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Computer Information Systems, B.S.

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems will help you prepare for your career with innovative, diverse, technology-based organizations in the ever-changing field of computer science and IT. 

This program is part of SLU's School for Professional Studies and provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in today's market. 

As part of the School for Professional Studies, this 120-credit degree program offers future and current leaders like you a flexible option to meet your personal career goals. With six accelerated, eight-week terms offered each year through SLU online, you can begin working toward your degree at any time, making advanced education more accessible for working professionals. 

Faculty

As a student in the School for Professional Studies at Saint Louis University, you’ll learn from exceptional faculty who are leading experts in their fields. They bring real-world knowledge to the classroom and are dedicated to your professional success. Learn more about the SPS faculty.

By taking only two extra courses, you can add a certificate with an emphasis in data analytics or cybersecurity, providing you with expertise that is in demand in modern organizations. 

Careers

A computer information systems degree can prepare students for advanced studies or employment in the ever-changing field of computer science and information technology.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer science and database industry is expected to grow by 12% through the year 2024, adding 488,500 new jobs. Job opportunities within this field have a broad range of salaries.

Students in the data analytics concentration may pursue a career as a market research analyst, data analyst or in business intelligence. Students learn how to collect, analyze, interpret and present information obtained from data drawn from multiple, often disparate sources of organizational data.

Students in the cybersecurity concentration may pursue a career as a cybersecurity analyst, web developer, computer network architect or information assurance engineer. Students gain the skills needed to secure an organization's information assets and ensure that data can be created, accessed and modified by only those with the requisite privileges. Upon completion, students will be prepared for employment opportunities in various businesses and organizations.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Credit
Undergraduate Tuition
Standard Tuition $650
Active Duty/Veteran (TA eligible or GI Bill); First Responders $295
BJC Partnership $333

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. The School for Professional Studies offers numerous scholarships and awards specifically for new students.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

To determine eligibility for financial assistance, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early for maximum consideration. FAFSA is available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at Office of Student Financial Services.

Active Military and Veterans and First Responders

Honorably discharged veterans, active-duty military members, reserve members and first responders qualify for a reduced tuition rate of $295 per credit hour for any undergraduate program offered through the School for Professional Studies.

  1. Graduates will be able to analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution. (ABET-1)
  2. Graduates will be able to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the discipline. (ABET-2)
  3. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively with a range of audiences about technical information. (ABET-3)
  4. Graduates will be able to make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles. (ABET-4)
  5. Graduates will be able to function effectively on teams to establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, manage risk, and produce deliverables. (ABET-5)

Admission Requirements

  • Completed application
  • High school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250
  • Minimum transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance)
  • Official transcript from the most recent institution attended
Upon admission, a new student must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first-term coursework.
 
The School for Professional Studies welcomes adult learners seeking an undergraduate education after life circumstances have interrupted their educational journeys. Adult life circumstances, for the purposes of admission, would include individuals with at least one of the following characteristics:
 
  • Delayed enrollment in post-secondary education
  • Attends part time for at least part of the academic year
  • Works full time (35 hours or more/week) while enrolled
  • Is financially independent
  • Has dependents other than a spouse
  • Is a single parent
  • Has other demands that make traditional education less feasible
 

Program Requirements 

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
CIS 1375Information Systems and Technology3
CIS 1600Introduction to Programming3
CIS 2300Data-Driven Decision Making3
CIS 2775Discrete Methods and Models3
CIS 2875Principles of Data Analysis3
CIS 3000System Analysis and Design3
CIS 3150Workplace Ethics3
CIS 3250Cybersecurity Principles3
CIS 3300Database Analysis and Design3
CIS 3850Analytics and Visualizations3
CIS 4100Technology Strategy and Decision Making3
CIS 4700Advanced Database Systems3
CIS 4800Computer Information Systems Capstone Experience (repeatable for credit)3
Optional Certificate0-6
Cyber Security
CIS 4300
The Fundamentals of Computer Forensics
CIS 4600
Cyber Threats and Defense
Data Analytics
CIS 4250
Survey of Machine Learning
CIS 4750
Data Mining
General Electives34-49
Total Credits120

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA and receive a C or better in all major classes.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
SpringCredits
Spring 1  
CORE Requirement 3
CORE Requirement 3
Spring 2  
CIS 2300 Data-Driven Decision Making 3
CORE Requirement 3
 Credits12
Summer
CORE Requirement 3
CORE Requirement 3
 Credits6
Fall
Fall 1  
CIS 1375 Information Systems and Technology 3
CORE Requirement 3
Fall 2  
CIS 1600 Introduction to Programming 3
CORE Requirement 3
 Credits12
Year Two
Spring
Spring 1  
CIS 3250 Cybersecurity Principles 3
CORE Requirement 3
Spring 2  
Social Science elective or CIS Certificate (optional) 3
CORE Requirement 3
 Credits12
Summer
Humanities Elective 3
CIS 3150 Workplace Ethics 3
 Credits6
Fall
Fall 1  
CIS 3000 System Analysis and Design 3
CORE Requirement 3
Fall 2  
CIS 3300 Database Analysis and Design 3
CORE Requirement 3
 Credits12
Year Three
Spring
Spring 1  
General Elective or CIS Certificate (optional) 3
CIS 3850 Analytics and Visualizations 3
Spring 2  
CIS 4700 Advanced Database Systems 3
CORE Requirement or CIS Certificate (optional) 3
 Credits12
Summer
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
 Credits6
Fall
Fall 1  
CORE Requirement 3
Natural Science elective or CIS Certificate (optional) 3
Fall 2  
CIS 4100 Technology Strategy and Decision Making 3
General Elective 3
 Credits12
Year Four
Spring
Spring 1  
CORE Requirement or CIS Certificate (optional) 3
General Elective 3
Spring 2  
CIS 4800 Computer Information Systems Capstone Experience 3
General Elective 3
 Credits12
Summer
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
 Credits6
Fall
Fall 1  
General Elective or CIS Certificate (optional) 3
General Elective or CIS Certificate (optional) 3
Fall 2  
General Elective or CIS Certificate (optional) 3
General Elective or CIS Certificate (optional) 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits120

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.