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The Computer Science and 
Information Systems Department

 

A Bachelor of Science degree may be earned in computer science or computer information systems.  The curriculum for each major is broad-based, rigorous and designed to prepare students for a future in challenging and dynamic professions.  In addition to course work in computer science and computer information systems, students complete studies in related areas such as accounting, management, mathematics, speech and technical report writing.  For more information on the curricula, see degrees offered for details.

What is the difference between the two majors?

The computer science major emphasizes the theory of computer science/programming technology and program design. Coursework prepares students to work in high technology industries. The computer information systems major is ideal for students planning a career in business or industry. The CIS major combines information systems coursework with business-related courses, preparing students to coordinate the application of information systems to business and industry.

Each major was the first of its kind to be offered in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The curricula is continually updated to stay current with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) curricula guidelines. Both computer science (3rd) and computer information systems (6th) are listed in the top 10 degrees in demand (bachelor's degree level) by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Research Job Outlook 2007.


Career Outlook

The latest employment projections show that five of the 12 fastest growing occupations through 2014 are in the computer industry. These occupations include network systems and data communications analysts, computer software engineers (both application and systems software), network and computer systems administrators, and database administrators. The demand for each of these occupations is expected to grow from 40 to over 50 percent. The salary for each computer-related occupation is listed in the highest salary range ($43,605 and over).  All of these careers require a bachelor's degree as opposed to a two-year degree.  Current information about the job growth, typical duties, salaries, and qualifications can be obtained from the following web sites.

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics sites:

    Computer Programmers

    Systems Analysts and Computer Scientists

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development:

    Computer Programmers and Systems Analysts

Program Benefits

  • Excellent internship opportunities exist in the Fargo-Moorhead area, including Microsoft Business Solutions. More than 25 percent of our graduates do an internship in their junior or senior year to prepare for the job market.

  • Class sizes range from 10 to 20 students in upper division courses and no more than 30 in lower division courses.

  • MSUM offers excellent computing facilities including the CSIS Department's two computer labs, a Windows-based lab and a Linux lab. An advanced technologies research facility for special projects is also available.

  • The department employs a full-time network administrator.

  • A four-year graduation guarantee for eligible CS/CIS majors.

  • Job opportunities within the department including career-related work in the computer labs.

  • A student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) through which students become involved with various issues in the profession.

  • Department scholarships awarded to qualifying CS/CIS majors.  Application deadline is in March.  For more information, contact the department chair, Dr. Brekke.

For more information, please contact us:

Computer Science and Information Systems Department,  telephone 218.477.2299,
FAX 218.477.2684.  The office is located in Bridges Hall 160.

Our department chair is Dr. Daniel Brekke, who is located in BR-160-G.  His e-mail is brekke@mnstate.edu


 


An Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer


For changes contact Jan Atchison