Computer Information Systems, B.S.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS) is designed to prepare career-minded professionals for advanced studies or employment in the challenging and ever-changing field of computer science and IT. Students earning a CIS degree develop the knowledge and skills required by the diverse technology-based organizations of today.
Curriculum Overview
This program requires 120 credits and allows students to specialize in one of three concentrations:
- Data Analytics
- Healthcare Information Systems
- Information Security & Assurance
Careers
Computer information systems can prepare students for advanced studies or employment in the ever-changing field of computer science and information technology.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer science and database industry is expected to grow by 12 percent through the year 2024, adding 488,500 new jobs. Job opportunities within this field have a broad range of salaries.
Data Analytics Concentration
Career as a market research analyst, data analyst or in business intelligence. Students learn how to collect, analyze, interpret and present information obtained from data drawn from multiple, often disparate sources of organizational data.
Healthcare Information Systems Concentration
Career as a medical or health services manager. Graduates leave with the knowledge of information technologies that meet the organizational needs of health care organizations.
Information Security & Assurance Concentration
Career as an information security analyst, web developer, computer network architect or information assurance engineer. Students gain the skills needed to secure information assets of an organization and ensure that data can be created, accessed and modified by only those with the requisite privileges. Upon completion students will be prepared for employment opportunities in a variety of businesses and organizations.
Admission Requirements
- Age: 22 years or older
- Work Experience: at least 3 years or the equivalent
- Education: high school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250
- Interview: successful completion of an admission meeting with an admissions counselor. This can be done over the phone or on campus
- Grade Point Average: min transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance)
Admission Procedures
Step 1 — Complete Application
Complete the application for admission online at https://www.slu.edu/online. Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply for admission at least one month before the term in which they wish to enroll.
Step 2 – Request official Transcripts
Have official transcripts mailed directly from all previously attended colleges to:
School for Professional Studies
Attention: Admissions
3840 Lindell Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63108
Applicants seeking a degree or certificate who have not earned a bachelor’s degree must obtain official transcripts for all previous college course work. If students have never attended college or have less than 15 credits of transferable college credits they will need to provide official high school or GED transcripts.
Applicants seeking a certificate who have a bachelor’s degree need only provide an official transcript from their primary higher education institution or evidence of a high school diploma or GED.
Non-degree applicants only need to provide unofficial copies as needed for prerequisites.
Step 3 — Meet with Admissions Counselor
Contact an admissions counselor to discuss the status of the application and educational and career goals. Students may schedule an appointment to speak with an admissions counselor at the St. Louis campus or over the phone in certain instances. Appointments are available during business hours and weekday evenings.
A writing and/or math assessment test may be necessary during or shortly after the admissions meeting.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
- Scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. The School for Professional Studies offers numerous scholarships and awards specially for new students.
- Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
To determine eligibility for financial assistance, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early for maximum consideration. FAFSA is available online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.
Active Military and Veterans
Students may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate of $410 per credit for this program. In addition, Saint Louis University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for eligible students.
- Graduates will be able to analyze a problem, and to identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution. (ABET-1).
- Graduates will be able to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the discipline. (ABET-2).
- Graduates will be able to communicate effectively with a range of audiences about technical information. (ABET-3).
- Graduates will be able to make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles. (ABET-4).
- Graduates will be able to function effectively on teams to establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, manage risk, and produce deliverables. (ABET-5).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 39 | |
| Major Requirements | 33 | |
| Information Systems and Technology | ||
| Introduction to Programming | ||
| Discrete Methods and Models | ||
| Software Engineering | ||
| Principles of Object Oriented Programming | ||
| Workplace Ethics | ||
| Database Analysis and Design | ||
| Networking and Telecommunications I | ||
| Project Management Laboratory | ||
| Computer Information Systems Capstone Experience | ||
CIS Elective/Certification Options | ||
| Concentrations (Select one of the following) | 12 | |
| General Electives | 36 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Data Analytics Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CIS 3850 | Analytics and Modeling | 3 |
| CIS 4150 | Data Governance | 3 |
| CIS 4720 | Enterprise Application Development | 3 |
| CIS 4750 | Data Mining | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Healthcare Information Systems Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CIS 3850 | Analytics and Modeling | 3 |
| CIS 4150 | Data Governance | 3 |
| CIS 4400 | Information Systems in Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| CIS 4100 | Enterprise Architecture | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Information Security & Assurance Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CIS 4100 | Enterprise Architecture | 3 |
| CIS 4300 | The Fundamentals of Computer Forensics | 3 |
| CIS 4600 | Information Assurance and Security | 3 |
| CIS 4720 | Enterprise Application Development | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a minimum 2.00 GPA.
