Division of Math, Science, and Technology
Computer Information Systems Minor
The computer information systems minor is intended for students in any major who wish to acquire more knowledge
in programming, database systems, Web programming, and networking.
Computer Information Systems Minor Requirements (17 credits)
CSIS 1900 Computer Programming I (4 credits)
CSIS 2000 Introduction to Database Systems
(3 credits)
CSIS 2950 Computer Programming II (4 credits)
CSIS 3020 Web Programming and Design (3 credits)
CSIS 3500 Networks and Data Communication
(3 credits)
Career Opportunities
The rapidly expanding fields of information systems and computer science provide many opportunities for individuals
with a degree in CIS/CS. Graduates can look forward to challenging careers in the following areas:
- Computer Scientists: Generally design computers and conduct research to improve their design or use,
and develop and adapt principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Database Administrators: Work with database management systems software, coordinating changes
to, testing, and implementing computer databases.
- Computer support specialists: Provide assistance and advice to users. They interpret problems
and provide technical support for hardware, software, and systems.
- Network/Systems Administrators: Install, configure, and support an organization's systems
- Telecommunications Specialists: Generally involved with the interfacing of computer and communication
equipment
- Computer Security Specialists: Responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing an organization's
information security measures.
- Computer Engineers: Work with the hardware and software aspects of system design and development.
- Software Engineers: Design and develop both packaged and system software.
- System Analysts: Oversee the development process for new software and hardware and plan the design
and structure of the new program in the form of step-by-step instructions. Each step of the process must be specified,
including the data to be used, input and output files needed, mathematical and logical operations to be performed,
etc. After developing the design for the program, systems analysts prepare flow charts and other diagrams that show
the flow of data. (Flow charts are used to track data through an organization as well as through a computer program.)
The analyst may also prepare a cost-benefit analysis to help management decide whether the proposed programming project
is financially feasible and provides sufficient value to make it worth undertaking.
- Computer Programmers: Write computer code; that is, they write the detailed instructions (programs)
that tell the computer what to do to perform a certain function. Programmers write programs according to the specifications
determined by systems analysts. The Programming Process contain (1) (2) Coding (2) Compiling (3) Debugging
(4) Testing (5) Maintenance. Today, many programmers use CASE (Computer Assisted Software Engineering) tools to automate
much of the coding process. And programmers often do much more than code. The job of programmer has come to include
the kind of problem-solving formerly done by systems analysts.
