COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Degrees Offered:  Bachelor of Science

Program Overview 

The Computer Information Systems major is designed to give students a solid foundation in computer programming concepts, networks, database systems and analysis of information technology. Knowledge gained from this study prepares students for a variety of career paths including software engineering, systems development, web development, technology management, teaching, robotics and graduate studies. Students complete their major by specializing in an area of their choice; by choosing a concentration and associated electives, students create a major that reflects their intellectual and vocational interests.

Key Points About the Major

The CIS major at ODU is unique in allowing the student flexibility in selecting an area of concentration that provides a comprehensive computer science degree aimed at a future career path.   

• The programming concentration provides a comprehensive computer science curriculum from a software- based approach. 
• The management concentration supplies some fundamental theory of business administration and finance along with associated technology and systems analysis skills in order to provide a synergistic management information systems curriculum of business practices and computational tools. 
• The quantitative concentration provides additional mathematical rigor essential for the development of algorithmic approaches in computer technology (such as digital signal processing, data modeling, feedback control systems, etc.). 
• The web development concentration supplies both the theoretical understanding and the practical application experience for the design, implementation and maintenance of network content (such as multimedia applications, database-driven websites, network scripting and programming, etc.). 
• The cognitive concentration is an interdisciplinary curriculum in cognitive science with an emphasis on the interaction between human and computer problem-solving endeavors.

Why ODU?

• The CIS program at Ohio Dominican is unique in its use of concentrations to define the major. Students are able to focus on the specific skills that interest them, while still receiving a solid grounding in the fundamentals common to the field. 
• ODU's small classes are particularly advantageous to upper-level courses involving student projects and laboratory-based instruction.
• Independent studies and other one-on-one instruction is readily available for interested students. 

Internships & Research Opportunities

While not required, internships are very common among CIS students, and are a popular way to fulfill major elective credit while gaining valuable work experience. There are numerous companies in the Columbus area who employ ODU students as interns, plus on-campus opportunities as well. Students are also welcome to pursue independent research projects under the supervision of our faculty, and have the opportunity to present their work at research conferences.  

Career Possibilities

In our increasingly technologically-dependent society, computer-based careers are among the few areas with expectations of positive job growth. Students of today are preparing for careers of tomorrow which in many cases don't exist yet. Strong computer, quantitative, and problem-solving skills are essential in order to prepare for these careers. The CIS program at ODU stresses the fundamental skills that are necessary to continue to learn and grow in the computer field, and we frequently bring potential employers on campus to facilitate opportunities for our graduates. Additionally, our internship program frequently provides students with a "foot in the door" that may turn into a job offer even before graduation.

On Campus Opportunities

There is a mutual benefit between the CIS program and the University's IT department, as students are frequently employed as technical support staff. This provides a great learning experience in a practical setting, preparing our students for a future career elsewhere or, in some cases, as full-time employees of ODU upon graduation.

For more information on the CIS Major...

For more information please contact Theresa A. Holleran, Ph.D, Professor of Computer Science at hollerat@ohiodominican.edu or your Admission Counselor at (614) 251-4500 or admissions@ohiodominican.edu.