The Department of Computer Information Systems at Georgia State University

The CIS program at Georgia State University was ranked first nationally in overall quality of courses and in partnership with the business community by Computerworld. The ranking was done by leading business practitioners and academics.

A graduate of the computer information systems program has a variety of career opportunities such as systems analyst, technical support specialist, end-user support specialist or functional-area manager. Some graduates have gone on to achieve executive positions such as director of information systems, president, chief executive officer and partner.

A wide range of companies recruit CIS graduates. Among the many companies who employ CIS graduates from Georgia State University are Georgia Pacific, the Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Arthur Andersen, IBM and Hewlett Packard. Firms such as Hewlett Packard have targeted Georgia State's program for recruiting in information technology to fill positions across the country.

Computer information systems continue to increase in importance throughout organizations of all types. But, like any resource, these systems are only as good as those who nurture and manage them.

The demand for high-quality information systems personnel means that graduates of outstanding information systems programs are sought throughout the business environment. Opportunities are available nationwide.

Award-winning Program

The curriculum in the Department of Computer Information systems is well established, but is continually evolving to reflect the most recent advances in information technology. Georgia State University was one of only 13 universities in the nation to receive the very prestigious IBM grant in the management of information systems.

The curriculum provides a strong technical foundation and an extensive business orientation. Some of the major areas include systems analysis and design, database management systems, communication networks and the impact of information systems on the organization.

The Department of Computer Infomation Systems has 18 highly qualified faculty. They have expertise in technical and business areas, including:

• software engineering
• strategic planning
• communication networks
• information systems policy
• database management systems
• data and file structures
• computer-aided software engineering tools
• user interface
• graphics and image processing technology
• artificial intelligence
• electronic data interchange

Bachelors Degrees

Masters Degrees

Master of Science with a major in Computer Information Systems This degree program offers the following areas of specialization:

• Management of systems development
• Expert decision systems
• Management of software engineering
• Design of communication networks

Graduates of this program may follow careers as programmers, systems analysts, information systems managers, or executive level managers. Many graduates of this program have achieved high-level management positions.

Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Computer Information Systems

This degree program prepares graduates for careers as functional -area analysts. Functional area analysts must have a broad understanding of business activities and possess excellent information system skills. Graduates of this program may follow a career path leading to information systems management or executive-level positions.

Ph.D. Degree

The Department of Computer Information Systems has one of the broadest ranges of graduate course offerings in the country. These programs have proven to be a valuable tool in building careers. Graduates have found that their academic experience directly relates to professional opportunities. Many students in the program are already working as professionals in the field and are advancing their careers. Other students begin the program with no background in business or technology and are starting new careers.

• Systems Analysis and Design
• Advanced Analysis and Design
• Software Architecture
• Advanced Software Systems
• Policy and Administration
• Competitive Strategy

• Theoretical Analysis
• Research Methods
• Artificial Intelligence
• Expert Systems
• Computer Graphics
• Computer System Architecture

• Database Systems
• Databse Design and Selection
• Data Structures
• Communication Networks
• Advanced Networks
• Enterprise Networks

"The CIS program opened up a whole new career path for me. I was hired because of the background I had gained in the master's program. It's a very practical degree--I am truly using what I learned."

Janis Leonard
Account Marketing
Representative, IBM

"I had worked in the field for 19 years when I started the master's program. The knowledge I gained changed my orientation from one of merely problem solving to looking for strategic opportunities. It gave me the background and the edge to build my own company."

Steven V. Bacastow
President
InfoStructure, Inc.

The GSU College of Business Administration is an accredited business school with one of the 10 largest enrollments in the nation. The GSU campus is in the heart of Atlanta's business and government complex, readily accessible from the interstate highways and a rapid-rail system. The college is closely linked with the business community. Business leaders in Atlanta provide a resource for campus organizations and support for faculty and student projects.

Atlanta is a large metropolitan area known for its moderate, sunny climate and mild winters. It is the transportation hub for the Southeast. Residents find a wide variety of activities, including sports, theater, concerts, restaurants and museums. The north Georgia mountains provide a scenic place to hike in the summer and ski in the winter. The eastern coast of Georgia offers beaches, barrier islands and historic Southern sites.