School of Business & Technology · Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems
Build the systems that keep organizations running.
Like solving problems with technology? MVU’s computer information systems major teaches you to design, program, and manage business software and databases, with a foundation in accounting, management, and statistics.
120
credit hours to graduate
57
credit hours in the major
On campus
in Marshall, Missouri
4 years
at a full-time pace
Why CIS at MVU
Technology with a business focus
Learn to build software and databases, and to understand the businesses that use them.
Programming
Write programs using structured and object-oriented techniques, from basic programming through Programming II.
Systems and databases
Design systems, model them, and build databases that meet real user needs.
Business know-how
Add accounting, management, marketing, and statistics so your systems fit how organizations work.
Is this program for me?
This program may be a great fit if you want to…
- Build software and databases.
- Connect technology and business.
- Work in IT, development, or systems analysis.
- Keep learning as technology changes.
What will I learn to do?
Skills you’ll practice and grow
- Write reliable programs with testing and error handling.
- Use procedural and object-oriented programming.
- Model a system before building it, using tools like UML and data flow diagrams.
- Use the system development life cycle to plan and design programs.
- Design and normalize databases.
- Apply business, statistics, and accounting to computer systems.
How the degree works
How your 120 credit hours add up
Here’s how the degree is built. Your advisor helps you choose courses each term.
01
General education core
At least 42 credit hours across writing, speaking, math, science, social science, and the humanities.
02
Computing and business courses
57 credit hours: programming, systems design, databases, web design, two upper-level electives, and business courses.
03
Electives or a minor
Use the rest of your 120 hours for electives, a minor, or even a second major.
Explore the curriculum
What you’ll study
Here are the courses in the major. Your advisor helps you plan the order.
Computer science courses
- CPSC 100 Introduction to Computers
- CPSC 120 Basic Programming
- CPSC 170 Programming I
- CPSC 250 Systems Analysis and Design
- CPSC 270 Programming II
- CPSC 305 Website Design
- CPSC 320 Data Communications
- CPSC 370 Structured System Design
- CPSC 380 Database Management
- CPSC 410 or CPSC 450 Applied Software Development Project, or Internet Programming
- Two CPSC electives (6 credit hours) at the 300 level or above, such as Information Security, Artificial Intelligence, Networking, or Project Management
Business and math courses
- ACCT 210 Financial Accounting
- ACCT 220 Managerial Accounting
- BNSS 212 Principles of Management
- BNSS 232 Principles of Marketing
- BNSS 302 or MATH 200 Statistics
- BNSS 412 or ENGL 327 Administrative Communications or Technical and Professional Writing
- MATH 185 or MATH 190 Calculus for Business and Social Sciences, or Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
General education core (at least 42 credit hours)
- Social and behavioral science (9 hours) from at least two subjects, including one constitution course: HIST 104, HIST 105, or POLS 100
- Written communication (6 hours): ENGL 130 Rhetoric and Composition, plus ENGL 160 or HONR 190
- Oral communication (3 hours), such as COMM 100 Public Speaking & Introduction to Communication
- Natural science: 7 hours from at least two subjects, including a lab (BS); 3 hours (BA and BFA)
- Mathematics (3 hours)
- Humanities and fine arts: 9 hours (BS) or 12 hours (BA and BFA) from at least three subjects, covering the arts and creativity, ethics, and culture and society
- Additional general education from any area, to reach at least 42 hours
- Plus one Writing Intensive (WI) course and one Service Learning (SL) course, which can overlap with other requirements
Graduation requirements
- Complete at least 120 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Earn a major GPA of 2.0 or higher, with no grade below C and no pass/fail grades in the major.
- Complete at least 36 credit hours of upper-division (300- and 400-level) courses.
- Complete your last 30 credit hours, and at least 12 hours of your major, at MVU.
- Complete the major assessment requirement.
- Apply for graduation and pay the $100 graduation fee.
Getting started
Three steps to begin
Applying to MVU is free, and most students finish the application in a few minutes.
02
Send your transcripts
Send your high school transcript, plus official transcripts from any college or dual credit courses. Transferring? See the transfer steps.
03
Plan how you’ll pay
Explore scholarships, grants, and loans on Tuition & Financial Aid, or request information for current tuition.
How is CIS different from computer science?
Both teach programming. Computer information systems adds databases, systems design, and business courses. Computer science goes deeper into math, algorithms, and how computers work.
Can I add a minor or a second major?
Yes. A minor is optional and appears on your transcript; it must be in a different subject than your major. You can also double major by completing all the requirements for both majors. You’ll receive one diploma.
What do I need to graduate?
- At least 120 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- A C or higher in every major course.
- At least 36 upper-division credit hours.
- Your last 30 credit hours at MVU.
- An application for graduation and the $100 graduation fee.
Talk with the Dean
Have questions about courses, electives, or how to plan your degree? Reach out. We’re happy to talk through your goals.
Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems
