Computer Information Systems
If you are interested in a career in computer information systems, the Nicholls College of Business is the right place.
Here are a few reasons why you should pursue a degree in computer information systems at Nicholls:
- Quality. The Nicholls College of Business has been accredited by AACSB International for the last 30 years. Hence, our degree plans and CIS courses meet the stringent educational requirements set forth by AACSB for a bachelor’s degree.
- Student Focused. The department provides opportunities for students to interact with faculty, other students and members of the profession.
- Dedication. The faculty and staff of the department are dedicated to helping you achieve your career goals.
- Employment. The CIS degree offers many fascinating and rewarding careers for young professionals.
Peruse our website to find out more about our curriculum, faculty members, student organizations and career opportunities. Come learn, live and lead with a degree in CIS from the Nicholls College of Business Administration.
COURSES / DEGREE PLAN
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems: Computer Science Business Applications Concentration
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems: Business Data Analytics Concentration
Perhaps more than ever, businesses are in need of employees who can gather, analyze and disseminate data while also handling technology changes as they arise. The computer information systems program at Nicholls State University prepares students to enter such cutting-edge careers by teaching them technical and managerial skills as well as offering students opportunities for hands-on experience. Aside from their coursework, CIS students at Nicholls experiment with installing and testing local area networks in a specialized computer networking laboratory. As the business world moves more toward a paperless society that increasingly demands data analyses, the demand for computer information systems graduates with experience increases. We offer three distinct degrees in this discipline; students are able to choose an all-encompassing CIS degree or one with a concentration.
DEGREE PLANS 2022-2023
DEGREE PLANS 2021-2022
DEGREE PLANS 2020-2021
DEGREE PLANS 2019-2020
Minor in Computer Information Systems
To obtain a minor in Computer Information Systems, students must complete CIS 231 and 15 credit hours to be chosen from CIS electives or ACCT 351 (for a total of 18 credit hours). The program of study leading to a minor in CIS is designed based on student’s professional interest.
Minor in Data Analytics
To obtain a minor in Data Analytics, students must complete QBA 282 or MATH 214, QBA 283, CIS 370, CIS 470, AND either (CIS 485 and CIS 490) or (MNGT 367 and MNGT 425) for a total of 18 semester hours. In order to meet the QBA 283 prerequisite, students must also take OIS 200 to fulfill their Computer Literacy General Education requirement.
CIS 150. Visual Computer Programming for Business. 3-3-0. Prerequisite: C or better in Math 101. The fundamentals of visual computer program development for business-related applications (11.0202).
CIS 231. Management Information Systems. 3-3-0. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and either CMPS 101 or OIS 200, or permission of department head. Introduction to business information resources, system design and information management. Topics include computer hardware, systems analysis, database management decision support systems and distributed data processing. (52.1201)
CIS 255. Programming for Business Applications. 3-3-0. Prerequisite: C or better in CIS 150 or permission of department head. Computer programming methods for business systems. Emphasizing contemporary programming environments and application development tools while using object-oriented technologies and fourth generation languages. (11.0202)
CIS 310. Data Communications. 3-3-0. Prerequisites: C or better in both CIS 231 and CIS 150. Analysis and design of data communications systems. Topics include network design and management, and telecommunication concepts and management. (11.0901)
CIS 315. Advanced Networking and Telecommunications. 3-3-0. Prerequisite: C or better in CIS 310. Review of current network management technology and techniques, and emerging network protocol and management standards In depth examination of data communications industry, voice communications, data communications concepts and technology, LAN architectures, network operating systems, network development life cycle, security, and management. (11.0901)
CIS 320. Applied Database Development. 3-3-0. Prerequisites: C or better in CIS 231 or permission of department head. Business database systems including conceptual and implementation design, database implementation; and the data management environment and required language tools are explored. Relational and other database models are studied. (11.0802)
CIS 330. Systems Analysis and Design. 3-3-0. Prior credit or current registration in CIS 320. Use information systems methodology to solve enterprise wide managerial and organizational problems. Students will use systems design methodologies to develop information products to meet the functional requirements of businesses. (11.0501)
CIS 340. Electronic Commerce: Business Uses of the Internet. 3-3-0. Prerequisites: C or better in CIS 231, MNGT 301, and MKTG 300 or permission of the department head. Tools, technologies, opportunities, challenges, strategies for business use of the Internet, and the impact of the emerging electronic market in today’s corporations. (52.1299)
CIS 355. Advanced Programming and Data Structures. 3-3-0. Prerequisite: C or better in CIS 150. Advanced program design and dynamic development of business applications software for data entry, editing and validation; maintenance of sequential, direct, and indexed files; file inquiry, extraction, and reporting activities. (11.0801)
CIS 370. Data Analytics. 3-3-0. Prerequisite: C or better in QBA 283. Development of analytical, data visualization, reporting, and collaboration skills. Includes application of cutting-edge technologies in a business context. (11.0104)
