Earn a CIS Degree Online
- $330/credit (120 credits)
- Learn how to serve as intermediary between IT and business units
- Develop information systems that support organizational goals
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Get hands-on experience with a variety of business intelligence applications
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required
Online Information Systems Degree Program Overview
Use technology to drive crucial business strategies with the online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Information Systems program at Southern New Hampshire University.
A CIS degree will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to bridge the gap between IT and business. You'll take an active role in helping support your organization's strategic goals through technology.
If you've completed your associate degree in business or an AS in IT, this program is especially well-suited for you. With 18 free electives, you'll have the power to finish your program faster – saving you time and money along the way.
What You'll Learn
- Use business intelligence applications to analyze data models
- Analyze existing business information systems and identify new ones
- Develop communication strategies
- Apply learned concepts to develop and implement systems that support an organization’s goals
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
Career Outlook
Lightning-fast access to information is no longer a "nice to have" – it's essential for any business to thrive.
Therein lies the need for an educated workforce to step out into the field.
Job Growth
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for computer and information systems managers will grow 15% through 2032 – much faster than the national average for all occupations.1
Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports computer and information systems managers earned a median annual salary of $164,070 in 2022. 1
Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Graduates of the computer information systems degree program may pursue a number of different careers, including but not limited to:
Computer Systems Analyst
Study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design improvements to them.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Plan, coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization. Help determine the IT goals of an organization and implement computer systems to meet those goals.
Information Technologist
Create or support computer applications, systems and networks.
Project Manager
Coordinate the budget, schedule and other details of a project. Lead and guide the work of technical staff and serve as a point of contact for clients.
If it's a more business-focused career you seek, you may also be interested in studying management information systems (MIS) through our online bachelor's in business administration, which offers an MIS degree concentration.
At SNHU, we know how important networking and experience can be in helping you get your foot in the door. That's why we offer CIS students opportunities to participate in national events and competitions each year. Like the National Cyber League (NCL) spring and summer competitions. Join a team to face practical cybersecurity challenges, such as pen testing vulnerable websites or recovering from ransomware attacks. Our students have made several top 10 placements. Additionally, the first-ever all-women team to compete was comprised of SNHU students.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Computer Information Systems Degree
Why SNHU for Your Online CIS Degree
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Prior coursework could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. You could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience, or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free undergraduate application
- Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you
- Test scores are not required as part of your application
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete a free undergraduate application
- Submit any additional documents required
- Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process
If you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email enroll@snhu.edu.
A Degree That Meets Workforce Demands
"With job growth on the rise, a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems will help graduates as they seek employment and meet workforce needs."
Courses & Curriculum
"The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems prepares graduates to implement effective solutions in support of organizational needs," said Ann Marie Moynihan, associate dean at SNHU.
The curriculum helps accomplish this goal by exploring key tech concepts like systems thinking, scripting, database environments, application development and object-oriented analysis and design. You'll think about these ideas in a business context, with courses that cover client systems and support, enterprise information systems and business intelligence and reporting.
You'll also apply what you've learned through a culminating capstone experience.
"The capstone course offers an opportunity to work on a CIS project-based design where you can work with a team to generate a plan in support of business needs," Moynihan said.
Using practical, real-world situations as a launchpad, you'll apply what you've learned throughout the program.
"The knowledge, skills and principles of systems analysis and design, project management, quality assurance and resource management are applied as the team works to formulate and recommend solutions."
Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Applied Statistics for STEM are dictated courses for the general education program.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
General Education
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Technology Resources
We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
Earn Credit for Your Experience
Earn Math Credits
Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BS in Computer Information Systems |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BS in Computer Information Systems Online | ||
| BUS 210 | Managing and Leading in Business | Students will explore leadership and management theories and how to incorporate them in one's own personal style for effective contribution and collaboration in diverse team environments, and learn about the skills necessary to lead in various organizational structures and areas of business. Students will also examine how the functional areas of business are interrelated and work together in organizations. |
| BUS 225 | Critical Business Skills for Success | Students will learn the critical business skills required for successful leadership and management in organizations. By applying business research skills and data analysis, students will solve problems and support business decisions. Students will also explore various techniques and forms of professional communications and their uses in business contexts. |
| BUS 400 | Driving Business Opportunities | Students will examine the process of formulating strategic plans and maximizing organizational potential, and explore ways in which organizational and external risk and growth opportunities impact strategy. Students will also evaluate the potential of business decisions in relation to gaining a competitive advantage and defend the ways in which strategic decisions align with organizational goals. |
| QSO 340 | Project Management | As modern organizations have become more complex, they have also become more project-driven. This course uses a basic project management framework in which the project life-cycle is broken into organizing, planning, monitoring and controlling the project. You will learn the methodologies and tools necessary at each stage for managing the projects effectively in terms of time, cost, quality, risk and resources. |
| IT 145 | Foundation in Application Development | Students will use programming as a problem-solving technique in business and engineering applications. In writing computer code in a logical, structured, and organized manner, students will learn how to incorporate the key concepts of object orientation into their programming. Additionally, students will learn to write, review, and document interactive applications and work with Software Development Kits and Integrated Development Environment tools. |
| DAD 220 | Introduction to Structured Database Environments | Students will learn to create structured database environments that incorporate basic processing functionality and allow for data management, data manipulation, and data analysis. Students will also construct and analyze queries to address data requirements. |
| MIS 215 | Client Systems and Support | Learn the basics of systems analysis of client systems through the lens of a business analyst. Explore common client systems within an organization, the basic architecture of the overall system, the flow of information within the system, and informed decision making as well as the importance of eCommerce for a client system. |
| MIS 300 | Enterprise Information Systems/Database | Investigate the flow and structure of data within an enterprise computer based environment. Learn to mine, compile and analyze data from client systems using appropriate tools and techniques in response to senior management inquiries. |
| MIS 350 | Business Intelligence and Reporting | Learn about business intelligence tools and techniques for creating reports, and apply these techniques in making data centered decisions. Recommend solutions to business problems that address business needs and requirements through utilizing data visualization tools. |
| MIS 490 | Management Information Systems Capstone | This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Management Information Systems and Computer Information Systems programs. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $990 | $330 | $9,900 |
| Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* | $693 | $231 | $6,930 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CIS major stand for?
