The Department of Mathematics and Computer Information Science will prepare you for some of today’s most in-demand professions: Mathematics, IT, Computer Information Systems, and Computer Science, Information Assurance and Security, as well as other evolving industries.
There is a constant demand for innovative minds to create solutions and exceed challenges in these areas. Our degree options will provide you with the knowledge and skills to make your mark in the vast Mathematics and CIS areas.
Computer Information Systems Fast Facts
One of the lowest private tuition rates in the country.
The main campus is only 30 minutes from Manhattan.
Metro-North Train stop right on campus.
Manhattan campus in Herald Square.
Program Outcomes
By the end of this program, students should be able to:
Demonstrate proficiency in programming by writing programs that are functional, easy to use (user interface), and efficient.
Demonstrate the ability to quickly and effectively recognize the requirements of different programming languages/IDEs/platforms and solve problems by writing programs on different platforms/IDEs.
Create an effective database and application to solve a business information problem.
Analyze the business information needs of an organization or a business unit in the organization.
Design, develop, and (describe the implementation of) a computerized information system solution to fulfill organizational needs using structured systems analysis and design methods.
Develop sample project schedules to monitor project progress.
Demonstrate the ability to orally communicate to laypeople about the usage of software applications.
Function effectively in a team to complete a programming /computer information systems project spanning an entire semester.
Present the findings of the project analysis to an audience.
Prepare and present a cost-benefit analysis of the computer information systems project.
Demonstrate the functionality of the developed prototype to an audience.
Identify and explain the technological, managerial and organizational components of information systems.
Analyze various aspects of information technology infrastructure design, including organization, security and business community.
Evaluate strategic and managerial issues and challenges associated with successfully and unsuccessfully incorporating information systems into an organization.
Computer Information Systems B.S. Curriculum
General Liberal Arts and Sciences
General Education Requirements* 60 Credits
Major Concentration
Computer Information Systems & Related Courses 45 Credits
Open Electives 15 Credits
Total of 120 Credits
Students who choose the major concentration in Computer Information Systems must complete:
Foundation Courses
CISC 131 Foundations of Computing I*
CISC 231 Foundations of Computing II*
CISC 238 Graphic User Interface App/Development
MATH 122 Statistics*
MATH 244 Discrete Structures
ACCT 120 Intro to Financial Accounting*
Major Courses
CISC 301 Info Systems Within Organization
CISC 311 Object/Structure/Algorithm I
CISC 335 Computer Network II
CISC 337 Database Mgmt Systems
CISC 339 Artificial Intelligence
CISC 359 Web Site Administration
CISC 370 Systems Analysis & Design
CISC 421 Operating Systems
CISC 470 Information Systems Development/Implement
And four courses (Major Electives) selected from the following:
CISC 341 Computer Architecture
CISC 380 Co-op Computer Science I
CISC 381 Co-op Computer Science II
CISC 385 Cryptography/Computer Security
CISC 395 Special Topics Computer Information System
CISC 397 Independent Study CIS
CISC 411 Object/Structure/Algorithm II
IASP 230 Introduction to Cybersecurity
IASP 321 Linux Administration
IASP 330 Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity
IASP 420 Network Security
IASP 430 Forensic/Electronic Discovery
Mercy College's 15-credit residency requirement in the major concentrations of mathematics, computer science or computer information systems must be satisfied by courses numbered 200 or above.
Computer information systems majors who have not had their mathematics core requirement waived should complete MATH 116 and MATH 201 (rather than MATH 115) as part of their General Education requirement.
CISC 120 is a prerequisite for introductory courses in computer information systems but may be waived with departmental approval.
Some courses are offered once a year. Please check with the department for the current course offering schedule.
Undergraduate majors may take a maximum of two graduate-level courses to fulfill the major elective requirement.
* These courses fulfill part of the General Education requirement.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for graduates of the CIS Bachelor's degree program are Programmer, Helpdesk Specialist, Systems Analyst, Database Programmer, Database Administrator, Network Engineer, Network Administrator, and Web Administrator.