CIS Curriculum

The Department of Computer Information Systems is a leader in technology, setting the standard for IT education. The curriculum evolves continuously to ensure that your degree features the most useful and up-to-date material valued in the industry.

What Do Computer Information Systems Professionals Do?
Information Technology (IT) professionals are responsible for helping information flow through organizations which enables all other functions of business to be efficient and profitable. Some of the activities in this occupation may include analyzing systems; evaluating processes and developing/proposing/implementing ways to facilitate enhanced efficiency and/or profitability of those systems; programming; trouble shooting; training users and other developers; writing documentation for systems (“technical writing”); creating and maintaining databases; testing systems; consulting; and creating and maintaining websites. Careers in IT are exciting, fast-paced, challenging, always-changing, and sometimes unpredictable. New tools and methods are often available and new skills must be continuously developed in order to stay competitive and marketable.

Potential Careers in Computer Information Systems

• Consultant
• Database Developer/Administrator
• Software Engineer
• Network Administrator
• Project Manager
• Technical Officer
• Technical Trainer
• Documentation/Technical Writer
• Information Technology Quality Assurance
• Technical Support
• User Interface Designer
• Security Manager
• Internet/Intranet Manager
• Telecommunications Specialist
• Computer Programmer
• Webmaster
• Technical Salesperson
• Entrepreneur

Common Characteristics and Skills of Successful CIS Students and Professionals

• Enjoy problem solving, troubleshooting
• Fast learner, willing to learn new things
• Strong quantitative abilities
• Written communication skills
• Understands logic and sequencing of events
• Organization skills
• Strong analytic and planning skills
• Ability to communicate complex information to non-technical audiences
• Manages time well and meets deadlines
• Understands and enjoys working with technology
• Detail-oriented
• Can lead others to productivity regarding usage of technology
• Understands how all functions of business are related

More Information
Department of CIS
153 Rockwell Hall
(970) 491-1618
Chair: Dr. Jon Clark

Academic Advising
178 Rockwell Hall
(970) 491-5103
www.biz.colostate.edu

Career Counselor
Melissa Luna
163 Rockwell Hall
(970) 491-0706
Melissa.Luna@colostate.edu

Shawn Utecht
164 Rockwell Hall
(970) 491-7377
Shawn.Utecht@colostate.edu

Tips for Researching Occupations in Computer Information Systems

• Shadow an IT professional for a day
• Search the web for job profiles and position descriptions
• Talk to alumni of the CIS program
• Attend the Career Fair and ask recruiters about CIS jobs
• Take an online assessment (see the Career Center website) to see if an occupation in IT is for you
• Talk with a career counselor
• Get an IT internship
• Know yourself and what type of work you enjoy
• Get involved with a club/organization and run for the office of Webmaster or Technical Coordinator
• Attend guest lectures hosted by the CIS Club

To Schedule an Appointment with Your Advisor:


Internship Coordinator
Dr. John Plotnicki
31 Rockwell Hall
(970) 491-5926
john.plotnicki@colostate.edu