B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems: What It Is and How It Can Advance Your Career
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems is an undergraduate degree program. This program provides students with a broad-based education in technical computing and the application of computer systems and technology within business. The Computer Science and Information Systems degree differs from the Computer Science degree in that it is more business-integrated and provides students with a broad-based education rather than specializing them in a single area of study. Several universities offer a B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems, including National Louis University. National Louis University offers a B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems through its Undergraduate College.
What Is a B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems?
Computer Science and Information Systems programs give students a broad base of knowledge and skills for using computer systems to work in a number of fields and in a variety of ways. A student can gain a broad base of knowledge and then specialize in a subfield, but in the end, the program gives students a broad view of the field of Computer Science. In many programs, students can concentrate in areas such as software applications, database management, and web applications.
The B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems program requires 180 quarter hours of study. Of these, 60 are devoted to general education coursework. The student majoring in Computer Science and Information Systems must receive a grade of “C” or better in all major courses. Students choose a concentration. In addition to major requirements, students can elect to complete a minor. Industry-recognized certifications may be included in the major requirements, and the student becomes eligible to sit for industry certification exams while completing program requirements. An advisory board of industry professionals, including major technology companies, is used to help develop program requirements and enhance program outcomes.
Why Pursue a B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems?
Technology jobs are among the most in-demand, highest-paying jobs that don’t require an advanced degree. Because there are so many different types of roles within technology, there’s something to fit the interests and skills of just about anyone. While some students are interested in highly technical, coding-related roles, others are more interested in “behind the scenes” roles, such as network infrastructure or data analysis. The CSIS program provides the students with a broad technical base while exposing them to how technology is used within organizations.
Concentrations can typically be chosen early in a student’s career and focus on developing key technical skills that are currently in demand in the market. For example, the focus could be on: AI and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Analytics, App and Software Development, Data Analytics, Data Mining, Information Systems, Networking, Systems Development, Web Development, and Database Management. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it highlights how early in a student’s degree they can specialize.
A business-integrated computing degree will typically be more easily transferable to a prior non-technical experience (e.g., business, health care, operations) than a purely theoretical computer science degree, since the student will have the ability to draw on prior knowledge and experience in relating how technical systems can support and enhance existing operations and processes.
Key Questions About This Degree
Do I need prior coding experience to enroll?
No prior coding experience is needed to enter a Computer Science and Information Systems program. Programs in this field typically teach students to program from the start. However, students with prior coding experience may recognize the material in introductory programming classes more quickly.
How do I choose a concentration?
For Information Systems concentrations, students can choose the major that best fits their career goals. For example, a major in Analytics would be best for someone wanting to work in data analysis, while a major in App and Software Development would be best for someone who wants to develop software. A major in Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity would be best for someone who wants to work in protecting systems from threats. Information Systems concentrations can help students find their fit within the Information Systems major.
What certifications can this degree help prepare me for?
Most computer science and information systems programs, including NLU’s, include preparation for industry-recognized certifications in their curricula, offered by organizations that specialize in IT training and certification. For example, students in our App and Software Development concentration learn enough Python to qualify for the Python Programmer certification offered by the Python Institute. Also, students in our Networking concentration learn enough about Linux and Networking to qualify for the LPI Level 1, 2, and 3 certifications offered by the Linux Professional Institute. Our students who are interested in working in the IT industry with Cisco products learn enough about Cisco’s products and technologies to qualify to take Cisco’s entry-level certification offered by Cisco Systems, Inc. Our students in our Database Systems concentration learn enough about database systems to qualify to take Oracle’s entry-level certification offered by Oracle Systems, Inc.
How is this different from a pure computer science degree?
The Computer Science (CS) degree is typically highly theoretical and is meant to prepare students to become software engineers. While CS and CIS are both computer science degrees, CIS is typically an applied degree that focuses on how technology systems are used within organizations. For this reason, CIS is generally a better fit for students seeking a business-focused technology degree rather than a purely software-development-oriented one.
Career Outcomes
Graduates who earn a B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems can expect to find employment as software developers, systems analysts, network administrators, database administrators, and in a variety of other information technology-related jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and Information Technology Occupations are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Within this broad occupational category, those related to information security as well as those related to data analysis and science are expected to grow at an especially rapid rate. For more information regarding these and other Computer and Information Technology Occupations, including their growth rates and wage rates, students can go to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook’s website at: www.bls.gov/OCCHome.htm.
Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations.
Technology jobs are found in almost every industry today, including banking, healthcare, retail, government, and manufacturing. The B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems degree provides the graduate with several options for further study. Some of the more relevant graduate degrees include the Master of Science in Computer Science, the Master of Science in Business Analytics, and the MBA with a concentration in technology.
As for average starting salary and specific job titles, these can vary not only by concentration of study but also by geographical location and industry. The average starting salary for software and application developers ranges from $65,000 to $80,000 per year. For IT project managers and support specialists, the average starting salary ranges between $45,000 and $55,000 annually. Typically, starting salaries in major hub cities are higher than the national average but are also accompanied by a higher cost of living.
B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems at National Louis University
National Louis University’s Undergraduate College offers a B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems, a 180-quarter-hour program with concentrations in Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, App and Software Development, Cybersecurity, Networking, and Web Development. Students in this program can also prepare to take industry certification exams offered by organizations such as the Python Institute, the Linux Professional Institute, and Cisco. This program is supported by an advisory board comprising technology professionals from major technology companies in the Chicago area. Program requirements, concentrations, and further program information are available on the program’s program page and the Undergraduate College’s overview page.
