The University of Central Missouri's 120-hour major in Computer Information Systems will prepare you to work with information systems and information technology to support businesses and organizations. You will learn how to work with people in identifying business problems and acquire knowledge and skills in systems design, user experience design, software development and database administration used to create technical solutions.
Organizations and individuals rely on current, accessible information delivered through a variety of devices to navigate everyday life. Information Systems, facilitating information flow, storage and retrieval, are essential. Those with analytical abilities and an interest in computing technologies can make great contributions to organizations and society through CIS.
As a CIS student, you will learn to adapt to constant changes in technology, leading to lifelong learning and workplace success. UCM’s CIS program encompasses not only an in-depth knowledge of information technology, but also an understanding of business processes and policies which dictate the existing, dynamic business environment.
All organizations, large or small, for-profit, non-profit or charitable, multi-national or "Mom and Pop," rely on timely, accurate and useful information to enhance decision making. Everyday organizations fail due to poor decision-making and/or an inability to communicate with their customers, employees or other stakeholders.
Thus, technology and people who understand its capabilities are essential to organizational success. Working with individuals to define their informational needs and then creating applicable, technical solutions is a continually dynamic, challenging and satisfying experience. It is fun to figure out how to make technology work, but it is even more rewarding using that technology to make someone's job easier or more effective. That smile on their face will put a smile on yours.
As a CIS Major, you will obtain a hands-on foundation in Microsoft Visual C#®, web application development, Java®, Microsoft SQL Server®, local area networking, systems analysis and design, and user experience design. You will extend your studies with Oracle® database and an advanced course in either Java or Visual C#. Elective courses cover advanced web development, software engineering and information security management or you may select other networking courses. Many students complete an internship for course credit to gain additional, real-world experience.
In the senior project course, you will team with other students of software development and systems administration to create a comprehensive solution to a business problem from the ground up.
All classes will require you to apply what you are learning to relevant problems that may occur in a business context. To better understand that business context, CIS majors are required to complete foundational business classes for the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree.
You will learn current technologies! Because CIS faculty remain engaged with the information systems workplace and they regularly meet with IT professionals who review the CIS course offerings, you can be sure that the knowledge and skills you obtain are desired by employers.
As a CIS student, you will learn to adapt to constant changes in technology, leading to lifelong learning and workplace success. UCM’s CIS program encompasses not only an in-depth knowledge of information technology, but also an understanding of business processes and policies that dictate the existing dynamic business environment.
Our 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio means you’ll receive the personalized attention you deserve. You’ll learn from experienced faculty members who are nationally recognized scholars. They are dedicated to mentoring you and doing all they can to help you succeed.
Accreditation means an external agency has found that the program meets rigorous standards and has processes in place which will ensure its continued quality. The Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies is accredited in Business and Accounting by AACSB International.
In addition, the CIS program is accredited in Information Systems by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.ABET.org.
Only a dozen IS programs in the United States are so dually accredited.
Through your CIS classes, you will have access to many information technology resources including:
Program Mission Statement:
The primary mission of the program is to offer outcomes-based, assessment driven, academic programs to prepare students for careers in information systems and information technology. The program also serves the community by providing technology-related service courses to fulfill the needs of the 21st century workforce.
Program Educational Objectives
Within a few years of graduation, graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a major in Computer Information Systems (CIS) are expected to:
Adopted 12/31/2021
CIS Program Student Outcomes
Graduates of the program will have an ability to:
1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline
6. Support the delivery, use, and management of information systems within an information systems (IS) environment.
CIS Context and Environment
Historical Context:
Ever since the inception of what is now the Computer Information Systems and Analytics (CISA) Department, beginning with Data Processing courses offered in the 1960s, the program has been offered through a Business academic unit. Throughout these years, the curriculum has emphasized preparing students to provide technology solutions to business and organizational information needs. Today, the CISA programs continue as a part of the School of Business Administration within the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies. Students who major in Computer Information Systems (CIS) are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree.
Computer Information Systems and Analytics (CISA) Environment:
The Computer Information Systems and Analytics (CISA) Environment consists of integrating and applying technology and related technical processes with people and business processes to facilitate communication, coordination and decision making by individuals, workgroups and the enterprise in support of the organization’s mission and objectives.
Computer Information Systems and Analytics (CISA) Environment Exposure:
This is achieved by the students gaining a solid understanding of organizational principles and practices, how organizations function and an in-depth knowledge of supporting technologies.
Business Problems: Use of business-oriented examples and problems in all CISA classes
Senior Project Course (CIS 4690): Students from the systems administration and software development tracks form a group which designs and implements a comprehensive information systems solution to a given business problem.
Internships: Many CIS students are able to complete a business internship which is administered through the Harmon College Internship Office within the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies.
The graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Computer Information Systems will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:
Computer Information Systems Major (Area 1: Software Development), BSBA (46-266) (4 Year Guide)
Computer Information Systems Major (Area 2: Networking), BSBA (46-266) (4 Year Guide)
The BSBA in Computer Information Systems - Sotware Development option is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Someswar Kesh
Professor of Computer Information Systems & Analytics
Dockery 300D
Tel: (660) 543-4767