CIS 400. Internship in Computer Information Systems. 3-0-10. Prerequisites: Senior standing and permission of department head required. Supervised practical experience in an approved private or public organization involving work relevant to computer information systems. Only one internship may be counted toward degree. (52.1299)
CIS 410. Special Topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Selected current topics in computer information systems. May be repeated for credit if content differs. (52.1299)
CIS 420. Integrative Project Management. 3-3-0. Prerequisites: CIS 231 and senior standing. Use information systems methodologies to solve enterprise wide managerial and organizational problems. Students are trained on necessary tools to resolve real life issues in project management. Use of quantitative techniques is supplemented by softer skills of leadership and change management. (52.1201)
CIS 430. Information Technology Service Management. 3-3-0. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CIS 330. Focus is on enhancing knowledge and skills necessary for architecting, engineering, implementing, managing, and delivering information technology services in a broad range of organizations. (52.1206)
CIS 435. Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence. 3-3-0. Prerequisite: C or better in CIS 320. Students are exposed to tools and technologies available for the building blocks of data warehouse implementations – such as database management systems, extract, transform and load, and analytic tools. Discussions, assignments, and projects focus on the challenges of developing and using database systems in dynamic organizations. (52.1207)
CIS 455. Integrated Web Development and e-Business. 3-3-0. Prerequisites: C or better in CIS 255 and CIS 320. Development and implementation of web based applications; strategies and techniques for designing and implementing multi-tier distributed applications for use on the Internet. (11.0801)
CIS 460. Management of Information Systems. 3-3-0. Prerequisites: C or better in both MNGT 301 and CIS 231. Principles and concepts involved in the management of organizational information systems resources. Includes information systems planning, legal and professional issues, and strategic impact of information systems. (52.1201)
CIS 480. Practical Business Information Processing. 3-3-0. Prerequisites: C or better in CIS 231. Students will apply and advance their spreadsheet and database software skills to analyze business information in a series of practical cases. Applications focus on skills such as improving managerial decision-making and auditing information system data. (11.1099)
CIS 485. Special Problems in Business Information Processing. 3-3-0. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Solution of an information system problem using project management and information systems methodologies in a group project environment. (52.1299)
CIS 490. Independent Study in Information Systems. 3-3-3. Prerequisites: Senior standing and permission of department head required. Individualized activities (e.g. independent readings, research, problem reports) designed to meet the special needs of students within their major.(52.1299)
CIS 501. Information Systems for Managers. 3-3-0. Prerequisite: Admission to the MBA program. Overview of the capabilities of information systems and the managerial issues related to their use. Applications of current and emerging technologies will be examined including strategic and operational issues. (52.1201)
CIS 510. Information Support Systems. 3-3-0. Current and expected information support system technologies and their implications for information support operations. Fa- even years only. (52.1201)
CIS 550. Integrative Information Technology Service and Project Management. 3-3-0. Focusing IT Services provided to the business; analysis, production and distribution of information within an organization. Examination of the IT product development and service delivery processes with sound management principles that meet end-users’ needs. (52.1206)
CIS 590. Special Topics in Information Systems. 3-3-0. This course examines issues of current interest in Information Systems. Topics covered will vary semester to semester so that students may take the course more than once as the topic changes. (52.1299)
STUDENT INFORMATION
As a transfer student, this is the right place for you to continue the pursuit of your academic degree. Because you will enter our college partway through your undergraduate education, please visit the Transfer Student website, which is designed to help students like you.
College can be a harrowing experience for some, and we are there for you as an incoming freshman. From the beginning, during student orientation you will meet with a College of Business adviser who will help you evaluate your schedule to help you succeed in your chosen business profession.
International students have unique cultural experiences that add to the diverse fabric of our academic community. We have students from around the world studying with us and we welcome their contributions.
The College of Business Administration offers two graduate programs to prepare professionals, with or without business degrees, to face uncertain economic conditions, technological changes, culturally diverse workplaces, international issues and the ever-changing political/legal environment.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
With a building club membership of over 30 active members, the Information Systems Club (ISC) originated less than 10 years ago. The current ISC leadership is as follows:
Eric Fedrowisch, President
Kristy Bourgeois, Vice President
Shannon Randolph, Communications Manager
Veronica Fanguy, Treasurer
Travis Martin, Student Advisor
En Mao, Faculty Advisor
The Information Systems Club’s former officers have since moved onward and upward to become team members at large organizations such as IBM, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, and Exxon Mobile (just to name a few).
