Computer Information Systems, B.B.A.
Program Description
The B.B.A. in computer information systems prepares students to leverage technology strategically in business environments. Students develop technical proficiency, business acumen and analytical skills to design, implement and manage information systems that drive organizational success. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, systems development, data management, cybersecurity and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in consulting, systems analysis, project management, cybersecurity and business analytics, among other fields.
Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education courses1 | 41 |
| B.B.A. core courses2 | 39 |
| CIS major requirements | 27-28 |
| Electives3 | 12 |
| Total | 120 |
- 1
The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. Some credits may be fulfilled by courses required within the major.
- 2
Assumes that MATH 205 and ECON 200 are taken as General Education courses.
- 3
Credit hours may vary. See advisor for details.
B.B.A. Core Component
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| B.B.A. Lower-Level Core Component | ||
| B.B.A. majors must complete all of the B.B.A. core components as part of their degree program. The following courses comprise the B.B.A. Lower-Level Core Component: | ||
| COB 191 | Business Analytics I 1 | 3 |
| COB 202 | Interpersonal Skills | 3 |
| COB 204 | Computer Information Systems | 3 |
| COB 241 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| COB 242 | Managerial Accounting 2,3 | 3 |
| COB 291 | Business Analytics II 4 | 3 |
| ECON 200 | Introduction to Macroeconomics [C4GE] | 3 |
| ECON 201 | Introduction to Microeconomics | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Applied Calculus [C3QR] 5 | ||
| Calculus I [C3QR] 5 | ||
| Subtotal | 27-28 | |
| B.B.A. Upper-Level Core Component | ||
| The following courses comprise the B.B.A. Upper-Level Core Component: | ||
| COB 300A | Integrative Business: Management 3,6 | 3 |
| COB 300B | Integrative Business: Finance 3,6 | 3 |
| COB 300C | Integrative Business: Operations 3,6 | 3 |
| COB 300D | Integrative Business: Marketing 3,6 | 3 |
| COB 318 | Legal and Ethical Environment of Business 7 | 3 |
| COB 487 | Strategic Management 8 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 45-46 | |
- 1
- 2
- 3
COB 242 is a prerequisite for COB 300 but is not used in calculating the B.B.A. core GPA.
- 4
COB 191 or equivalent and MATH 205 or equivalent are prerequisites for COB 291.
- 5
Calculus is required but not used in calculating the B.B.A. core GPA. Students may substitute MATH 231, MATH 233 or ISAT 151 to fulfill the calculus requirement. MATH 235 is preferred for Economics and Finance majors.
- 6
All four COB 300 courses must be taken during the same semester.
- 7
COB 300 is a prerequisite or corequisite for COB 318. COB 318 is a prerequisite for COB 487 and BLAW 497.
- 8
COB 487 must be taken during the senior year.
Major Requirements
Students planning to major in Computer Information System (CIS) must complete the 27-28 hours of lower-division B.B.A. core curriculum prior to enrolling in upper-division core courses normally taken in the first semester of their junior year. It is expected that the lower-division core curriculum will be completed during the first two years of study along with most of the university general education curriculum. Failing to complete all the lower-division core requirements on time will delay enrollment in upper-division core and major courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CIS 221 | Principles of Programming 1 | 3 |
| CIS 304 | Enterprise Architecture | 3 |
| CIS 330 | Database Design and Application | 3 |
| CIS 454 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CIS 484 | Information Systems Development and Implementation | 3 |
| Subtotal | ||
| Concentration | ||
| Students must choose one of the following concentrations. See below for details. 2 | 12-13 | |
Business Analytics Concentration | ||
Information Systems Concentration | ||
Information and Cybersecurity Management Concentration | ||
| Subtotal | 27-28 | |
| Total Credits | 27-28 | |
- 1
CS 149 or ISAT 252 or IA 241 with a grade of "C" or better or enrollment in CS 159 may be substituted for CIS 221.
- 2
Students must declare a concentration by the deadline stated under concentrations on the CIS & BSAN department webpage.
