Businesses and governments across the globe are increasingly dependent on the skills and leadership of highly trained information technology and systems professionals for their success. Computer Information Systems (CIS) focuses on the application of advanced information technologies to help organizations cope with opportunities and challenges of operating in a highly connected digital world. The discipline focuses on helping the leaders of organizations to design and deploy systems that support their needs. To do this, a CIS professional must have a firm grasp of the capabilities of information technology, as well as a firm understanding of modern business principles.
CIS students at the University of Louisiana-Monroe are prepared to pursue a wide range of careers in across the information technology field. CIS students learn core concepts in software development, database design, networking, information security, and project management using the same tools as found in major businesses. Additional courses further prepare students for specialized careers in telecommunications and cybersecurity. Along with advanced information technology subjects, CIS major also learn about the business operations that they will help support.
Making sure your program is the right financial investment is an important part of the search process.
COST & FINANCINGClasses in the CIS program feature hands on experience using the same hardware and software systems used my major business and government organizations. These include Cisco networking technologies and the Oracle database management system. Outside speakers from the information systems divisions of major corporations are invited as guest lecturers in classes. The CIS program houses a Cisco Network Academy and is a member of the Oracle Academic Initiative.
Student will have the opportunity to participate in programming and cybersecurity boot camps taught by instructors from major corporations. CIS students routinely participate in events sponsored by the technology industry across the region.
A hallmark of quality academic program is its faculty. The professors and instructors in the CIS program come from a wide range of backgrounds and specializations. Our diverse faculty combine the experience of decades in the information systems and technology industry with the latest cutting edge developments in the field. The CIS faculty bring these experiences and the latest research into the classroom.
The CIS faculty actively mentor student scholars in areas related to information technology and computing systems. This is through programs such as the Emerging Scholars program offered by the university, honors projects, and work with graduate students. Projects range from looking at using artificial intelligence to process images to the publication of research in information technology related journals.
Today, more and more companies give preferential hiring treatment toward applicants that have had one or more internships. The CIS faculty encourages students to participate in both internships and cooperative education programs in technology organizations around the country. Faculty members actively seek out and help direct students to opportunities that support their career goals. Internship opportunities include working in regional technology companies to programs associated with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). We also work very closely with the University’s Career Center in assisting students with landing internships, part-time, and full-time positions.
The business programs in the College of Business and Social Sciences are accredited by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) at both the undergraduate and the graduate (MBA) level. This accreditation is the most stringent and sought after accreditation in business education.
Here are a few of the top careers in this field:
The Computer Information Systems degree is a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. All CIS majors are required to complete six (6) information technology courses that provide a foundation for the information systems discipline. These core courses focus on programming (introductory and intermediate level), database design, networking technology, information security management, and software requirements definition. Beyond this information systems core, students will take four (4) courses designed to focus on either an application development and support career path or a information track.
The application development and support track focuses on preparing students to work as application developers, network engineers, data analysts, and project managers. Students will take additional development courses such as information systems design and courses designed to provide specialty skills in areas like digital marketing or accounting systems. Students that chose the information security track will take courses that focus on business risk management, advanced networking, information security operations, and information assurance.
Students that want to major in other disciplines, such as risk management or healthcare studies, can also pursue a minor in CIS. The minor very flexible to support the careers goals and interests of students. Courses required for the CIS minor are introduction to business programming, management information systems, and then four (4) advanced computer information systems courses. These can include additional programming, database systems development, networking, and cybersecurity.
CIS students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular and community programs that focus on areas within the broader information technology field. The faculty maintain close relationships with local professional groups such as the North East Louisiana Security/Technology User Group (NELASec/Tek), Techby20, the Jackson Mississippi Chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), and the Northeast Louisiana Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Freshman and sophomore CIS students are encouraged to participate in the Emerging Scholars Program. In this program, students work with faculty mentors to learn about the research process and conduct hands on work with advanced topics such as artificial intelligence development.
Students in the CIS program are eligible for membership in both the Beta Gamma Sigma and Beta Alpha Psi honor societies. Both of these organizations are recognized internationally.
List of programs/Activities:
Learn more about financial aid options: https://www.ulm.edu/financialaid/
Learn more about scholarship opportunities: https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/
The University of Louisiana Monroe
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209
318.342.1000
