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CIS Students -- Frequently Asked Questions
 
   
 
CIS Student Question About:
Getting started here at Mt. SAC Computer Information Systems  
Classes, in general CIS Degrees  
Degrees, in general CIS Certificates  
Financial Aid Careers in CIS / IT  

Frequently Asked Questions about Computer Information Systems:


(Click on the question to reveal the answer.  Click again to close the answer window.)
arrow What is Information Systems?
Computer Information Systems (CIS) is the use of computers and information to enable people and organizations to be more creative and productive.   Studying Computer Information Systems involves learning to:
  • -- identify the needs of an individual or organization
  • -- design and develop systems to meet those requirements, and
  • -- deploy these systems to solve real-world problems
These solutions can involve applying the latest technology to improve the delivery of products and services, while insuring that the systems are secure.

CIS students establish a robust foundation that prepares them to pursue either a business career with a strong understanding of how technology (leading edge and contemporary) facilitates achieving business objectives or a technology career with a strong understanding of how business objectives drive information systems toward achieving business goals.
arrow What is the difference between Computer Information Systems and Computer Science?
Computer Information Systems is distinguished from computer science (which is a program in the Mathematics Department) in that it is more business-focused.   Computer scientists focus more on computer hardware, computer languages, and specialized systems software.
arrow Why study Computer Information Systems?
Here are just a few reasons why it is a wise decision to consider studying Computer Information Systems:
  • -- CIS majors will hold the 3 of the top 8 growth jobs over the next 8 years
    (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
  • -- CIS majors will enter careers with strong salaries.
  • -- CIS majors are an integral part of an environment lead by an internationally recognized CIS department that maintains strong relationships with the business community
  • -- CIS majors have leading edge tools and techniques in their grasp
    (MSDNAA, Rational Suite Enterprise, IBM products, and Oracle).
  • -- And the best reason of all: it is an exciting and challenging industry!
arrow What if my major is not CIS?
Even if you are studying a different major, a background in Information Systems can be very beneficial to your career:
  • If you are a biology major, bioinformatics is a hot new area that combines molecular biology with computer information systems.  This is an exciting area in which computer information technology is being used to develop new drugs to treat, cure and prevent human disease.
  • If you are a communications major, digital media and related technologies are revolutionizing print, video, and web-based communications.
  • If you are majoring in music or art & design, computer information systems are opening up new avenues of expression and have become essential tools for design
  • If you are majoring in political science, information systems are important tools for conducting public opinion polls, electronic voting, and providing access to information and services (i.e., e-government).
  • If you are an education major, a basic knowledge of information systems is essential for teaching computer literacy in the classroom and for delivery of instructional materials
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