BS in Computer Information Systems

The computer information systems major prepares students for careers in the analysis, design, and implementation of information systems.

50 units

The BS in Computer Information Systems (CIS) program provides an integrated educational and practical foundation for students planning a career in the analysis, design, and implementation of information systems. Students are prepared for careers as systems analysts, application software developers, and information technology specialists. Students who have a strong interest in technology and its application, but are not primarily interested in the scientific and mathematical aspects of computer science, should find this program a good fit.

Computer information systems (CIS) is the study of the application of computer technology in organizations. It is founded on two major reference disciplines: computer science and information environment. CIS undergraduates must complete information environment coursework; CIS involves no coursework in engineering or scientific computing, and only introduction to statistics is required. APU’s CIS program emphasizes the application of computer technology to information systems.

Knowledge of network administration, telecommunication, operating systems, and database applications is emphasized in this major.

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems prepares students for advanced studies in fields such as computer information systems, computer engineering, computer security, and telecommunications.

The CIS program offers internship opportunities to prepare students for careers following graduation. Students gain hands-on experience at several local and national businesses and organizations, and these organizations regularly request APU students for internships and employment. Employment opportunities in the areas of system networking, database management, telecommunication, and web programming are in abundance.

Requirements

Academic advising is required each semester; consult with the department for each semester’s offerings, since they are not necessarily the same every semester.

Computer information systems students are required to have a laptop for classroom work.

Computer Information Systems Core Courses 1, 2
CS/ENGR 120Introduction to Computer Science I 34
CS/ENGR 125Introduction to Computer Science II4
CS/ENGR 160Discrete Structures3
CS 230Systems Programming and Operating Systems3
CS/ENGR 260Algorithms and Data Structures3
CS 290Database Management Systems 33
CS 315Fundamentals of Network Administration3
CS 325Telecommunications and Interfacing3
Select at least one of the following (if both are selected, one will count as an elective)3
Web Programming
Mobile App Development
Select one elective course (see list below)3
Computer Information Systems Environment Courses
CS 115Impact of Social Media 13
ENGR 101Introduction to Engineering and Computing 23
ENGR 110STEM as Vocation 43
WRIT 242Writing 2: Entrepreneurial Tech Start-ups 53
CS 491Computer Science Internship 63
Quantitative Analysis Course
MATH 130Introduction to Statistics 73
Total Units50

Computer Information Systems Elective Courses 

CS 242/ENGR 240Digital Logic Systems4
CS 360Computer Architecture and Organization3
CS 363Web Programming3
CS 370Compiler Construction3
CS 430Artificial Intelligence3
CS 432Machine Learning3
CS 435Advanced Database Application Programming3
CS 440Mobile App Development3
CS/ENGR 452Internet of Things3
CS 460Software Project3
CS 465Team Software Project1-3
CS 484Cyber Security3
CS 495Topics in Computer Science3
CS 496Writing 3: Ethics in Computing and Engineering 83
CS 497Readings1-4
CS 498Directed Research1-4
CS 499Thesis/Project1-4
ENGR 215Electrical Circuits and Systems4
ENGR 335Embedded Systems4
ENGR 340Digital Signal Processing3
ENGR 350Computer Networks3
1

The General Education Social Sciences course recommended by the Department of Engineering and Computer Science is CS 115.

2

The General Education Civic Knowledge and Engagement course recommended by the Department of Engineering and Computer Science is ENGR 101.

3

Meets 1 unit of the General Education Oral Communication requirement (taking CS 120, CS 290, and CS 480—or CS 120, ENGR 240, and ENGR 480—satisfies the General Education Oral Communication requirement).

4

Meets the General Education Intercultural Competence requirement.

5

Meets the General Education Writing 2 requirement.

6

Meets the General Education Integrative and Applied Learning requirement.

7

Meets the General Education Quantitative Literacy requirement.

8

Meets the General Education Writing 3 requirement.

Students should enroll in CS 120 in their first semester of attendance in the department. It is also imperative that students determine which math course they qualify for and enroll in that course during their first semester, continuing with all math courses until they have completed math requirements for the CIS program. If students do not know which math course they qualify for, they should contact the Academic Success Center at (626) 815-3849 to make an appointment for placement testing.

Contact the Student Services Center and/or the Academic Success Center for all General Education advising.