Concentrations
Business Analytics Concentration
Business analytics is a technical approach to analyzing problems and making business-related decisions. It uses statistical methods, management science techniques, machine learning and mathematical modeling to forecast the implications of various choices and identify the best alternatives. Business analytics focuses on the effective use of data and information to provide fact-based insights and drive positive business actions. Combined with the ability to analyze, design and implement information system, including applications and databases, the computer information systems major with a concentration in business analytics prepares students for careers in consulting, business analysis and data analysis. Students enrolled in the business analytics concentration of the computer information systems major are not permitted to earn a minor in business analytics. However, students enrolled in the business analytics concentration may switch to the information systems or information and cybersecurity management concentrations of the computer information systems major. After the switch, such students may pursue the business analytics minor provided they meet prerequisite requirements of the 300-level BSAN courses. See the business analytics minor for admission requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BSAN 390 | Statistical Modeling for Business Analytics | 3 |
| BSAN 391 | Decision Modeling for Business Analytics | 3 |
| BSAN 393 | Data Mining for Business Analytics | 3 |
| or CIS 393 | Data Mining for Business Analytics | |
| CIS 463 | Business Intelligence | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Information Systems Concentration
The information systems concentration prepares students to analyze, design and implement information system, including applications, databases, networks and architectures. Elective courses allow students to acquire more detailed knowledge in security, project management, web development and consulting. The computer information systems major with a concentration in information systems prepares students for careers in consulting, business analysis, data analysis and systems analysis.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CIS 301 | Cloud Server Management | 1 |
| CIS 320 | Principles of Computing Networks | 3 |
| CIS 331 | Intermediate Computer Programming | 3 |
| CIS Electives | 6 | |
| Information Systems Concentration Electives | ||
| Students majoring in CIS are highly encouraged to complete an internship in computer information systems between their junior and senior years for non-academic credit. 1 | ||
| Advanced Visual Basic Programming | ||
| Web Design and Development | ||
| Data Mining for Business Analytics | ||
or BSAN 393 | Data Mining for Business Analytics | |
| Advanced Topics in Computing Networks | ||
| Computer Security Management | ||
| Defensive Cybersecurity | ||
| Mobile Computing and Security | ||
| Information Technology Consulting | ||
| Business Intelligence | ||
| Information Systems Project Management | ||
| Special Studies in Computer Information Systems or Business Analytics | ||
| Special Topics in Computer Information Systems | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
- 1
Information and Cybersecurity Management Concentration
The Information and Cybersecurity Management concentration prepares students to help organizations protect data/information assets and information systems. Students will learn to detect and respond to threats and assess risks and vulnerabilities while ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of organizational data and systems. Students will learn techniques and industry best practices of risk assessment, incident response, and continuity planning. Program objectives also include developing an understanding of behavioral, legal, privacy, and ethical considerations of data and information systems protection. The Computer Information Systems major with a concentration in Information and Cybersecurity Management prepares students for careers in information security analysis, incident response, risk and vulnerability analysis, continuity planning, computer forensics, cybersecurity governance, and cybersecurity consulting.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CIS 301 | Cloud Server Management | 1 |
| CIS 320 | Principles of Computing Networks | 3 |
| CIS 424 | Computer Security Management | 3 |
| CIS 425 | Defensive Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CIS Electives from approved elective list below | 3 | |
| Subtotal | 13 | |
| Information and Cybersecurity Management Concentration Electives | ||
| Students majoring in CIS are highly encouraged to complete an internship in computer information systems between their junior and senior years for non-academic credit (CIS 361). | ||
| Advanced Topics in Computing Networks | ||
| Mobile Computing and Security | ||
| Information Technology Consulting | ||
| Information Systems Project Management | ||
| Special Topics in Computer Information Systems 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
- 1
CIS 498 topic must be related to cybersecurity and approved by CIS-BSAN department head.
Cooperative Education Concentration
Coordinator: Tom Dillon
The optional cooperative education concentration in CIS major 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 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 (COB 487) are eligible to apply on a competitive basis through the CIS & BSAN department.
Students who wish to participate in a co-op program must apply both to the CIS & BSAN department 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 & BSAN department 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.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
Computer information systems majors should follow the course schedule described here to complete the final two years of their program. It is possible to deviate from this program, but care must be taken to ensure that all course prerequisites are met.
First Two Years
Students normally take the lower-division B.B.A. core curriculum along with many of the General Education curriculum. All lower-division core requirements must be completed before enrolling in the upper-division core courses. It is recommended that CIS 221 be completed in the second semester of the second year.
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| B.B.A. lower division core and general education courses | 30 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Second Year | ||
| B.B.A. lower division core and general education courses | 30 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Third Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| Students who are able to complete B.B.A. core requirements early enough to take COB 300 in the second semester of the second year should take additional CIS courses in the first semester of the third year and subsequent semesters. Consult your advisor. | ||
| COB 300A | Integrative Business: Management | 3 |
| COB 300B | Integrative Business: Finance | 3 |
| COB 300C | Integrative Business: Operations | 3 |
| COB 300D | Integrative Business: Marketing | 3 |
| CIS 304 | Enterprise Architecture | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| BSAN 390 | Statistical Modeling for Business Analytics | 3 |
| CIS 330 | Database Design and Application | 3 |
| COB 318 | Legal and Ethical Environment of Business | 3 |
| Other major, general education and/or university elective courses | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| BSAN 391 | Decision Modeling for Business Analytics | 3 |
| CIS 331 | Intermediate Computer Programming | 3 |
| CIS 361 | Computer Information Systems Internship | 0 |
| CIS 454 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| Other major, general education and/or university elective courses | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Students majoring in CIS are highly encouraged to complete an internship in computer information systems for non-academic credit (CIS 361). | ||
| CIS 393 or BSAN 393 |
Data Mining for Business Analytics or Data Mining for Business Analytics |
3 |
| CIS 463 | Business Intelligence | 3 |
| COB 487 | Strategic Management | 3 |
| Other major, general education and/or university elective courses | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |