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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
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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.
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Class sizes range from 10 to 20 students in upper division
courses and no more than 30 in lower division courses.
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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.
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The department employs a full-time network administrator.
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A four-year graduation guarantee for eligible
CS/CIS majors.
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Job opportunities within the department including career-related
work in the computer labs.
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A student chapter of the Association for Computing
Machinery (ACM) through which students become involved with various issues in
the profession.
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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
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