Information technology is the driving force behind successful businesses. IT skills are among the most in-demand. There is an ongoing shortage of people who have both the IT skills and the business acumen to create a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The mission of the CIS major in Robinson’s B.B.A. program is to produce graduates able to fill this need. Students will learn how to combine their business knowledge and hands-on technology skills to create the computer systems that companies need to succeed. CIS majors prepare for careers in areas such as consulting, systems development, business process analysis, cybersecurity, IT project management, business intelligence, data analytics, digital innovation, and programming.
Students pursuing a CIS major choose one or more areas of specialization.
The application development concentration provides students with skills to program and maintain websites, computer applications, and mobile applications, and to build software applications using cloud computing services. Application development concentration students can start a career in application programming and software development. After several years of experience, students may have the skills to start their own IT consulting business.
The cybersecurity concentration teaches students to recognize the threats and vulnerabilities present in information systems. Students also learn how to manage the use of information assets securely and to support the goals and objectives of their organizations through effective information security governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Cybersecurity concentration students are likely to find jobs in network security, vulnerability assessment, data loss prevention, security information and event management, and security consulting, among other sectors.
Leading tech companies across the country are making billion-dollar investments in cybersecurity. A huge piece of this is hiring talent who are skilled in this critical space. President Biden even refers to cybersecurity infrastructure as a “core national security challenge.” Through the cybersecurity concentration, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools needed to land a job in an exciting, rapidly growing field.
The data analytics concentration covers technical and managerial subjects related to the acquisition, management, and analysis of large-scale data in modern business environments. It involves structured and unstructured data; introduces essential computational tools and techniques; and emphasizes critical concepts and hands-on programming skills for data visualization, machine learning, and database systems. The data analytics concentration prepares students for various in-demand career opportunities, such as business/marketing analyst and data analyst/engineer/scientist roles.
The digital innovation concentration teaches students how to model existing and proposed business processes, improve business processes using in-demand methodologies, use business process management platforms to design IT systems that can digitize business processes, and implement digital business process management solutions. Digital Innovation concentration students may find careers in management and technology consulting, as well as careers helping companies undergo digital business transformations. Typical entry-level jobs are business analyst, technology analyst, and consultant.
For their capstone course, B.B.A. in Computer Information Systems students choose between two classes, both of which include real-world projects:
CIS 4980 – In groups of three to six and under the supervision of a faculty member, students consult with real companies that need help solving a complex IT issue. Over the course of the semester, students evaluate the business’ IT processes and operations as well as security policies. As part of a team led by the client, students aid in developing and implementing the proposed solution.
CIS 4970 – Over the course of a semester-long internship or through work at a full-time or part-time job, students assist a company with the planning and/or implementation of IT projects. To receive field study credit, students will apply what they have learned in the CIS undergraduate program and demonstrate how their position is related to information systems. That is, the position needs to be involved in the information system side such as user requirement analysis, system design, data analysis and reporting, project management, database modeling and design, business process modeling for IT innovation, information system security, etc.
for publications in premier information systems journals
Ranked 8th in the Nation, 7th Among Publicsfor best undergraduate program by U.S. News & World Report, 2023.
Ranked among the most ethnically diversein the country as well as the only top 10 program nationwide with its primary source of diversity as African American. (Collegefactual.com)
High School Seniors and Recent Graduates
If you’re a senior in high school or graduated from high school within the last two years, you’ll apply using Georgia State’s Common Application.
International students
International applicants are students who are in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa (B-1, H-1, J-1, etc.), students who are living outside the U.S. and will require an F-1 visa to study in the U.S., students who are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency status but have not yet received the Permanent Residency card, or students who have been educated outside the U.S.
Transfer Students
If you’re already in college but need a change, transferring to Georgia State can provide you with the opportunities you need to succeed — in school and after graduation.
Required Major Courses
CIS 3001 – Managing Information Technology Projects
CIS 3260 – Introduction to Programming
CIS 3300 – Analyzing Business Systems (Systems Analysis)
CIS 3730 – Designing and Managing Data (Database Management Systems)
One of the following two courses:
CIS 4970 – Field Study in Information Systems (This can be completed as an internship within an IT organization, or as a part- or full-time industry job.)
CIS 4980 – Practicing Real-World IT Skills (Systems Development Projects)
At least three additional CIS courses, all as part of one concentration.
Recommended Elective Courses
Students must take three classes within one concentration. Students have the option to complete two concentrations without adding an another semester of study or incurring additional fees.
