Computer Information Systems, B.S.
Prepare for a future with innovative, diverse, technology-based organizations in the ever-changing field of computer science and IT. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems offered through Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies, provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to be competitive in today's market. By taking only two extra courses, you can add a certificate with an emphasis in data analytics or cybersecurity, providing you with expertise that is in demand in modern organizations.
As part of the School for Professional Studies, this 120-credit degree program offers you a flexible option to meet your personal career goals. With six start terms each year available through SLU online, you can begin working toward your degree at any time. All courses are offered entirely online in 8-week terms, making advanced education more accessible for working professionals.
Careers
A computer information systems degree 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.
Students in the data analytics concentration may pursue a 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.
Students in the cybersecurity concentration may pursue a career as a cybersecurity 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 (exceptions may be made)
- Work Experience: At least three years or the equivalent
- Education: High school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250
- Interview: Successful completion of a meeting with an academic coach (this can be done over the phone or on campus)
- Grade Point Average: Minimum transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance)
- Transcript: An official transcripts from the most recent institution attended
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 | 36 | |
| Information Systems and Technology | ||
| Introduction to Programming | ||
| Data-Driven Decision Making | ||
| Discrete Methods and Models | ||
| System Analysis and Design | ||
| Workplace Ethics | ||
| Cybersecurity Principles | ||
| Database Analysis and Design | ||
| Analytics and Visualizations | ||
| Technology Strategy and Decision Making | ||
| Advanced Database Systems | ||
| Computer Information Systems Capstone Experience | ||
| CIS Elective/Certification Options | 0-12 | |
| General Electives | 33-45 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Additional Courses Needed for Data Analytics Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 6 | |
| Survey of Machine Learning | ||
| Data Mining | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Additional Courses Needed for Cybersecurity Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 6 | |
| The Fundamentals of Computer Forensics | ||
| Cyber Threats and Defense | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
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: Special Topics | ||
| Origins of the Modern World to 1500 | ||
| Origins of the Modern World, 1500 to Present | ||
| U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction: 1850-1877 | ||
| The Saint Louis Region | ||
| Intro to Phil: Self & Reality | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy: Critical Thinking | ||
| Science and Religion | ||
| Spirituality: Work & Vocation | ||
| Spirituality, Peace & Justice | ||
| American Christianity | ||
| 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 | ||
| Interpersonal Relations in Org | ||
| Applied Personality | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| 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 | System Analysis and Design | 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 | |