Why Choose Computer Information Systems?
The Bachelor of Science degree offered through the College of Business at Ferris, prepares students to be team leaders in the development and maintenance of Business Information Systems. Starting positions include: application programmer/analyst, business analyst, systems analyst, networking administrators, consultants, software developers, computer support specialist, systems administrators, project leaders and web developers.
To assure relevance and enduring value, our Computer Information Systems (CIS) program has been designed to align with the national standard (IS2002) established by computing professionals. In addition, we have drawn upon our tight linkages with industry to assure that our labs and our required internships provide the level of hands-on experience that ensures our students are sought after by employers, who recognize Ferris as a source of skilled, knowledgeable IS/IT graduates who can hit the ground running, and grow from there.
Computers and Information Systems have become essential to all aspects of business and life. Professionals are needed to relate the problem-solving abilities of a computer system to an individual business department, corporatoin, or multi-national enterprise.
This program has close relationships with the IT industry through a program advisory board, and offers internships as a practical hands-on experience. The hands-on approach in the bachelor degree gives graduates a real-world look at their professional field.
This program is also offered at other Ferris State sites such as Dowagiac, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Traverse City.
Get a Great Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some of the fastest growth jobs for 2008-2018 are in computer and computing-related positions. The BLS also predicts that professional and service occupations will increase the fastest, and will account for over 50 percent of the total job growth during the decade.
Furthermore, many sources predict a shortage of much needed Information Systems professionals despite rumors and actual off-shore outsourcing of programming positions over the next several years. New Information Systems positions are needed to reflect this changing landscape and to be current with technologies.
Starting positions include: application programmer/analyst, business analyst, systems analyst, networking administrators, consultants, software developers, computer support specialist, systems administrators, project leaders and web developers.
Curriculum
The CIS program provides maximum flexibility for students, and easily changes with the market place. The curriculum core is aligned to a national standard (IS 2002) which was produced by the ACM, AITP, and AIS professional societies. This core was created from skills and attributes listed in thousands of job advertisements for Information Systems positions.
The CIS curriculum provides students with a broad understanding of core business functions, competency in computer programming, knowledge of information technology infrastructure, and a sound foundation in web-based systems analysis and design. Furthermore, this curriculum provides the necessary related business skills for immediate employment in Information Systems and for advancement to management positions. Students will have the opportunity to take the ISA certification exam to receive either the ISA Practitioner certification or ISA Mastery certification offered by ICCP (Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals.)
Admission Requirements
Applicants are expected to meet 3 of the 4 criteria listed below in order to be placed directly into a College of Business bachelor/associate degree program. Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean’s Office.
High school GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
English ACT of 16 or higher or SAT of 370 or higher
Math ACT of 19 or higher or SAT of 460 or higher
Reading ACT of 19 or higher
Applicants not meeting the above criteria for direct admissions into a specific COB program, but still meeting Ferris State University admissions criteria, will be placed into the College of Business in the Pre-Business program until they meet the admission criteria for the program into which they desire entrance. Transfer student admission criteria can be found on the transfer student webpage.
Graduation Requirements
The Computer Information Systems program at Ferris leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Graduation requires a minimum 2.0 GPA in core classes, in the major and overall. Students must complete all general education requirements as outlined on the General Education website.
More Information
Accountancy, Finance & Info Systems
119 South Street BUS 212
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2284
Phone: (231) 591-2434
Email: AFIS@ferris.edu
The College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP.)
http://www.acbsp.org/p/st/ld/sid=s1_001
