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Computer Information Systems (BSBA)

About

Students majoring or minoring in the Computer Information Systems (BSBA) degree at Appalachian State University gain valuable professional skills and capabilities, enabling them to pursue a wide variety of technology-related careers. The CIS major teaches students how to successfully interface between the technical and management aspects within companies.

Through coursework, projects and internships, students develop the knowledge to serve as the vital bridge between business areas and IT. They will learn to work with networks, databases, web sites and integrated systems. Graduates possess a strong command of the methodologies, tools and techniques to build successful information systems. This accredited program is housed in the Department of Computer Information Systems in the Walker College of Business.

After Graduation

Employment: Recent employers include:

Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
Blue Ridge Electric
Boeing
Cardinal Innovations
CGI
Cisco Systems
CITCO Fund Services
Comdyn Group
Connectmatic
Disney
Duke Energy
Eastman Chemical
EKG Marketing
Fidelity Investments
Fleetnet America
Genband
Google
Grant Thornton
IBM
Inmar
Lowe’s
NTT America
Orasi Software
Schaefer Systems International
Sonic Automotive
T-Metrics
Verian
Versa Technologies
Wells Fargo
Zynergy Technology

Graduate School: Some students choose to stay and complete Appalachian’s MBA degree in one additional year.

Career Exploration website

Courses

Minors

A minor is not required.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP): AITP allows students interested in Information Systems to get together for professional development and social purposes. AITP offers speakers on related topics, opportunities to meet and interact with professionals in the field (potential job contacts), and social gatherings with others of similar interests.

Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society: Membership in this group is the highest international recognition a student in business can receive in an undergraduate or master’s program at an AACSB accredited school.

Alpha Iota Mu campus chapter - an international honor society organized to recognize outstanding academic achievement in the field of information systems; open to CIS majors with a 3.4 or greater overall GPA who have taken at least one CIS core course.

Global Learning

CIS faculty have developed study abroad opportunities to countries such as Germany, Spain, China, Japan and Costa Rica to study computer information systems and observe the supply chain of commodities.

All business students fulfill an international requirement, and an increasing number choose to study abroad through a wide variety of exchange programs. The college maintains partnerships with universities across the globe and continues to expand groundbreaking opportunities in emerging markets.

Admission Requirements

Requirements for declaring a major within the Walker College of Business are detailed here.

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Degrees

Why Appalachian?

99% of this program’s graduates are employed and/or enrolled in continuing higher education programs within six months of graduation.
Projected growth for both Computer Information Systems careers is consistently growing (over 20% through 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), with entry level salaries among the highest of all business disciplines – averaging over $55,000 per year with median starting salaries of $60,000 excluding signing bonuses.
Appalachian is one of only five universities in North Carolina authorized to teach the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum, with access to Cisco routers, switches and other equipment.
Students can take IT Certification tests before they graduate, including Network+, Security+, CCNA, and CISSP.
International, study abroad trips are offered by our CIS faculty. Previous classes have visited Germany, Spain, China, Japan, Costa Rica and others.
Club competitions have taken students to the AITP National Collegiate Conference.

Location

On campus only

Careers

Expected starting salaries from $50,000 - $70,000. Career options include the following:

IT Project Managers
Systems Managers
Network Administrators
Network Analysts
Security Administrators
Website Developers
Systems Analysis & Design
Systems Architects
IT Auditor
Systems Developers
Program Analysts
Systems Analysts
Database & Analytical Modeling
Database Administrators
Business Analytics Specialist
Entrepreneurial Tech Leaders

View more career possibilities

Contacts

Walker College of Business

Department of Computer Information Systems

Dr. Scott Hunsinger
Interim Chair
hunsingerds@appstate.edu
828-262-2034

Department of Computer Information Systems
At Appalachian State University, computer information systems (CIS) students gain valuable professional skills and capabilities that prepare them for careers in a wide variety of technology-related industries. Students learn how to successfully interface between the technical and management aspects within organizations. Part of the Walker College of Business, the Department of Computer Information Systems offers one of 10 undergraduate business majors at Appalachian, all of which promote solid business acumen and technical fundamentals. Learn more at cis.appstate.edu.

Walker College of Business
Accredited and well ranked
- Accredited by AACSB International – the premier global accrediting body for schools of business – since 1976. It is among only one-third of U.S. business schools and 15 percent of business programs worldwide that hold this accreditation.
- Consistently named one of “The Best Business Schools” by The Princeton Review.
Global Emphasis
- An international requirement of all business majors, which can include study abroad in traditional and emerging markets.
- Opportunities to participate in a variety of short-term international programs in locations throughout the world which are open to all business majors and designed to develop international business skills and intercultural knowledge – including the Holland Fellows Program for Business Study in Asia, which provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for selected students to collaborate with students from Fudan University in Shanghai, China.
- The annual Global Opportunities Conference each spring, which highlights innovative and entrepreneurial ways of addressing global challenges.
Highlighting Sustainability
- Leaders in creating a world where environmental, societal and economic qualities exist in balance to meet the resource needs of today and of future generations.
Outstanding Academics
- Small classes and easy access to faculty, who are focused on teaching and learning and engaged in research.
- An emphasis on practical experience and interaction with professionals through the Boyles Lecture Series, McLeod Entrepreneur Summit, Global Opportunities Conference, Business for Good conference and other annual events.
- Accelerated Admission for select MBA programs
Student Support Services
- Student Support Services that include academic advising, scholarships, the BB&T Student Leadership Center, which provides opportunities for business students to build job and life skills through professional and leadership development training, and the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship, which aims to help students and recent alumni launch successful businesses and enhance Western North Carolina’s economy.