Degree program combines technology with business functions

Combining technology with business functions is the focus of Purdue University Calumet’s newly titled baccalaureate degree program in Computer Information Systems (CIS).

The Bachelor of Science offering, whose title change recently was approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, includes a sequence of business courses that complements the technical skills students develop while solving real-world application problems. The degree is offered through the university’s School of Management and its Department of Information Systems.

“In today’s challenging and diverse 21st century work society, the world of business and the world of technology are not independent of each other,” Head of Purdue Calumet’s Department of Information Systems Kuan C. Chen said. “Careers in business and technology are often interchangeable.”

The CIS degree focuses on design, implementation and integration of computer systems. It is designed to prepare graduates for jobs in hardware, software and telecommunications networks, including that of programmer, system analyst, database analyst and project manager. The program also provides a foundation for graduates to pursue study for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and Purdue Calumet’s new Master in Technology degree.

“It’s a technical, hands-on degree with plenty of business application,” Chen said. “It provides valuable, integrated knowledge for students with diverse, ambitious career goals.”

Purdue Calumet’s Department of Information Systems also offers a baccalaureate degree in Management Information Systems (MIS). According to Chen, both are business application programs, but the CIS offering is more technology and programming intensive, while the MIS degree focuses more on systems management and business processes.

Other information can be obtained by visiting the program web site at http://www.calumet.purdue.edu/management/cis.html or by phoning the Department of Information Systems at 219/989-2336 or 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2336.

News Release Date: August 15, 2008