Dr. Art Gowan, Department Head
Phone: (540) 568-8796
Email: gowanja@jmu.edu
Location: Zane Showker Hall, Room 234
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/cob/cis
Professors
M. Busing, T. Dillon, A. Gowan, S. Kruck, D. Lending, I. Markham, M. Mitri, R. Pal, S. Palocsay, S. Stevens
Associate Professors
C. Guo, P. Wang
Assistant Professors
D. Babik, A. Connolly, J. Ezell, K. Lamsal, J. May, L. Novoa, E. Torabi, B. Vaziri
Instructors
L. Atkins, C. Cole, L. Dutt, J. Jewett, 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 business 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 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. 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 and co-op programs. The department faculty endorses the program educational objectives listed below.
The CIS B.B.A. program will produce graduates with the ability to:
- Analyze a problem and identify the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
- Apply sound analysis and design methodologies toward creating technological solutions for the enhancement and improvement of business processes.
- Implement system solutions using state-of-the-art software development, database, telecommunications and security technologies in a global business environment.
- Assess security threats risks to technology assets and suggest security controls to prevent, detect and repair the security threats.
- Communicate effectively, in both oral and written form, in order to serve as liaisons between business-oriented end users and technically-oriented computing specialists.
- Work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams with the ability to manage themselves and their colleagues.
- Develop self-directed, lifelong engagement in the profession and professional development.
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 will prepare them to move quickly from technical to leadership roles within the organization.
- Consultant
- Business Analyst
- 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 JMU Chapter of the National Association for Information Systems (AIS) was started 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 the ability 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 Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)’s Computing Accreditation Commission.
Degree and Major Requirements
Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems
The B.B.A. in computer information systems requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of undergraduate work. Sixty credit hours will be taken outside the College of Business. In counting the 60 credit hours of non-business courses, B.B.A. students may include all hours taken in General Education (usually 41), up to a total of nine hours in economics and three hours of COB 191. Business Analytics I. The remaining hours will be taken from any department outside the College of Business. Students should carefully select these non-business electives to help them gain additional knowledge and expertise for their careers and personal lives
Concentrations
Concentration in Cooperative Education
Coordinator: Dr. Tom Dillon
The cooperative education concentration in CIS and BSAN offers highly qualified undergraduate majors the opportunity to participate in a six- to eight-month professional experience with well-recognized industry leaders in information technology and operations. Students will be awarded 12 hours of academic credit that will substitute for two required courses in the CIS and BSAN curriculum and for six credits of special topics (CIS 498). Substitution for the two specific courses will be made based on the structure and context of the co-op experience and in cooperation with the co-op firm. Students must demonstrate competency via examination in the two required courses selected in order to receive credit in those courses. Students who have at least a 3.0 GPA, are majors in CIS and have fulfilled all of their COB core requirements (except COB 487. Strategic Management) are eligible to apply on a competitive basis through the CIS and BSAN office. Students who want to participate in a co-op program must apply both to the CIS and BSAN program office and the participating firm at least three months in advance of the start of the co-op. Co-ops typically begin in January or May and last six to eight months. Course substitutions must be approved in conjunction with the co-op coordinator in the CIS and BSAN office and the co-op coordinator in the firm. A program of study must be placed on file for each student who is accepted for a co-op prior to beginning the co-op experience. Students may participate in a co-op during their junior or senior years, but they are limited to one co-op. Students who want to participate in a co-op as postgraduates may do so as special students. These students will receive a certificate on successful completion of the co-op experience. Prerequisite: CIS majors with junior standing and a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
