Department of Management and Information Systems
College of Business Administration
Room A432, Business Administration Building
E-mail: mis@bsa3.kent.edu
Tel: 330-672-2750
Fax: 330-672-5006
Web: http://business.kent.edu/academic/adms/default.asp

Computer Information Systems Major—2009-2010 Roadmap [Degree Requirements]

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems is designed to provide students with a focus on the creation and supervision of the computerized information systems (CIS) that commonly are used in organizations of all types and sizes. There is a primary emphasis on problem solving within systems development, on the logic of programming and on state-of-the-art programming languages and methodologies. Examples of CIS include airline reservation systems, bank automated teller systems, trading systems for stock exchanges and accounting/auditing systems.

Once the required courses have been completed, students can select electives that will lead them in various professional career directions. One of these directions focuses on system development—preparing students for work as programmers, systems analysts and application system architects. Careers in this specialization area can involve intensive technical work writing program code, work in database design and support, projects in high-level system design and project management of these activities. A second direction focuses on the creation and maintenance of local and wide area networks and other computing infrastructure components, and prepares students for careers as network engineers and network managers. Some material taught in courses connected with both of these specialization areas correlates with the knowledge needed to pass professional certification exams.

Students also are strongly encouraged to engage in a CIS internship, which involves a summer or a semester of paid professional experience in industry. Internship experience helps show the relevance of on-campus courses to professional work, helps students focus their career plans and often enables students to secure better post-graduate jobs. Three hours of academic credit can be earned for an internship. Guidance in selecting electives is available from the CIS faculty or from the Undergraduate Programs Office. Permission is required prior to registration for MIS 24060 and 34070.

Requirements to be admitted as a computer information systems major:

• Satisfactory completion of 46 semester hours applicable to the pre-computer information systems major
• Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA
• Minimum C (2.00) grade in COMM 15000, ENG 11011, ENG 21011 and MATH 11010 (or placement out of ENG 11011 and/or MATH 11010)
• A 2.50 average in MIS 24053, 24060 and 24070

Requirements to graduate with a B.B.A. in computer information systems:

• Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA
• Minimum 2.50 GPA in major

Computer Information Systems Minor

Personal computers and local area networks are resulting in the penetration of computer information technology into even the smallest organizations. Today, most careers involve some activities related to the creation and use of computer-based information systems. To be competitive in the current job market, it is essential to achieve proficiency in the use of computer information systems (CIS). The CIS minor is self-contained and assumes essentially no prior experience with computers or information systems. It is designed to complement the students’ primary career field, whatever that might be, by providing knowledge of CIS and their applications and hands-on experience with computer technology. Completion of the minor will prepare students to design and build CIS of modest size and to participate with professional analysts, on an effective partnership basis, in the construction of large complex systems. Students also will have the ability to aid their coworkers by performing computer system support in consultative and advisory roles.

Course Requirements for the computer information systems minor (18 credits):

*Students need permission prior to registering for MIS 24060 and 34070.

Requirements to declare the computer information systems minor:

• Officially declared major (not pre-major, general, undeclared or exploratory); however, advising is available and recommended anytime prior to declaration
• Minimum 60 semester hours completed
• Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA

Requirement to graduate with the computer information systems minor:

• Minimum 2.50 GPA (including all attempts) is required in the minor courses

Notes:

1. To earn a College of Business Administration minor, students must complete at least two courses in the minor at Kent State University on a graded basis. At least one of these courses must be at the upper-division (30000 or 40000) level.
2. CIS minors may use non-CIS courses as minor electives with permission. Please meet with a faculty CIS advisor to pursue this option.
3. Double-counting of minor electives as major electives or requirements is not permitted. In other words, students should choose two CIS elective courses that are not part of the students’ major.
4. COMT 21005, offered on the Regional Campuses, will be counted for MIS 34032 if the student earns a minimum B (3.0) grade in MIS 44043. Students should see an advisor either in the Undergraduate Programs Office or at the Regional Campus.