Course Information
Click below for information on course requirements, course descriptions and the Academic Rhode Map, which lists all the courses you will need to complete this program and graduate in a timely fashion.
Computer Information Systems B.S.
If you are interested in computer technology and business, the B.S. in computer information systems is designed for you. You will complete a technical core of courses that include computer programming, networking, cybersecurity, database design and systems analysis. Your business core will consist of courses in accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing. Based on your interests and career goals, you will choose electives such as data analytics/visualization, hardware/software systems, mobile app development and Web design.
Graduates from our program are prepared for entry-level positions as computer support specialists, systems administrators, computer programmers, business/systems analysts, and Web developers. They are also prepared for graduate study in information systems and closely related disciplines.
We also offer a minor in computer information systems and a minor in data analytics. Data analytics is the set of skills needed to collect, manipulate, analyze and visualize data for decision-making across all aspects of an organization. This is a highly sought-after skill by businesses looking to capitalize on big data. RIC’s minor will teach you how to process and clean data; extract value from it; choose one or more potential models and algorithms; and present your final results. Courses in the minor include computer programming, math/statistics, data analytics and data visualizations.
Program Learning Goals
Upon the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Understand the roles of information systems in organizations and be able to use these systems for organizational process improvements.
- Develop information systems that achieve the goals of the organization, while identifying and evaluating sourcing alternatives.
- Understand and be able to address the information requirements of organizations, including data security and risk management.
- Understand the opportunities created by technology innovations and how these impact organizations.
- Understand the design and management of the enterprise architecture and infrastructure.
- Have a basic level of competency in programming, logic skills and computer literacy.
Writing in the Discipline
1. Why or in what ways is writing important to your discipline/field/profession?
IT professionals need to have the ability to communicate with many constituencies and in many forms as well as communicate to a variety of stakeholders in order to facilitate decision making and provide information. IT professionals describe technology, create executive summaries and prepare project reports. In short, writing is an essential skill in IT fields.
2. Which courses are designated as satisfying the Writing in the Discipline (WID) requirement by your department? Why these courses?
CIS 455 and CIS 462 are designated as Writing in the Discipline courses for the computer information systems major. These courses provide students the opportunity to analyze and describe technology, create executive summaries, develop modeling tools and prepare professional project reports.
3. What forms or genres of writing will students learn and practice in your department’s WID courses? Why these genres?
CIS majors learn the conventions of program and systems documentation and how to communicate facts, ideas and recommendations in systems analysis and design projects. These are necessary to communicate important information to stakeholders.
4. What kinds of teaching practices will students encounter in your department’s WID courses?
Computer information systems WID courses use team projects that allow students to work together and receive feedback on their writing during multiple phases throughout the semester. In addition, CIS 462 students use team meetings with the instructor to review the content of project reports, providing regular feedback to and from the instructor.
5. When they’ve satisfied your department’s WID requirement, what should students know and be able to do with writing?
Once they’ve completed their WID courses, CIS majors should be able to describe technology, create executive summaries, develop modeling tools and prepare professional project reports.
Minors in Computer Information Systems and Data Analytics
Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at RIC complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.