Oct 09, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Departments

Rhonda A. Syler, Academic Unit Head
Phone: (540) 568-3072
Email: sylerra@jmu.edu
Location: Zane Showker Hall, Room 5036
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/cob/cis

Professors
M. Busing, T. Dillon, C. Guo, R. Pal, S. Stevens, P. Wang

Associate Professors
D. Babik, A. Connolly, J. Ezell, J. May, L. Mutchler, L. Novoa, R.Syler, E. Torabi, B. Vaziri

Assistant Professors
P. Balozian, D. Liu, J. Qu, E. Teymourian, H. Yekta, Y. Zhong

Senior Lecturers
L. Atkins, C. Cole, J. Jewett

Lecturers
G. Gabriel, S. Lough, L. Tchommo

Mission Statement

The Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics is committed to:

  • Educating students by creating an active, experiential learning environment that prepares them to apply knowledge of information systems, operations, business analytics and information and cybersecurity management for the betterment of organizations and society; and

  • Serving the academic community and business communities through appropriate research and service.

Objectives

Computer information systems (CIS) is offered as a major through the Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics. This program prepares business students for careers as information systems, business analytics, and information and cybersecurity management professionals. The program of study focuses on the development and management of information systems in a business environment. Students develop the technical skills and organizational insights required to analyze, design, implement and administer information systems in a data driven world. The CIS curriculum includes hands-on projects, laboratory exercises, case analysis and business simulations to build strong technical and analytical skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in team-oriented environments. Students are offered the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships. The department faculty endorses the program educational objectives listed below.

The CIS B.B.A. program will produce graduates with the ability to:

  • Exhibit leadership in a role as subject matter expert or consultant.
  • Exhibit confidence in combining technical, business, and interpersonal skills to innovate and solve problems in a team environment.
  • Effectively adapt and apply changing technology to business opportunities and challenges.
  • Work effectively in the IS field to make a positive contribution to society.

Career Opportunities

Computer information systems professionals analyze business opportunities and problems, then design and build solutions using the power of information technologies. Students in the CIS program gain the business and technical skills that prepare them to move quickly from technical to leadership roles within the organization.

  • Consultant
  • Business Analyst
  • Business Analytics Specialist
  • Business Intelligence Specialist
  • Computer Forensics Specialist
  • IT/IS Auditor
  • IT/IS Consultant
  • Risk Analyst
  • Security Consultant
  • Systems Analyst
  • Telecommunications Analyst
  • IT/IS Manager
  • Application Development Manager
  • Business Owner (IT/IS Industry)
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Chief Security Officer
  • Data Warehousing Manager
  • Information Systems Manager
  • Program Manager
  • Project Manager
  • IT Operations Professional
  • Database Administrator
  • Information Technology Trainer
  • Network and Systems Administrator
  • Security Specialist
  • Software Engineer
  • Web Developer

Co-curricular Activities and Organizations

The award-winning JMU Chapter of the Association for Information Systems (AIS), a national professional organization, was founded in 2014 and serves to advance knowledge and to promote excellence in the practice and study of information systems. Along with providing premier networking opportunities with top consulting firms, AIS provides student members opportunities to engage in national student competitions, in-house tutoring activities, professional development workshops, and various fundraising and social events.

Accreditation

The B.B.A. in computer information systems is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Programs

    Major
    Minor

    Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Departments