Computer Information Systems

DID YOU KNOW?

2013--A new salary survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that engineering majors dominate the list of college degrees that pay the highest salaries to new college graduates. Of the ten majors with the highest starting salaries, six are in some branch of engineering, including computer engineering. The no. 3 highest-paying major is computer science, at $64,400.

Global Top Speaker--Dr. Hubert Zitt (http://www.global-top-speakers.com/speaker/dr-hubert-zitt) spoke in October on the technology of Star Trek--Dr. Zitt is an electrical/computer engineering professor from our sister university in Zweibrucken, Germany. He topic was how the past science fiction of Star Trek has become the reality of today and tomorrow.

We don't need to "get a life" at UIW---we actually have two! See what is going on at Second Life: Another Incarnate Word Outpost - University of the Incarnate Word

What is Computer Information Systems?

The Computer Information Systems (CIS) program at the University of the Incarnate Word explores both the technical and social aspects of using computers as tools to conduct personal and organizational activities, to make decisions, and to achieve goals.

Computer information systems are studied as integrated systems of hardware, software, the networked environment, and the human user.

How is CIS different from other programs? 

Computer Information Systems is:

• More concerned with how computers are used than Computer Science;
• More technical and more interested in other than business use than Management or Business Information Systems; and
• More theoretical than Information Technology.

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  (AITP Student Chapter, above)

What will I be able to do with a degree in CIS?

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in CIS at UIW, will be able:

• To plan, design, build, and explain the operations of computer systems and networks to members of a wide range of organizations;
• To install, configure, program, protect, administer, and apply operating systems and software applications; and
• To aid organizations in decision-making so their goals are achieved more effectively and efficiently.

In addition to learning about computer information systems and how they are used, students gain important “soft skills”. This skill-set includes team-working, decision-making, visual modeling, project management, non-technical communication, and an understanding of business processes.

How did CIS develop its program?

The CIS program at UIW is specifically designed to provide a broad base of theoretical and experiential knowledge and skills. We sought guidance and input from professional organizations and regional business to determine what knowledge and skills they required of IT graduates.  Then, we listened and created course offerings that reflected those needs.

Just as business needs change, so does our program. Course offerings are continually upgraded and updated to include new technologies and demonstrate how computer information systems are or will soon be used throughout the world today.

Career Opportunities

The opportunities are endless! 

What organizations do not use computers today?  Who is not affected by computer technology?  What business or organization does not need someone who is comfortable with computer hardware, software and networking?  Who does not want to work with someone who can aid in the success of a business by managing projects, writing and speaking about technology to various publics, and who knows enough about business to be able to apply computer technology effectively?

 The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports, “Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow 17 percent over the 2008-18 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. New applications of technology in the workplace will continue to drive demand for workers, fueling the need for more managers.  To remain competitive, firms will continue to install sophisticated computer networks and set up more complex intranets and websites. They will need to adopt the most efficient software and systems and troubleshoot problems when they occur. Computer and information systems managers will be needed to oversee these functions.” 

 

Program Coordinator Office: JB103 (Inside JB 104) Phone: 210-268-8188 youngblo@uiwtx.edu SL: Vic Michalak LinkedIn/Facebook