SPS Core Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and Technology | 9 | |
| Public Speaking in Org. Life | ||
| Writing & Research Methods | ||
| Business and Professional Writing | ||
| Critical Thinking and Problem Solving | 6 | |
| Discrete Methods and Models | ||
or CIS 2850 | Principles of Data Analysis | |
| Intro to Phil: Self & Reality | ||
or PHIL 1105 | Introduction to Philosophy: Critical Thinking | |
| Ethics, Values & Spirituality | 9 | |
| Theological Foundations | ||
| Ethics | ||
THEO/SPR | One additional THEO or SPR course | |
| Engaging the Human Experience | 15 | |
| Engaging the Human Experience | ||
Two Humanities courses | ||
| Approaching the Arts | ||
| Twentieth Century Art | ||
| Intro to Literary Study | ||
| Introduction to Short Fiction | ||
| American Literary Traditions to 1865 | ||
| American Literary Traditions: Special Topics | ||
| World Literary Traditions III | ||
| Selected Major British Authors | ||
| Literature of the African Diaspora | ||
| Writing Personal Narratives | ||
| Origins of the Modern World to 1500 | ||
| Origins of the Modern World, 1500 to Present | ||
| History of the United States Since 1865 | ||
| U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction: 1850-1877 | ||
| Contemporary America, 1945 - Present | ||
| The Saint Louis Region | ||
| Intro to Phil: Self & Reality | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy: Critical Thinking | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Science and Religion | ||
| Spirituality: Work & Vocation | ||
| Women, Religion & Spirituality | ||
| Spirituality and Psychology | ||
| Spirituality, Peace & Justice | ||
| Spirituality: Ethics and Leadership | ||
| American Christianity | ||
| Marriage & Christian Vocation | ||
| Studies in Non-Christian Religious Traditions | ||
| One Natural Science course | ||
| Introduction to Ecology and Evolution | ||
| Biology of Health and Disease | ||
| The Biology of Plants and Animals | ||
| Concepts in Ecology | ||
| One Social Science course | ||
| Introduction to American Politics | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Survey of Economics | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| One Diversity course | ||
| Workplace Ethics | ||
| Professional Communication Between Cultures | ||
| World Literary Traditions III | ||
| Literature of the African Diaspora | ||
| International Travel & Tourism | ||
| Interpersonal Relations in Org | ||
| Applied Personality | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Studies in Non-Christian Religious Traditions | ||
| Women, Religion & Spirituality | ||
| Total Credits | 39 | |
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Fall 1 | ||
| PST 1000 | Learning Strategies and Processes | 3 |
| ENGL 1505 | The Process of Composition | 3 |
| Fall 2 | ||
| CIS 1150 | Concepts & Applications of Technology | 3 |
| ENGL 2005 | Writing & Research Methods | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring 1 | ||
| CIS 1300 | Information Systems and Technology | 3 |
| CMMK 1210 | Public Speaking in Org. Life | 3 |
| Spring 2 | ||
| CIS 1600 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| ARTH 1005 | Approaching the Arts | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| HUM 1500 | Engaging the Human Experience | 3 |
| CIS 3150 | Workplace Ethics | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| Fall 1 | ||
| CIS 2700 | Discrete Methods and Models | 3 |
| PHIL 1055 | Intro to Phil: Self & Reality | 3 |
| Fall 2 | ||
| CIS 2850 | Principles of Data Analysis | 3 |
| PHIL 2055 | Ethics | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring 1 | ||
| CIS 3100 | Principles of Object Oriented Programming | 3 |
| THEO 1005 | Theological Foundations | 3 |
| Spring 2 | ||
| CIS 3100 | Principles of Object Oriented Programming | 3 |
| PSYK 1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| Science Elective | 3 | |
| ENGL 4005 | Business and Professional Writing | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| Fall 1 | ||
| CIS 3000 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Fall 2 | ||
| CIS 3300 | Database Analysis and Design | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring 1 | ||
| CIS Track | 3 | |
| SPR/THEO | 3 | |
| Spring 2 | ||
| CIS Track | 3 | |
| Humanities | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| General Elective | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| Fall 1 | ||
| CIS Track | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Fall 2 | ||
| PMGT 4030 | Project Management Laboratory | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring 1 | ||
| CIS Track | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Spring 2 | ||
| CIS 4960 | Computer Information Systems Capstone Experience | 3 |
| CIS Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| General Elective | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |