The field of computer information systems encompasses all aspects of computing technology. CIS relates to selecting, creating, applying, integrating, and administrating computing technologies. The work also includes advocating for users of computing technologies and meeting their needs within an organizational context.

The CIS program is flexible and designed to meet student academic and career goals. Graduates are prepared with knowledge, skills, and best practices to work in the highly integrated and growing field of computing technologies. This background positions graduates for career growth, graduate education, or research in a computing-related discipline.

Career opportunities for CIS graduates are varied, but may include software applications developer, data security specialist, database developer/administrator, e-commerce analyst/programmer, help desk manager, multimedia developer, network/system administrator, technical writer, technology trainer, user support specialist, testing and quality assurance specialist, or web developer. Career options exist in a wide range of organizations including business, industry, and nonprofits as they use, develop, and integrate information technology solutions in their organizations.

For additional information about the Computer Information Systems program contact

Mihaela Sabin
Program Coordinator
603-641-4144
email mihaela.sabin@unh.edu

or contact the UNH Manchester Office of Admissions
603-641-4150
unhm.admissions@unh.edu.

Students majoring in Computer Information Systems must complete 128 credits to graduate, satisfy the University’s Discovery Program, and complete 60 credits in the major with a minimum of C- in each course and 16 credits in a self-designed concentration in an area of study that enhances learning in the CIS discipline. Students must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

Transfer students who elect to major in Computer Information Systems must earn 60 approved credits for completion of the CIS major, of which at least 24 credits must be completed at UNH Manchester; and 16 approved credits for completion of a self-designed concentration.

Requirements
The CIS program of study requires one mathematics course from the following: MATH 420 Finite Math, MATH 424 Calculus for Biological Sciences, or MATH 425 Calculus I. Any of these courses may be used to satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning Discovery skills requirement.

Introductory Core (4 courses, 16 credits)
CIS 405, Introduction to the Internet and Web Authoring (may be used to satisfy the Environment, Technology and
Society, Discovery breadth requirement)
CIS 425, Introduction to Computer Programming
CIS 510, Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems
CIS 542 Operating Systems Applications

Intermediate Core (4 courses, 16 credits)
CIS 505, Advanced Web Authoring
CIS 520, Database Design and Development
CIS 550, Networking Concepts
CIS 560, Computer Law and Ethics

Integrative and Professional Experience (5 courses, 16 credits)
CIS 710, Object-Oriented Software Development
CIS 715, Information Security
CIS 685, Professional Development Seminar (1 cr)
CIS 690 Internship Experience (3cr)
CIS 790 Capstone Project (satisfies the Discovery Senior Capstone Experience requirement)

CIS Electives (3 courses, 12 credits)
Candidate CIS elective courses are: CIS 515, CIS 620, CIS 630, CIS 640, CIS 698, CIS 705, CIS 720.

Computer Information Systems Minor

Computer Information Systems: The minor requires five courses or 20 credit hours of CIS courses, according to the guidelines below. Students must earn grades of at least C- in each course and maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 in minor courses. Transfer students may transfer up to two courses, subject to the approval of the Minor Supervisor. Courses taken on a pass/fail basis may not be used for the minor. No more than 8 credits used by the student to satisfy major requirements may be used in the minor.

Select two or three courses from the following (* courses have pre-requisites):
CIS 411, Introduction to Computer Applications
CIS 405, Introduction to the Internet and Web Authoring
CIS 425, Introduction to Computer Programming
CIS 510*, Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems
CIS 515, Multimedia: Introduction and Applications

Select two or three courses from the following, at least one of which must be at the 600-level or above (* courses have pre-requisites):
CIS 505*, Advanced Web Authoring
CIS 520*, Database Design and Development
CIS 542*, Operating System Applications
CIS 550*, Networking Concepts
CIS 605*, Web Applications Development
CIS 620*, Network Administration and Maintenance
CIS 715*, Internet Security
Other 600 or 700-level courses in CIS or CS may be substituted with the permission of the CIS Program Coordinator. Students must seek permission of the Minor Supervisor to enroll in courses that have pre-requisites.

For more information contact Karla Vogel, Minor Supervisor, at 603-641-4127 or kv@unh.edu.

Within five years of graduation a CIS student should be able to:

1. Apply knowledge and skills in core and advanced information technologies to help an organization achieve its goals.
2. Advocate for users of information technologies, whether they are end-users of information systems, managers of enterprise applications, developers of IT solutions, or customers of IT-reliant work systems.
3. Develop, manage, and evaluate computing and communication systems and services.
4. Live and work as contributing, well-rounded members of society.

The program enables students to achieve, by time of graduation, the following competencies:

a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
b) An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
c) An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
d) An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
e) An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
f) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
g) An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
h) Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
i) An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
j) An ability to use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies.
k) An ability to identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems.
l) An ability to effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment.
m) An understanding of best practices and standards and their application.
n) An ability to assist in the creation of an effective project plan.

Computer Information Systems (CIS) Articulation Agreement with NHTI

Students who earn an Associate degree at NHTI in Information Technology from NHTI are automatically considered for admission to UNH Manchester’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems without having to complete a separate application. Students will need to complete and file the Dual Admit/Intent to Release Information forms with the registrar’s office at NHTI during the semester they intend to graduate. The registrar’s office at NHTI will in turn forward your file to the UNH Manchester office of admissions for processing.

This articulation agreement allows faculty and advisors at both institutions to work with students throughout their college experience, making the transition from NHTI to UNH-Manchester a seamless process.

Exceptions

• Former UNH Students - If you have previously held degree status at UNH, but did not complete your degree at UNH, you will need to complete a separate Application for Readmission. UNH Readmit students seeking admission to our BSET or CIS program should contact the UNH Manchester Office of Admissions for a Readmit Application. Alternatively you may download this readmit application from the application forms page.
• International Students - Please visit the International student section under Apply to UNH Manchester for all the necessary steps needed to complete an application for admissions at UNH Manchester.

Scholars in Science and Technology Program

The UNH Manchester Scholars in Science and TEchnology (SST) program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program and administered by the University of New Hampshire at Manchester.

The STEM scholarship is a renewable scholarship. The amount of the award varies based on the student's academic grade level and number of years in the program. Scholarships are typically renewable (pending funding) provided the students meets the requirements of the program.

• Student interested in pursuing bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Computer Information Systems, Engineering Technology, or be admitted in UNH Manchester associates program and demonstrate interest in STEM discipline.
• Full-time Freshman, Sophomore and Junior students with minimum of 12 credits each semester
• Maintain a minimum semester UNH GPA average of 2.75 and earn at least a C in every course
• Must submit FAFSA and demonstrate financial need
• Click here to apply and for more information

Award Amounts:

• Freshmen up to $3,000
• Sophomore up to $4,000
• Junior up to $5,000

Visit our Financial Aid section for more information about the FAFSA, and look for more UNH Manchester Scholarships.