Bachelor of Science Computer Information Systems

SAC’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems degree program is designed to prepare you for a career in the rapidly changing Information Technology (IT) field, this computer information systems degree can be online or in person with a flexible bilingual education in CIS for students who work full time. St. Augustine College’s computer information systems major on a foundation of mathematics (discrete structures), communications (technical writing), and strong computer programming classes, you can choose from one of the following three areas of concentration:

  1. Web-based applications: Learn how to design, implement, and manage systems on the web, and get the skills required to become a web developer.
  2. Database management: Learn how to design, implement, and manage systems for database systems at nonprofit or for-profit organizations, following the in-demand career path of a data scientist.
  3. Network systems administration: Learn how to build, install, troubleshoot, and administer local area networks from the foundation up.

As a college program that can work for nontraditional students, you will also work on a senior capstone project that allows you to use and apply your learned skills to solve a computer-information-systems problem in a real-world situation. The capstone project is crucial to receiving an information systems degree and gives you a strong resume to help to apply to software developer jobs. Graduates leave our program with the professional skills needed for tech jobs to work independently and/or collaboratively with diverse populations of staff, supervisors, and customers.

CIS vs. Computer Science: What’s the Difference? 

While both degrees focus on technology, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS) offers a more applied, business-oriented path than a traditional computer science degree. Students in a CIS bachelor’s degree program learn how to solve real-world problems by combining programming, systems analysis, and IT management skills, often with a focus on how technology supports organizations and decision making. In contrast, computer science leans more heavily into advanced mathematics, algorithms, and theory behind software and computing systems. For example, a bachelor’s degree in CIS will cover key topics such as databases, networks, and CIS programming, but it also teaches how to align technology solutions with business goals. That’s why graduates with a bachelor’s in computer information systems often step into roles like systems analyst, IT manager, or BI specialist, positions where both technical know-how and communication skills are essential. If you enjoy working with technology and want to make an impact within real companies, a BS in Information Systems may be a better fit than a purely theoretical route. At St. Augustine College, our CIS program is built to equip you with the practical skills employers are looking for, whether you’re entering the field for the first time or are looking to advance your career. 

Where Can You Work with a Bachelor of Science in CIS?

A Bachelor of Science in computer information systems prepares you for roles across nearly every industry. Here are five types of employers that actively seek professionals with this degree: 

Healthcare Systems 

From electronic records to data privacy, hospitals and health networks rely on CIS professionals to keep patient data secure and systems running smoothly. 

Financial Institutions 

Banks and financial firms need experts to manage secure data systems, build transaction platforms, and protect against cyber threats. 

Government Agencies 

Federal, state, and local government offices use information systems for everything from data tracking to digital services for citizens. 

Tech Companies 

Software companies, cloud service providers, and startups often hire CIS grads to build, manage, and improve digital products and platforms. 

Educational Institutions 

Schools and universities use custom tech solutions to support online learning. Manage data and streamline campus operations.

Careers You Can Pursue with a Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems

Earning a CIS bachelor’s degree opens the door to a wide range of growing career opportunities in tech and business. Whether your passion is solving problems, writing code, or managing data systems, the right role is out there and in demand. Here are six common jobs that graduates with a bachelor’s in computer information systems are well-qualified for: 

Systems Analyst 

Systems analysts assess how organizations use technology and recommend improvements to boost performance and efficiency. They often act as a bridge between business needs and IT solutions. 

Database Administrator 

This role involves organizing, securing, and maintaining databases to ensure data is available, accurate, and accessible. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys working with structured information. 

Software Developer

Developers design, build, and test applications and systems. A strong foundation in CIS programming makes this a natural fit for graduates who love to create functional, user-friendly software. 

Network Administrator

Network administrators manage an organization’s local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and other data communication systems. They play a key role in maintaining secure and reliable connectivity. 

IT Project Manager

This position oversees technology projects from start to finish, ensuring that goals, timelines, and budgets are met. It combines tech knowledge with leadership and communication skills. 

Business Intelligence Analyst 

BI analysts turn raw data into actionable insights to help organizations make strategic decisions. A BS in computer information systems gives you the technical and analytical background needed to excel in this role. 

