About the Program
Computer Information Systems Department
Technology Building 203
(716) 878-5528
https://cis.buffalostate.edu/
The computer information systems program prepares students for entry-level positions, such as programmer, systems analyst, database administration, web programming or network support in the computer field, and provides them with the technical knowledge and managerial skills necessary for a wide range of subsequent career paths. There is a growing demand in all sectors for individuals with this combination of capabilities. This program was developed with the cooperation of employers and information systems professionals and, unlike a computer science program, its emphasis is on commercial applications of computers rather than theory.
Admission Requirements
Pre-university Students
Pre-university students are admitted directly into the CIS major. They must apply through Undergraduate Admissions. Once admitted, incoming students are advised about where to start in the curriculum.
Current Buffalo State Students
Any current Buffalo State undergraduate student in good academic standing may switch into the CIS major. They can do this by completing and submitting a ‘Change of Major’ form.
Transfer Students
Transfer students holding A.A.S or A.S. degrees in a parallel program (CIS, CS, IT, etc.) and transfer students who have completed some computer courses may apply for admission into the program. Transfer students are accepted directly into the CIS major on a competitive basis providing they have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in major courses from the transfer institution.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
1. Code and analyze computer programs.
2. Assess the information systems (IS) needs of clients.
3. Design, develop, and implement information systems to meet the IS needs of clients.
4. Describe the capabilities of, and interaction between software and hardware.
5. Plan, organize, cooperate, and communicate effectively as members of IS teams.
6. Design data systems to represent and process real world data.
7. Design, test, and troubleshoot networked computer systems.
Program Requirements
General Education 23 Requirements (33 credit hours)
Computer Information Systems Major Requirements (42 credit hours)
Required Courses (24 credit hours)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
CIS151 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING I | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS251 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING II | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS315 COMPUTER ORGANIZATION | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS370 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS380 DATABASE SYSTEMS I | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS400 .NET APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS410 COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEMS | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS411 DATABASE SYSTEMS II | 3 - Credit Hours
Electives (18 credit hours)
Earn at least 18 credits from the following:
CIS375 WEB DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING I | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS388 SERVICE LEARNING IN COMPUTING | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS391 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT MANAGEMENT | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS414 MULTIMEDIA METHODS, TOOLS, AND APPLICATIONS | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS425 OBJECT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS427 E-COMMERCE SYSTEMS | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS435 COMPUTER SEMINAR | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS442 ADVANCED SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS451 | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS471 NETWORKING LABORATORY I | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS472 NETWORKING LABORATORY II | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS473 IT TECHNICAL SUPPORT | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS475 WEB DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING II | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS478 CYBERSECURITY | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS480 INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS488 INTERNSHIP | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS494 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN COMPUTING | 3 - Credit Hours
CIS495 SPECIAL PROJECT | 1 - 3 Credit Hours
CIS499 INDEPENDENT STUDY | 3 - 12 Credit Hours
In addition to the above courses, one non-CIS course may be taken as an elective with the department chair's permission.
Residency Requirements
A minimum of 21 credit hours must be completed in the CIS department at Buffalo State College.
No more than 3 credit hours of CIS 488 may be used to fulfill the CIS elective requirement.
No more than 3 credit hours of CIS elective requirement can be satisfied by credit hours from CIS 495 and CIS 499.
All College Electives (39-45 credit hours)
Completion requirement
120 Total Credit Hours