Discover Computer Information Systems 

Undergraduate Computer Information Systems degree at Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Your code compiles. The system connects. The problem finally clicks. At Aquinas College, the Computer Information Systems (CIS) program prepares you to think through strategic problems, build reliable systems and solutions, and lead in an ever-evolving digital world.

Beyond the keyboard, your professors and mentors will guide you to be effective leaders in the industry, teaching you how to maintain a competitive edge while still helping you to build a strong foundation in business and technology skills. You’ll gain knowledge in database management and data analysis tools through hands-on experience and practical applications. Plus, each student completes an internship before graduating, so you can rest easy knowing that you’ll have the experience you need to start your career. 

 

 

It's YOUR time to check the data

Student Experience and Professional Development

The mission of the Computer Information Systems Department at Aquinas College is to prepare students for careers in information technology as well as leaders in the industry.  The classes our students take ensure that they have a competitive edge and a strong foundation of business and technology skills.

1. Students will gain a solid experience in the use of current software applications and technology to solve business and information problems.
2. Students will demonstrate basic software development, testing, and debugging skills in current leading programming language environments.
3. Students will exhibit a fundamental understanding of IT infrastructure (networks, operating systems, standard components, security/infrastructure configuration).
4. Students will be able to accurately design a relational data model and administer its implementation (normalization, physical design, structured query language).
5. Students will be able to successfully apply knowledge of data structures, logic algorithms, and analysis techniques to solve business and information problems.
6. Students will develop strong communication skills: written, verbal, and interpersonal.

Four CIS students working on a project

Three Pillars of CIS

The CIS program is built on the three pilars of technology, business, and data with a solid foundation of soft skills that include leadership, teamwork, communication, and personal integrity.

Computer Information Systems internships

CIS Internships

The CIS major requires all students to complete an internship to provide real-world experience sough t by employers.

Foster Planet Walk

Foster Planet Walk

 

To better highlight a unique feature of the Aquinas campus, several Computer Information Systems students built a mini website for their Senior Capstone project. See the website

 

AQ CIS Grads Say it Best

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One thing I like about my coding classes is that I enjoy the satisfaction of finishing my code and seeing that it all works. Knowing I did it myself and watching my creation run is an excitement that other coders can relate to.

Adrien Yondo - Class of 2022

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During the interview, my interviewer mentioned how impressed they were with my knowledge of C# as well as the project management classes I took. The fact that my capstone involved programming for a client in C# was noted as well.

Ty Smith - Class of 2020

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Computer Information Systems gave me this sense of freedom that I didn't have so I really enjoyed it. I could create whatever I wanted.

Isaiah Jackson - Class of 2022

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What I learned in class provided the building blocks for understanding. Learning basic coding and infrastructure concepts was critical.

Kevin Clinthorne - Class of 2020

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One of my favorite parts of my job are the people that I work with. I also like how my job gives me the flexibility to do technical work, but also talk to others and work with other teams.

Aria Cusenza - Class of 2020

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Learning about the different systems at Aquinas has helped me quickly grasp the software that Martin Transportation Systems uses on a daily basis.

Francesco Calabrese - Class of 2020

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One of my favorite things about my major is that I get to work with a variety of individuals and problem solve together.

Joshua Evers - Class of 2021

 

Where do Aquinas CIS & MIS students work?

 

Students earning a CIS or MIS degree at Aquinas encounter abundant internship and full-time job opportunities. Even in an economic climate where many entry-level graduates find it difficult to job search, our graduates are finding many opportunities and are often hired before graduation. Area job fairs, online postings, personal networks, and, of course, Aquinas' excellent Advantage Center referrals are all good methods of job and internship hunting. Other options for graduates are to continue on to pursue a Master's of Science in an IT-related field.

Go here to make an appointment with the Advantage Center.

 
 
Quick Facts: Computer and Information Systems Managers
2024 Median Pay $171,200 per year
$82.31 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation 5 years or more
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2024 6167,100
Job Outlook, 2024-34 15% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2024-34
101,600

 

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

CIS srtudent on Holmdene lawn

Alumni Profiles

 

Prepared for the real world with a depth of knowledge and an understanding of how to use it.Alumni Profiles