About CIS

About the Program

For over twenty-five years the undergraduate Computer Information Systems (CIS) program at James Madison University has successfully prepared young people for careers in IT management. CIS graduates are thriving in senior and mid-level management positions built on a foundation of solid technical skills, integrative business knowledge, and a professional network of loyal JMU alumni.

CIS is concerned with the information that computer systems can provide to aid a company, non-profit or governmental organization in defining and achieving its goals. It is also concerned with the processes that an enterprise can implement and improve using information technology. CIS professionals must understand both technical and organizational factors, and must be able to help an organization determine how information and technology-enabled business processes can provide a foundation for superior organizational performance. They serve as a bridge between the technical and management communities within an organization.

ABET The Computer Information Sytems (CIS) curriculum is designed to prepare business students for careers as information systems professionals. The program of study focuses on the development and management of information systems in a business environment. Students develop the technical skills and organizational insights required to analyze, design, implement, and administer information systems. CIS courses require extensive hands-on projects, teamwork, and the use of high-end computer technology. The bachelor's degree program in Computer Information Systems is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

To learn more about the CIS program, please view the student guide for the BBA in CIS (.pdf).

The Computer Information Sytems program at James Madison Unvieristy has been accredited by ABET.

Why is the fact that the CIS program is accredited important to you as a student in the program?

Mission

The mission of the computer information systems program is to prepare students for careers designing, managing and re-engineering information systems in corporations and public agencies. The curriculum includes coursework in five broad areas to support that mission: information systems (IS) fundamentals, IS theory and practice, information technology, IS development, and IS deployment and management processes. In addition to stressing problem solving skills, the content of major courses is also designed to strengthen the students' written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills that are critical to success in the information systems field. Knowledge of, and adherence to, professional standards of conduct are stressed throughout the program.

Faculty members participate in a wide variety of professional development and scholarly activities in their efforts to provide continuing high-quality education in the dynamic fields of computer information systems and operations management. The faculty, through significant service activities, also seeks to enhance the information systems and operations management professions, the academic community at large, and James Madison University.

Goals

To prepare students to apply information systems solutions to business problems and opportunities.
To enable students to select and utilize appropriate systems development methodologies.
To teach students to use a variety of tools and techniques to analyze, design and construct an information system.
To develop students' abilities to assess the organizational and societal impacts of information systems.