CIS stands for "computer information systems."
The study of computer information systems refers to the practical use of technology in a business context. This is especially relevant in a world where data is king for organizations across industries.
From healthcare to finance, manufacturing to software, all kinds of fields rely heavily on information systems and data to drive better business decisions.
How long does it take to get a CIS degree?
The length of time it may take you to earn your CIS degree depends on a few factors.
First, if you've attended other accredited institutions previously, you may have credits to transfer in. At Southern New Hampshire University, we'll accept up to 90 credits – that means 75% of your degree could be completed before you even begin your first class with us! (Not only does that save you years of time, but at $360 a credit, that saves you lots on tuition.)
Then, you'll want to determine the number of classes you'll be able to take at a time. SNHU's undergraduate terms are just 8 weeks long, with 6 terms per year. As a full-time student, you can take 2 classes each term, which would allow you to complete 12 courses a year.
However, many of our students also work full time, and attending SNHU as a part-time student can help make you more successful in your program. This means you'd only take 1 class each term, but it may also lengthen your journey to your degree.
Your degree is possible, and you can make it happen on your schedule.
What's the difference between CIS and Computer Science or IT?
While there may be crossover between CIS, computer science and IT, there are differences between these 3 disciplines.
Generally speaking, CIS is computer science through a business lens. While there is some overlap – such as scripting, systems design and data structures – a computer science degree puts a greater emphasis on computer algorithms and code. As a result, computer science is more math-intensive.
Many of the courses in our bachelor's in CIS program actually have more in common with an IT degree. Courses in areas like application development, object analysis and design, structured database environments and introduction to scripting are just as relevant to an IT and CIS professionals alike.
Both CIS and IT professionals also act as intermediaries in their organizations. CIS professionals are liaisons for a company's top decision-makers. IT professionals, on the other hand, work across the organization to assist with tech-related issues.
Is CIS a hard degree?
That depends on your skill set and your interests. If computers and technology come naturally to you, then you probably have what it takes to earn your CIS degree.
Students entering the program may be required to take a statistics course, such as Applied Statistics for STEM. The program also requires a business core, which includes courses in accounting and finance.
That said, we also offer Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment, saving you time and money.
It's important to note, too, that while the content of the coursework may be challenging, our community of advisors, instructors and peers are here to give you the support you need to complete your program.
What can I do with a CIS degree?
As a CIS professional, you'll stand at the critical intersection of technology and business. Your expertise can help drive better, higher-impact strategic decisions. You could even play the part of trusted right-hand person for executive leadership – or better yet, become a high-level leader yourself.
CIS is crucial to the success of businesses across industries. In banking and finance, for example, account management systems host massive databases of sensitive client information. In manufacturing, information systems can improve supply chains by connecting manufacturers with their customers, suppliers, service providers and more.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employers of computer and information systems managers in 2022 were:1
- Computer systems design and related services (21%)
- Information (14%)
- Finance and insurance (11%)
- Management of companies and enterprises (9%)
- Manufacturing (7%)
All of this is to say that a CIS degree can take you just about anywhere you want to go in terms of industry.
How much money can you make with a CIS degree?
The amount you can make upon earning your CIS degree depends on many factors – including your job title, previous experience, industry and geographic location.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that computer and information systems managers earned a median annual salary of $164,070 in 2022.1 By comparison, the median annual wage for all workers in that same time period was $46,310.1
Is CIS a good degree?
That's for you to decide. The right computer information systems degree could position you for success in your field. In addition to well-above-average salary projections, the BLS also projects that 86,000 new jobs will be added for computer and information systems managers through 2032.1
But there are other factors to consider, too – like cost, reputability, curriculum and more. Here are just a few things that make the CIS degree at SNHU stand out:
- Affordable program. We offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. For active duty military and their spouses, we offer an additional 30% off our already affordable rates. Along with the help of a dedicated military benefits team, veterans can maximize their VA benefits.
- Flexible courses. Our flexible online courses mean you can access coursework anytime from the comfort of your own home. That said, if you're looking for an online program that offers hands-on experiences, this is the place for you. Between experiential learning and access to in-person networking events and cyber competitions, you'll have plenty of opportunities to help get your foot in the door.
- Expert faculty. Our CIS curriculum is designed and taught by professionals with years of industry expertise. This gives you an opportunity to gain insider knowledge that can help you succeed in your industry.
- Respected university. As a private, nonprofit institution, the success of our students is and has always been our bottom line. Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), assuring the quality you deserve for your degree.
- Transfer-friendly. Last but not least, we accept up to 90 transfer credits for our online bachelor's in CIS program. Plus, you'll get 15 free electives. That all adds up to finishing your program faster – saving you time and money along the way.
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References
Sources & Citations (1)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm (viewed Oct. 27, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm (viewed Oct. 27, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.htm (viewed Oct. 27, 2023)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.