Computer Information Systems is the study of how data are gathered, stored, processed, and communicated by organizations to produce information. Information is defined as anything individuals and organizations need to know to be effective in selecting and achieving their goals and objectives. The subject of information systems should be distinguished from that of computer science. Computer science is concerned with the design of systems software, which is used in developing information systems. The information systems designer is concerned with how to use computer systems effectively in producing data for the right person at the right time.
Cal State L.A.'s undergraduate Computer Information Systems degree is founded on a solid core of courses in business including accounting, economics, information systems, statistics, and management. At the upper division level, students acquire specialized knowledge through the study of such topics as advanced information systems, data base design, systems analysis methods, advanced application programming, decision support systems, distributed processing, and office systems.
Graduate programs are designed to provide study in more specialized areas for information systems practitioners who wish to increase their versatility. The study of computer information systems is present in three master's degree programs in the College of Business and Economics. The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) is designed for current professionals in the field of IS/IT. It prepares them for senior professional positions in consulting and project/operations management. The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) includes an Information Systems option. There is also a Management Information Systems option in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
There are many job opportunities for those who understand information systems. Every organization, whether a business or other type of institution, needs expertise in the development and use of computer information systems. To judge the potential, one has only to open any newspaper to the job opportunities section and look for positions with the titles listed in the left hand column on this page. Demand far exceeds supply; this situation is expected to continue for at least the next decade.
The department supports the Association of Information Management, a student organization open to those interested in computers and their applications. Through membership in this society, students can work with others on programming projects, hold games and contests, and learn about job opportunities through guest speakers and visits to data processing centers. Membership in the Eta chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, the national honor society for business, is open by invitation to all qualified majors in the College of Business and Economics. Computer Information Systems majors may join the campus chapters of Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi national honor societies which are open to qualified students in all academic disciplines. In addition, numerous scholarships are available to students in all disciplines who meet established criteria.
California State University, Los Angeles has an enrollment of 18,000 students. The campus is located on a 175-acre hilltop at the interchange of the San Bernardino (I10) and Long Beach freeways (I710) at the western end of the San Gabriel Valley, about five miles east of the Los Angeles Civic Center. To secure an application for admission, call (323) 343-3901. The University Catalog and Schedule of Classes are available for purchase from the University Bookstore in the University-Student Union. Cal State L.A. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, disabled veteran's or Vietnam era veteran's status, or any other classification that precludes a person from consideration as an individual.
For Further information, contact the Department of Information Systems at (323) 343-2983 or the Office of Admissions and University Outreach at (323) 343-3178. California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8530. University home page: http://www.calstatela.edu/