CAREER OPPORTUNITIES The new business enterprise relies significantly on computer information systems to maintain efficiency and reliability. Computer information systems are used to create synergy between management, employees, customers, and stakeholders of the enterprise and have become an integral part of the organization. The Information Systems professional must examine the ever-changing role of information, systems and organizational processes. Their work includes building and developing information systems (e.g., through analysis, design, development, maintenance, etc.) that are capable meeting the demands and the challenges in today’s global economy. Information System professionals distinguish themselves by becoming problem-solvers by integrating computer-based technology solutions into business processes. Information Systems (IS) professionals play a vital role in the implementation and administration of computer-based technology solutions within their organizations because they becomes experts in business and technology arenas. In collaboration with other managers, they help determine the goals of an organization and then implement technology solutions to meet those goals. They oversee all technical aspects of an organization, such as software development, web-based applications development, networking, security, data mining, business intelligence, database and mobile applications. With a major in Computer Information Systems, you will be qualified to join the rapidly expanding information-age economy. Our CIS graduates pursue professional careers as business application developers, database developers, system and business analysts, web-based application developers, mobile application developers, network security administrators, and project managers. Public and private companies and organizations throughout Texas and the nation are looking for women and men with the skills you can learn while earning a B.B.A. in Computer Information Systems. PLAN OF STUDY WHAT YOU WILL LEARN As a CIS major, you will acquires technical skills and learn the tools and concepts needed to develop meaningful and relevant information systems that synthesize software, networking, data communications, hardware, data resources, system management and people. The focus of CIS degree is on integrating information technology solutions and business processes to meet the information needs of businesses and other enterprises, enabling them to achieve their objectives in an effective and efficient way. CIS is a business & technical discipline, and students will form a solid understanding of information systems as it relates to other business functions (finance, investment, accountancy, management, operations, and marketing) where information technologies are applied. The West Texas A&M CIS major equips students to manage and apply technology in organizations. The focus of this degree is on the analysis, design, and implementation of information systems. Core courses provide a solid foundation in object-oriented and structured programming, modern operating systems, and database management and development. Students can tailor their learning to specific areas of interest like artificial intelligence, telecommunication, web programming, or operation management. Computer information systems majors learn technical and organizational knowledge necessary to provide technology leadership. The program’s resources provide students with hands-on, applied learning, using state-of-the-art software and technology. Cooperative educational courses allow students to work in actual industry positions, earning credit, salary, and vital real-world experience. Extracurricular activities Students have several extracurricular activities to enhance their learning. The Technology Club works with several computing devices (e.g., robots, computer labs, server virtualization, etc.), offers computer-based technological services, competes in web and game design, host video game tournaments and LAN parties, provides service opportunities, and various other activities. The CIS program provides students with an opportunity to visit various information technology companies in an effort to provide an opportunity to explore the on-site work environment and to visit with working professionals. Trips include visits to organizations such as Microsoft, Boeing, Hewlett-Packard, Bell Helicopter, NASA, Cisco, and Walgreens. Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) are a student organization in the College of Business. SIFE uses a business mindset and an entrepreneurial approach to improve the quality of life and standard of living of people in need and help businesses achieve profitability. As an AACSB accredited business school, the College of Business is eligible to pursue Beta Gamma Sigma (International Honors Society for Business students) and Beta Alpha Psi (International Honors Society for Financial Information Professionals with degrees in accounting, finance, or computer information systems). The College of Business supports an annual summer study abroad trip, which focuses on business and cross-cultural issues. Locations include Denmark, Sweden, England, Russia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Canada. Each semester and during the summer students are involved in technology research projects with CIS professors, giving students one-on-one interactions with skilled mentors. Several students have been awarded research grants for their own research projects. | CAREER CLOSE-UP Business Operations Manager
Average wage (TX) - $68,150
Average wage (US) - $65,960
CIS Manager
Average wage (TX) - $120,320
Average wage (US) - $120,640
Computer Programmer
Average wage (TX) - $77,500
Average wage (US) - $74,690
Computer Security Specialist
Average wage (TX) - $67,630
Average wage (US) - $70,930
Computer Systems Analyst
Average wage (TX) - $78,870
Average wage (US) - $84,650
Computer Systems Architect
Average wage (TX) - $77,030
Average wage (US) - $78,010
Computer Support Specialist
Average wage (TX) - $47,330
Average wage (US) - $47,360
Database Administrator
Average wage (TX) - $71,170
Average wage (US) - $74,290
General & Operations Manager
Average wage (TX) - $110,900
Average wage (US) - $110,550
Network Administrator
Average wage (TX) - $67,630
Average wage (US) - $70,930
Network Designer
Average wage (TX) - $77,030
Average wage (US) - $78,010
Operations Research Analyst
Average wage (TX) - $73,350
Average wage (US) - $75,370
Software Quality Assurance Engineer
Average wage (TX) - $77,030
Average wage (US) - $78,010
Wage information taken from http://wtamu.myplan.com |