Why St. Augustine College:

  • The learning environment and campus life is community-oriented
  • Small class sizes where students know each other by name helps create a community
  • Earn college credits towards an associate’s computer science degree or a bachelor’s degree in IT
  • Prepare quickly for an entry-level position in the IT field
  • Friendly qualified and knowledgeable faculty
  • Dedicated student support service that will help the students go through the Computer Information Systems program
  • Concentration courses in computer science are hands-on to gain real-world experience to boost your resume with skills needed for tech jobs 
  • Hy-Flex teaching modality (students choose how they want to take their classes on campus or online)

Financial Aid is available if you qualify

Bachelor of Science

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B.S. Computer Information Systems Course List

List of Classes and Credit Hours for BS Computer Information Systems
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (BS) Academic RequirementsCREDIT HOURS
CIS Major Requirements56 HRS
Required Courses36
CIS 110 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming(4)
CIS 130 Computer systems Hardware(4)
CIS 210 Object-Oriented Programming(4)
*CIS 240 Database Management Concepts(4)
*CIS 300 Management Information Systems(4)
CIS 303 Discrete Structure(4)
*CIS 315 Technical Writing for CIS(4)
*CIS 325 Data Structures (Using C++)(4)
*CIS 460 Senior Project(4)
Concentration #1
Database Systems Management(4)
*CIS 220 Client-Side Web Development(4)
*CIS 310 Database Security Management(4)
*CIS 320 Server-Side Web Development(4)
*CIS 340 Database Management(4)
*CIS 440 Topics in Advanced Databases(4)
Concentration #2
Network Systems Administrator20 HRS
CIS 216 Operating Systems(4)
CIS 217 Computer Networks(4)
*CIS 328 Network Systems Security(4)
*CIS 360 Advanced Topics in Networks(4)
*CIS 370 Network Management(4)
Concentration #3
Web-based applications20 HRS
*CIS 220 Client-Side Web Development(4)
*CIS 312 Advanced Applications Programming(4)
With Visual Basic
*CIS 320 Server-Side Web Development(4)
*CIS 328 Network Systems Security(4)
*CIS 400 Ecommerce(4)
General Education Requirements40 HRS
ENG 160 Composition I(4)
ENG 162 Composition II(4)
ENG 165 Speech(4)
MAT 225 Statistics(4)
PHY 103 Earth Science OR(4)
BIO 102 Introduction to Human Biology
HUM 202 Humanities I OR(4)
ENG 203 American Culture and Literature OR
PHI 200 Introduction to Philosophy OR
PHI 220 Ethics
SPA 222 The Hispanic-American Experience
Through Literature OR
HUM 202 Humanities I(4)
HUM 204 Music Appreciation OR(4)
HUM 205 History and Appreciation of Art
HIS 104 Survey of U.S. History to 1865 OR(4)
HIS 105 Survey of U.S. History 1865 to Present OR
PSC 103 American Government and Politics
PSY 101 General Psychology OR(4)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
Elective Credits24 HRS
Total Credit Hours Required120 HRS

Computer Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree Program FAQ:

How long is the Computer Information Systems Program?

This is a typical 4-year program, compiled of 120 total credit hours that can be taken at your leisure.

Can I get my BS in Computer Information Systems degree online?

Yes! The Computer Information Systems degree program is offered both online and in person. Our online model is a real-time livestream of the courses, so students have the flexibility to learn completely online, in-person, or a combination of both. This online computer science program features the same courses as the in-person classes.

What is the career outlook for BS in Computer Information Systems graduates?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, on its Economic News website, projects that Computer Systems Design and related Services will be the fifth highest out of 19 industries that will have significant job growth between 2014 and 2024, adding over 408,000 new jobs during those years. In today’s workplace, there is almost no industry that can operate without computer technicians to support their systems. Demand is high for well-trained computer network and application specialists, and receiving a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in computer information systems can boost your resume with the skills needed for tech jobs.

How much can you make with a computer information systems degree?

On average, a computer information systems major can earn a salary of 68,855, or about 33$ an hour. The computer information systems salary at some companies, such as Google or Microsoft, goes as high as 120,000$ offering a competitive salary in the computer information systems job market.

What careers can you go into with a degree in computer information systems?

Applying practical knowledge in the world of technology opens a lot of doors for SAC graduates. Someone who was either an in-person or online computer information systems degree can qualify to work in cyber security, data programming, and systems analysis. These positions are crucial at every workplace that holds a computer, from marketing to finances or nonprofits.

What programming languages will I learn in the CIS bachelor’s degree program?

Students typically gain hands-on experience with foundational languages like Python, SQL, and JavaScript, as well as exposure to systems used in enterprise environments. These skills support careers in CIS programming, database management, and web development.

Is this CIS bachelor's degree suitable if I want to move into cybersecurity or data analytics later?

Yes, a bachelor of science in computer information systems builds a versatile foundation in networking, databases, and information systems that can lead to more specialized certifications or graduate study in cybersecurity, data analytics, or even business intelligence.

Can I earn credit for previous IT work or certifications?

St. Augustine College evaluates prior learning and professional experience, including certifications like CompTIA or Microsoft credentials. Depending on your background, you may be able to receive transfer credit, which can help shorten the path to your BS in computer information systems.

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