Ferris Course Catalog

Locate a Course
Find a Degree
Learn about a Program
Follow a Career Path

Computer Information Systems CIS

Career Path: Business, Management, Marketing, and Technology

Required Courses		Credit Hours
BUSINESS CORE (30 credits required):
ACCT 201	Principles of Accounting 1	3
ACCT 202	Principles of Accounting 2	3
STQM 260	Introduction to Statistics	3
BLAW 321	Contracts & Sales	3
FINC 322	Financial Management 1	3
ISYS 321	Business Information Systems	3
MKTG 321	Principles of Marketing	3
MGMT 301	Applied Management	3
MGMT 370	Quality/Operations Mgmt	3
BUSN 499	Integrating Experience	3
MAJOR (33 credits required)
ISYS 110	Fundamentals of Comp Inf Sys	3
ISYS 200	Database Design & Implementation	3
ISYS 216	Intro to Object-Oriented Programming	3
ISYS 316	Advanced Object-Oriented Programming	3
ISYS 325	Networking Essentials	3
ISYS 330	Systems Analysis & Design * W	3
ISYS 371	Advanced DB Design & Implementation	3
ISYS 411	Project Management	3
ISYS 470	Database Administration	3
ISYS 488	Systems Design & Implementation	3
ISYS 489	Advanced Systems Design & Imp	3
ISYS 491	Computer Information Systems Internship	3
ELECTIVES:	Directed	12
NOTE:	Suggested directed electives by employment category include, but are by no means limited to: network administration; programmer/analyst; web development; consultant (individual); systems analyst; and computer support specialist.
	The 4 electives allow for maximum flexibility in designing a concentration to fit most student needs.
	A minimum of one internship for 3 credits is required.
	It is also strongly recommended that students obtain advisor approval prior to selecting their electives.
General Education
Communication Competence
COMM 121	Fundamentals of Public Speaking	3
COMM 336	Technical & Professional Presentation	3
ENGL 150	English 1	3
ENGL 250	English 2	3
ENGL 325	Advanced Business Writing	3
Scientific Understanding
Elective (Select)	Lab Science Elective	4
Elective (Select)	Science Elective	3/4
Quantitative Skills
MATH 115	Intermediate Algebra	3
	(If MATH ACT is 24 or higher, substitute a general education elective)
Cultural Enrichment
PHIL 216	Introduction to Ethics*C	3
	Elective (Select)	6
Social Awareness
ECON 221	Principles of Macroeconomics*S	3
ECON 222	Principles of Microeconomics*S	3
Elective (Select)	Social Awareness elective	3
Additional General Education
Elective (Select)	General Education	2
PHIL 216	Introduction to Ethics*C	3
Minimum credit hours required for B.S. degree:		126

Why Choose Computer Information Systems?

The Bachelor of Science degree, offered through the College of Business at Ferris, prepares students to be managers of computing systems by providing programming, systems analysis, network administration, and database management skills. Entry-level positions include such jobs as: systems analyst; systems integrator; systems architect; network administrator; applications programmer/analyst; software developer; computer support specialist; systems administrator; systems programmer; project leader; database administrator; and, business analyst.

This program has close relationships with industry through an industry advisory board and offers internships as a practical hands-on experience. The hands-on approach in the Bachelor's degree gives graduates a real-world look at their field.

Get a Great Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some of the fastest growth jobs for 2004-2014 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.

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, corporation, or a multi-national enterprise.

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 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.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must present evidence of graduation from high school or the GED. To enter a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) Program in Business, applicants are expected to meet two of the following: a minimum high school grade point average of 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale); ACT math score of 19 or higher; an ACT reading score of 19 or higher.

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