Bachelor in Computer Information Systems

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

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.