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Computer Information Systems (CIS) Degree

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Computer Information Systems Degree

Obtain a thorough view of the impact of information technology on modern business practices.

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Computer Information Systems (CIS) majors study a variety of business-related topics in addition to their programming skills and formal course work in database management, networking, and systems analysis. The supplementary course work ensures that the students obtain a thorough view of the modern business world and the impact of information technology on modern business practices. CIS majors are prepared for further education in a graduate program or for employment in one of many jobs such as:

  • Database Administration

  • Network Administration

  • Applications Programming

 

 

Why a B.S. Degree in Computer Information Systems?


Are you interested in programming computers, but you’re also curious about how the business world works? The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems gives you a blend of the technical skills used by computing professionals and the business savvy of managers and corporate administrators. This uniquely specialized degree program opens a host of career opportunities and graduate studies in everything from information technology management to network administration.

 

 

 

Photo of Holman LibraryAbout the Computer Information Systems Major


Housed under the Division of Computing, the B.S. in Computer Information Systems combines the fields of computing and business to give you solid technical training, as well as a strong foundation in business administration. Students in this major study a variety of business-related topics, such as economics, accounting, and management, while also developing their programming skills through courses in database management, networking, and systems analysis. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of technology’s impact on modern business and be prepared for a career in one of the nation’s most in-demand fields.

2023-2024 Program Catalog

Minors in Computer Information Systems and Computer Science are also available.

 

 

 

 

Photo of McKendree's Entryway MonumentWhy McKendree?


McKendree University provides you with interactive learning opportunities through our small class sizes, experienced faculty, and unique internship experiences that move you beyond the classroom. We are committed to your success in the degree programs we offer, the internships and extracurricular activities that will set you apart, and the college experience you’ll get here. Just 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri, McKendree University is located in historic Lebanon, Illinois, and affords students a host of enriching cultural, career, and entertainment opportunities.

 

 

Program Highlights

 

  • Learn from dedicated faculty with years of experience in both the corporate world and the classroom.

  • A wide variety of exciting internships with local and national corporations gives Computer Information System majors important resume-building opportunities before graduation.

  • Upsilon Pi Epsilon and Sigma Zeta Honor Societies give you the chance to present your own research findings at national conferences.

  • Compete in regional programming competitions, network with computing alums, and have fun when you join the McKendree Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery.

  • Gain hands-on network administration experience as a student worker in the Department of Computing’s student lab.

 

 

 

Photo of McKendree Seal MarkerInternship Opportunities


Our students have interned with a number of major corporations and agencies, including:

  • Scottrade

  • Anheuser-Busch

  • AT&T

  • Centene Corporation

  • Monsanto

  • National Security Agency (NSA)

 

 

 

Employment Opportunities


Graduates in Computer Information Systems often find careers in a variety of companies, from small businesses and international corporations to government agencies, hospitals, and universities. They are employed as database or network administrators, applications developers, information technology managers, business analysts, and more. Salaries in this field are well above the national average, and jobs for recent graduates are on the rise.

Some of the companies our recent graduates are working for include:

  • TekSystems

  • Boeing

  • Lockheed Martin

  • The Defense Information Systems Agency (U.S. Air Force)

  • NCI Information Systems

  • A.G. Edwards

  • Anheuser-Busch

  • Fort Knox

  • Humana

  • Yum! Brands

Our Computer Information Systems students have also attended graduate school at:

  • Southern Illinois University

  • Washington University

  • Iowa State University

  • Purdue University

  • Western Illinois University

 

 

 

Interesting Courses

 

  • Electronic Commerce

  • Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues of Computing

  • Business Law

  • Information Technology Management

  • Computer Architecture: Circuit Design

  • Web Programming

 

 

 

Club Information / Honor Societies

 

  • Upsilon Pi Epsilon (National Computing and Information Disciplines Honor Society)

  • Sigma Zeta (National Science and Mathematics Honor Society) – The McKendree Beta Chapter is the oldest active chapter in Sigma Zeta and has been awarded the Founder’s Cup five times for its activity at the national and local level. Each year, students and faculty attend the National Conference, where they present their independent research and network with peers and professors from universities across the nation.

  • Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) – This international organization of computing students, educators, and professionals gives you countless opportunities to develop your leadership skills, engage in fun activities, and grow your experience in the field of Computer Information Systems.

  • McKendree MathCats – Have fun and meet other students in the campus mathematics club.

 

 

Related Programs

 

 

 

 

Your Student Success Support Team

 



 

 

Key Faculty

 

Photo of Mostafa Mostafa, Ph.DMostafa Mostafa, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Chair, Division of Computing
Clark Hall 300
(618) 537-6875
mmostafa@mckendree.edu