Computer Information Systems are the complex and typically large and expensive software systems that are essential to the daily operation of organizations. Examples include airline reservation systems, bank automated teller systems, systems for stock exchanges and accounting/auditing systems. The Computer Information Systems (CIS) major teaches students how to design and manage such computer systems for a company and how to help people use the computer system effectively and efficiently.

Primary areas of study include data base management, computer programming, the Internet, telecommunications networks, and systems analysis and design. There is a balanced emphasis on large and small computers, and on centralized versus end-user computer applications.

For more information about the CIS major, please contact either the Department of Management & Information Systems 330-672-2750 or the College of Business Administration, Undergraduate Programs Office, 330-672-2872 .

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The major in Computer Information Systems trains students to work with computerized information systems in a business or not-for-profit organization. Since computers touch all of our lives, the need for people in this area is constant. Opportunities exist in many different kinds and sizes of organizations such as commercial banks, manufacturers of products (i.e., General Motors, Toys R Us), health care facilities, advertising agencies, accounting firms, child care centers, retail stores, and utility companies. The goal of the CIS major is to produce graduates who can begin CIS careers as computer programmers, rapidly progress to systems analysis responsibilities, and ultimately rise to careers in management. Today's CIS specialist often works closely with end-users, so people skills are important in this field. Career opportunities extend all the way to becoming, after years of career growth, the chief information officer for an organization, reporting directly to the chief executive officer.

RELATED EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

Many students get internships every year with local organizations (earning college credits and a salary) and often continue in employment with those same companies after they graduate.

To build connections for eventual employment opportunities and to develop organizational and leadership skills, students are encouraged to join the Management Information Systems Association (MISA). This organization promotes extracurricular activities in CIS and gives students the chance to interact with faculty and practitioners in informal settings. Another student organization of considerable appeal to any business major is Delta Sigma Pi, the professional business fraternity - open to both men and women. In addition, there are approximately 200 other student organizations in which students may find opportunities to develop accounting and general business skills.

RELATED ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Employers and educators recognize the importance of building a strong liberal arts background -- especially for business students. Students are encouraged to consider minors offered by the other colleges and schools at Kent. For example: a student may want to work in a Computer Information Systems position for some branch of city government, such as the Chamber of Commerce. Having a major in CIS and a minor in political science might be very helpful in achieving this goal. Or perhaps the student's interest is working in CIS for a television network. A major in CIS and a minor in radio and television might be very helpful.

The Department of Management & Information Systems
College of Business Administration
Graduate School of Management
Kent State University
Kent, OH 44242-0001
(330) 672-2750