Gain the skills necessary to develop and implement new computer technologies in the corporate world and in government, higher education, and nonprofits.
This Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) from PennWest Global Online combines leading-edge information technologies and systems methodologies with an understanding of the evolving needs of today's dynamic business environment.
The CIS degree is ideal for students who are interested in working with technology to find solutions to business problems. This program critically analyzes existing business processes and systems to redesign and create streamlined, optimized processes. While a fundamental understanding of information technology is a cornerstone of the degree, an equally important and distinguishing element of the CIS degree is a solid foundation in basic business functions.
Our CIS curriculum offers students a strong blend of theoretical and practical concepts in business and computing topics to learn how to determine the requirements, analysis, design and, implementation of an organization’s information systems.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program at PennWest is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET).
Once students are in junior class standing, they are eligible to apply for a computing internship. To date, all CIS internships have been paid positions, averaging 20 hours a week in a CIS-related position. Internships help to prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation and are regarded very favorably by employers.
Work experience in the Computer Information Systems (CIS) field is available through several internships and co-ops. For example, you can work as a summer intern with U.S. Steel or work on applications development as a classroom project for an organization like the Senator John Heinz History Center.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer systems analyst is one of the fastest growing occupations in the nation, with a projected increase from 75,000 positions to 102,500 positions by 2022.
Computer and Information Systems Managers make an average salary of $120,950 a year.
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100% online
Lisa Kovalchick
kovalchick@pennwest.edu
724-938-4146
What can you do with a CIS degree? CIS specialists design computing solutions that provide companies, non-profit organizations and governments with the information they need to achieve their goals. You'll be able to employ computer systems to implement and improve the way organizations work. CIS professionals combine their knowledge of computing and organizations to bridge the gap between technical and business specialists.
PennWest prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge, integrity, character and experience. With the help of the Career and Professional Development Center, we'll connect you to potential employers through networking events, job shadowing opportunities, on-campus recruiting, job and internship fairs, and organizational visits.
Skills taught throughout the program are high in demand by industry. Our advisory board, composed of industry representatives and graduate school stakeholders, gives annual reviews of student performance and feedback on curriculum improvements. As a result, our graduates are in high demand.
Numerous leading companies, universities, and state and federal agencies have hired our graduates. Among them are:
CIS is one of the few academic disciplines today that can prepare graduates to meet the challenges posed by the widespread outsourcing and offshoring of technical work. The demand for computer professionals equipped with top leadership, project management, and interpersonal skills is skyrocketing. CIS graduates have excellent job prospects.
The educational objectives of the CIS program are to produce graduates who:
Graduates of the CIS program will have the ability to:
Gina Boff
Professor
boff@pennwest.edu
Lisa Kovalchick
Professor/Department Chair
kovalchick@pennwest.edu
Pratibha Menon
Associate Professor
menon@pennwest.edu
Nader Mohamed
Associate Professor
mohamed@pennwest.edu
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.