Application Development Concentration:
CIS 3270 – Application Programming
CIS 4280 – Mobile Application Programming
CIS 4850 – Cloud Computing & Application Development
Cybersecurity Concentration:
CIS 4680 – Intro to Security
CIS 4688 – Protecting Business Systems and Networks
CIS 4684 – Cybersecurity Tools and Solutions
Data Analytics Concentration:
CIS 4730 – Unstructured Data Management
CIS 4920 – Data Programming
CIS 4930 – Big Data Analytics
Digital Innovation Concentration:
CIS 4120 – Defining and Innovating Business Processes
CIS 4140 – Implementing IT-Enabled Business Processes
CIS 4190 – Digital Business Transformation
Check out our cost calculator or visit Student Financial Services for information on estimated costs.
Contact Student Financial Services
We are here to help you understand the cost of your program, the payment schedule, and financing opportunities.
Visit the Student Financial Management Center Virtual Events to schedule a virtual appointment, or call 404-413-2600 for more information.
Robinson Scholarships
Robinson offers several scholarships through the Office of the Dean as well as the individual academic departments.
Search Georgia State’s Database
Georgia State offers a robust searchable database containing scholarships offered through the university as well as external websites.
Information technology is the driving force behind successful businesses. IT skills are among the most in-demand. There is an ongoing shortage of people who have both the IT skills and the business acumen to create a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The mission of the CIS major in Robinson’s B.B.A. program is to produce graduates able to fill this need.
Program graduates work for a variety of well-respected companies including Accenture, Amazon, BlackRock, Deloitte, EY, Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, NCR, Onetrust, The Home Depot, UPS, and Warner Media.
VIEW SAMPLE JOB TITLESassociate technical architect
business technology analyst
cyber defense analyst
IT systems specialist
senior software engineer
This organization leads the way for students, academics, and practitioners to be successful in the field of information systems.
The purpose of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) is to create connections and a strong network, which are essential to finding employment after graduation.
Georgia State’s Women in Technology is an organization for female students in undergraduate and graduate programs related to STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics. We provide members with outreach and networking opportunities, promote awareness on issues that affect women in technology fields, and create opportunities for professional development and advancement. The primary goal of the organization is to empower women to succeed and thrive in technology fields.
STARS Ignite GSU is part of the STARS Computing Corps and is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This Student Chapter is dedicated to increasing computing persistence and promoting career advancement for all students at Georgia State University.
I chose Robinson’s CIS program because the college is partnered with so many companies. The college is a hub that many Fortune 500 companies come to when looking for new hires. Robinson also offers one of the best CIS programs in the country. The Women In Technology (WIT) student organization changed my outlook on what working in technology would look like as a woman. WIT taught me how to navigate the business world, while preparing me to be a leader in my chosen industry.
My advice to incoming CIS students is to “Be Bold!” There are so many resources at GSU; don’t be afraid to ask.
During my final semester at Robinson, I took a program immersion class with Dell Technologies. The class exposed me to a new career path, and I received a full-time job offer. Without the great partnership Robinson has with Dell Technologies, I would not be in this position. I am so thankful I chose to attend Robinson.
class of 2020
systems engineer, Dell Technologies
I started as an economics major at Georgia State, but quickly switched to CIS, one of the leading programs at Robinson. The CIS department is known for its academic excellence, outstanding faculty, and practical course of study. The faculty, student organizations, and advisors have been the pillars of my success at Robinson. The opportunities provided by the department, skills-building workshops, and leadership-building sessions with employers were also integral to my success.
My advice for incoming CIS students is to “be a sponge and run towards the fire.” This motto has been my go-to during my time at Robinson and in my professional career. Be ready to take risks by learning new topics that you are not comfortable with. The last piece of advice is to collaborate with your peers and the faculty to succeed in CIS—collaboration over competition.
class of 2019
analyst, BlackRock
I originally came to Robinson as an accounting major. I was not aware of the CIS degree, and wasn’t particularly interested in a career in tech. It was only when I sat in my first CIS class—Intro to CIS—that I saw the value in the degree and made the switch. The best aspects of the program include on-campus career opportunities and the plethora of scholarships available. Many of the leadership development opportunities were born out of the student organizations, including the Association of Information Systems and Women In Technology.
I have three pieces of advice for CIS students to take to heart. First, understand you will be hired (either for a job or as a vendor if you own your own business) not for your degree, but rather your skills and experience at solving technology problems. Do not make the mistake that thinking your degree will get you through the door. When talking to a prospective employer or client, focus on how your expertise will solve their problems rather than the knowledge you learned at school.
Second, although the program gives you awesome exposure to a variety of tech subjects, it alone is not sufficient for surviving in the real world. You need to spend time working on side projects and doing as many internships as you can. In fact, you should try to get an internship every summer and work in a tech role during the fall/spring semesters. Figure out what you like doing and specialize in that field. Employers, in my experience, like persons with depth over breadth of experience.
Lastly, network, network, network. You’re much more likely to land an opportunity if you’ve developed a relationship with someone associated with the role. Try to reach out to as many people in the company prior to applying to a role.
class of 2020
associate vice president, data scientist I, Truist Financial
