportunity to combine research with practice in areas such as computer networking, computer systems and cybersecurity. The Software Projects Lab enables students to work with multiple operating systems to develop mobile applications or to work collaboratively on software development projects.
  • Graduates from the Computer and Information Systems department have obtained employment in both large and small companies such as
    • NSA
    • BNY Mellon
    • UPMC
    • PNC
    • Bechtel
  • CIS graduates have been accepted into masters and doctoral programs at:
    • Carnegie Mellon University
    • University of Pittsburgh
    • College of William and Mary
    • Ohio State University

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and 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.
  • An ability to reason about and explain computer-based solutions at multiple levels of abstraction.

Undergraduate Programs
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