Don’t Just Write Code—Architect the Systems That Power the AI Era

The technology landscape is shifting rapidly, but modern companies aren't hiring fewer tech professionals—they are looking for leaders who know how to harness cutting-edge tools to solve complex business problems. The B.S. in Computer Information Systems (CIS) at Robert Morris University equips you with the exact skill set top employers demand: the ability to design, integrate, and manage enterprise technology systems.

Instead of competing with artificial intelligence, you will learn to direct it using advanced tools to build scalable systems, manage corporate IT infrastructure, and enable data-driven business decisions.

With 15 customizable elective credits, you can tailor your degree to master the exact career path that sets you apart—whether you want to focus on hands-on software development or non-coding pathways like IT project management, network administration, cloud architecture, or database administration.

• The "Swiss Army Knife" Tech Degree: One degree. Every IT department. Build a flexible foundation that allows you to pivot and thrive in a tech landscape that never stops evolving.

• Transformative Career Positioning: Evolve beyond routine programming into an indispensable systems architect, IT leader, or analytics consultant who uses AI to deliver real business value.

• Scholar and Practitioner Faculty: Study directly under professors with practical professional experience as well as strong research backgrounds.

• Nationally Accredited: Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, ensuring your degree meets the highest academic and professional standards.

• Proven Graduate Outcomes: 92% job placement rate in career-track employment or graduate school within one year of graduation.

Career Pathways 

The B.S. in Computer Information Systems degree prepares you for high-paying, rapidly growing careers across every sector of technology. Because enterprise tech requires both technical implementation and strategic leadership, our curriculum allows you to pursue hands-on technical tracks or high-level non-coding pathways based on your career goals.

High-Demand Career Roles:
 

• Technology Leadership & Management: IT Project Manager, Systems Director, IT Solutions Consultant/Manager, IT Governance & Compliance Auditor
• Cloud Infrastructure & Systems Architecture: Cloud Operations Engineer, AWS Systems Architect, Enterprise Infrastructure Administrator, Network Architect/Engineer, Systems Administrator
• Systems Analysis & Data Management: Business Systems Analyst, Database Administrator (DBA), Data Architect, Enterprise Systems Analyst, Data Analytics/BI Specialist
• Software & Application Development: Software Developer, Web Application Developer, Mobile Application Developer (iOS/Android), DevOps Engineer, Software QA/Testing Engineer

Degree Requirements and Courses

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems degree consists of 120 credit hours of coursework. The study plan below is for guidance only. Always review your individual check sheet for your degree requirements. 

View Guided Curriculum

Courses

Major Credits - 66 Credits Required (Minimum grade of "C" must be earned for each course)

• INFS1030 Foundations of Information Systems Management
• CYBS2000 Intro to Cybersecurity
• INFS2020 Operating Systems
• INFS2151 Java Programming; or INFS2184 C++ Programming
• INFS2230 Computer Networking
• INFS2470 Decision Support Systems
• INFS3115 Mobile Application Development with iOS; or INFS3116 Mobile Application Development with Android
• INFS3152 Adv Java Programming; or INFS3185 Adv C++ Programming
• INFS3220 Systems Analysis & Design
• INFS3240 Python Programming Language
• INFS3450 Discrete Mathematics for Computing
• INFS3500 Advanced Networking
• INFS3510 Introduction to Data Analytics
• INFS4240 Database Management Systems
• INFS4370 IT Governance & Ethics
• INFS4460 Cloud Computing with AWS
• INFS4810 Project Management
• INFS4860 Program Outcomes Assessment
• INFS/CYBS 3000-4000 Level Elective (15 credits total)

RMU Core Courses - 39 Credits
Open Electives - 15 Credits 

ABET Accreditation Information

The B.S. in Computer Information Systems program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Program Educational Objectives

Five years after graduation, the graduates should:

• Contributing to the workforce in their specialty such as but not limited to computer forensics, mobile security, network security, software security, database security, or information security.
• Advancing their careers via continuous learning and professional development through the attainment of professional certification, professional study and research or graduate education.
• Assuming positions of leadership within their organization.
• Contributing to economic development and society through the prevention and detection of cyber threats in the computer-based information systems for business, government, and other organizations.

Program Learning Outcomes 

At the time of graduation, Computer Information Systems graduates should be able to:

• Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
• Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
• Support the delivery, use, and management of information systems within an information systems environment.

Program Enrollment and Graduation Data

• 2020: 106 enrolled, 29 graduates
• 2019: 111 enrolled, 19 graduates
• 2018: 131 enrolled, 29 graduates
• 2017: 123 enrolled, 34 graduates
• 2016: 126 enrolled, 21 graduates

Admissions Information

• The minimum GPA is 2.75 
• Applicants with a GPA of 2.50-2.74 are considered for admission on a case by case basis.
• Test-optional for 2021.
• Estimated Tuition
• View costs and tuition information  

Scholarships, Professional Opportunities & Student Organizations

Scholarships, internships and professional opportunities are available throughout the program.

• RMU Top Secret Colonials Cybersecurity Club (Faculty Advisor: Dr. Karen Paullet)
• Data Analytics Club (Faculty Advisor: Dr. Adam Combs)
• NSF CyberScholars Grant Program 
• Seminars and Internships at The Washington Center
• Other Scholarships

Our Graduates Work at

Our graduates have successful career in positions at companies such as:

• BNY Mellon
• Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (CMU SEI)
• Dollar Bank
• Highmark
• Huntington Bank
• IBM
• PNC Bank
• SAP Ariba
• Schneider Downs

Meet the Faculty

The School of Informatics, Humanities and Social Sciences faculty is a team of dedicated teacher-scholars, award-winning artists, practitioners, and academics who are committed to your long-term success.

Meet the Faculty

Contact Us

Dr. Jamie Pinchot

Department Head, Computer and Information Systems
Professor of Computer and Information Systems

Email: pinchot@rmu.edu
Phone: 412-397-6050