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Computer Information Systems



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Major Related
Resources

Kelley School of Business
Busines 254
Phone: 812-855-8100

Department of Information Systems
Business 576
Phone: 812-855-3704

Career Related
Resources

Business Undergraduate
Career Services

Business P100
Phone: 812-855-5317

IUB Libraries Career Resources
Computer & Technology Careers
Consulting Careers
10th Street & Jordan Avenue
Phone: 812-855-0100



Description of Major

Computer Information Systems (CIS) is a rapidly growing concentration within the undergraduate program of the School of Business. The CIS program is designed for students who wish to begin their careers in the broadly defined information systems field. The CIS program of study includes eight courses (24 credit hours) covering computer programming and the technical aspects of computing as well as the development of application systems and the management of information technology.

Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of Study

Computer programming skills, as well as the ability to use a wide variety of packaged computer software; knowledge of the applications software development process; awareness of significant trends in the computing field; ability to learn about devel opments in this rapidly changing and dynamic field.

Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this Major

For a more technical focus, a minor in computer science is suggested. More common, however, is for the student to take a second concentration in the School of Business, such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, or business process management.

Career Options

Careers Specific to the Bachelor's Degree

Most entry-level jobs in the CIS field are as systems analysts, systems consultants, or programmer/analysts. In most cases, CIS graduates are involved with developing and implementing new and modified information systems to accomplish business functions.

Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's Degree

CIS graduates are well positioned to pursue a general management career rather than an information systems-specific career, if they so choose.

Careers that Normally Require a Graduate Degree

If CIS graduates want to move into management of a corporate information systems group, or wishes to concentrate on strategic management consulting rather than information systems consulting, they may wish to pursue a master of business administrati on (M.B.A.) degree after working for a few years. If the technical side of computing is more attractive, they may wish to pursue an appropriate technical master’s degree, such as an M.S. in information systems or an M.S. in computer science.

Employment Opportunities

Job Outlook

The job outlook for CIS graduates continues to be very positive. The demand for CIS graduates has increased each year over the past few years, and it appears that this trend will continue for the next several years.

Salary Information

As of April 1999, Business Undergraduate Career Services reported that the median starting salary for 1999-00 Indiana University CIS graduates is $45,000 per year — the highest median starting salary in the School of Business by a significant margin.

Potential Career Growth

Careers in information systems may take a variety of paths. Some CIS graduates concentrate on technical topics, and they become very highly paid technical specialists. Others move into management of the information systems function, or into general management of a firm. As consultants, CIS graduates tend to gain more responsibility over time, and many eventually become principals or partners in their firms.

Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this Major

Virtually all CIS graduates receive appropriate professional placement. Recently, CIS students registered with Business Undergraduate Career Services received an average of more than 1.8 offers per person. This ratio is the highest reported for the School of Business.

High School Preparation

In addition to meeting the regular admission requirements to Indiana University, students interested in this major should have a strong background in writing, speaking, and math. Preferably, students should have completed four or five years of college preparatory math, as our majors generally take calculus in their freshman year. Experience with computers and various business software programs is also helpful.

Special Opportunities

The Kelley School of Business is consistently ranked as one of the top business schools in the country. Its graduates are current or recent presidents, CEOs, CFOs, and board chairs of a number of major corporations, including Andersen Consulting, General Electric Company, Hewitt Associates LLC, Ernst & Young LLP/Consulting, Eli Lilly and Company, Deloitte Consulting/Systems, Summit Group, Inc., and more. The Kelley School of Business has its own career services office whose staff helps each student develop a career plan and a placement program. The nationally recognized Business Undergraduate Career Services annually hosts more than 450 major corporations and hundreds of smaller companies. Each year between 18,000 and 23,000 students interview with representatives of employers such as Ernst and Young, Kimberly Clark, Andersen Consulting, and Eli Lilly. Outstanding students can choose to enter the Kelley School of Business honors program after completing 26 semester hours of course work with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale). The program stresses independent study and accelerated progress. Special seminars and supplemental activities complement the honors curriculum. IU business students may gain valuable experience while working full time for one semester in a corporation or organization that interests them. The internship program, in cooperation with business and industry, gives qualified students on-the-job training in their area of interest. Internships are generally completed in the junior or senior year. The Kelley School of Business also offers co-op opportunities. Co-op students alternate on campus studies with two or three periods of full time, paid employment, each lasting six months. Students generally complete all the co-op work and academic courses for their degree within five years of beginning college. Part of the Undergraduate Business Program is the international dimension requirement. One way of fulfilling this requirement is through overseas study. IU business majors can take part in semester long business oriented programs in the Netherlands, Hong Kong, France, Finland, or Mexico. In addition, internships in Germany are available each semester for students who speak German. A dual degree program is also available through IU and a German institution. The overseas study programs are an ideal way to learn about a country’s culture and its business environment. Beyond the basic arts and sciences courses, students may choose a field specialization involving extra study in an area outside of business. The specializations are available in five areas: environmental studies, international studies, communications, not for profit organizations, and science and technology. Having a specialization lets student enhance the Kelley School of Business degree with an array of courses from other nationally known IU academic units. The Kelley School of Business offers more than two-dozen organizations for business students to participate in while attending IU. These give students a chance to develop leadership skills, learn about careers, and serve the community. Some organizations are national honoraries; some are career-oriented clubs; others are based on special interests and experiences.

Noted Alumni

Not Available
Majors and Careers Series Spring 2000

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