The ISC has had many activities over the years. A few of the more noteworthy events have included outings to the local IT departments of Danos, Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, and the New Orleans Saints, and the always entertaining Annual Game Competition fund raiser. In addition, the ISC has brought in many industry leaders as guest speakers.
All majors are welcome to join the Information Systems Club! We have signup tables at many of the university events, such as orientation. The club members also venture to local high schools to introduce new students to Nicholls’ Information Systems Club.
Looking to get more information about the IS Club?
Student that are interested in being added to the mailing list to receive important information about the Information Systems Club should click the following link: Mailing List
Beta Alpha Psi is an international honor society and a scholastic and professional accounting, finance, and IS fraternity. Only AACSB-accredited Colleges of Business may have a chapter.
Beta Alpha Psi recognizes outstanding academic achievements in the field of accounting and finance; promotes the study and practice of accounting and finance; provides opportunities for self-development, service, and association among members and practicing accounting and finance professionals; and encourages a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibility.
ACTIVITIES
Beta Alpha Psi – The organization sponsors Student/CPA Night with their sponsor, the Louisiana State Society of CPAs. Participants enjoy an informal networking setting. Members also participate in professional workshops during the semester, offer tutoring to Accounting 205 students, host LinkedIn headshot opportunities, and participate in field trips to learn about different career opportunities. In February 2020, the chapter will co-host the Southwest Regional meeting with University of Texas at Arlington in New Orleans.
Alumni can join the BAP Alumni Network to get involved.
• declared accounting or finance as their major,
• completed two years of college and one upper-level accounting or finance course,
• maintained a GPA of at least 3.0 in upper-level accounting or finance courses and
• an overall GPA of at least 3.0 or GPA of 3.25 or better on the most recent 30 hours
Officer of Communication – Brianna Millet
Faculty Advisor: Mrs. Samantha Falgout (985-448-4193, samantha.falgout@nicholls.edu, 309A Powell).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: https://www.facebook.com/bapnichollsstate
Meetings are held in 217 Powell from 5-6 pm
STUDENT RESOURCES
Sophomores, juniors and senior level students are assigned an academic adviser from within their disciplines and will be their primary source of information regarding academic requirements. Advisers may assist with job placement, as well as provide information about graduate schools and internships. Academic advising usually occurs for a 3 week period in February or March for the upcoming summer and fall semesters; a similar advising period in October/November is devoted for spring advising. A week before the official advising period begins, an appointment sheet will be posted outside your adviser’s office door. Students then sign up for an appointment at a time that is agreeable for both. Advising outside of the predetermined period can be arranged via appointment
If you are a graduating senior, you must schedule an appointment with your adviser.
- Your adviser will have to approve you for graduation by completing a degree plan.
- You will have to submit a completed College of Business Registration Schedule form to your adviser.
- When completing the form, include at least one alternate section of BSAD 490.
- Your adviser will submit your degree plan and COB Registration Schedule Form to the Department of Business Administration and Computer Information Systems Administrative Coordinator.
- The Department Administrative Coordinator will register you into your classes on the first day of registration. The Admin. Coordinator. for Management and Marketing will register you for BSAD 490. She will do her best to get you into your first choice.
- Please see your adviser asap so your registration form can be turned in. Registration by the administrative coordinators is on a first come, first serve basis.
The name of your academic adviser can be found in Banner under General Student Information and will listed as the student’s Primary Adviser. If you are new to our department and don’t yet have a computer information systems adviser, contact Cherie Rigaud, (985-449-7014. or cherie.rigaud@nicholls.edu) administrative coordinator for the Department of Business Administration and Computer Information Systems.
Freshmen computer information systems majors are assigned advisers in the Academic Advising Center for their first year of classes. However, they are also mentored by select CBA faculty to aid with their transition into college life. College of Business mentors are full-time faculty members who were specifically chosen to assist freshmen in achieving their educational and career goals as they progress through their courses. Freshmen should expect to be contacted by their mentors during their first semester; mentors are also listed in Banner as a freshman’s secondary adviser. As students enter their sophomore year, mentors become a student’s academic adviser.
Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Cenac Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a computer information systems junior or non-graduating senior. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA, a minimum 3.5 GPA in CIS courses, and have earned 15 credit hours of courses needed to complete the CIS degree. Selection is based on financial need and contribution to the CIS program. Mr. and Mrs. Cenac were the founders of Cenac Marine, a leader in the towing industry.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The College of Business Administration has several scholarships that are open to all business majors. Click here for a list. Apply online.
Students are encouraged to apply for a variety of other local, state and national scholarships through the Financial Aid Office.
This event includes single player competition, as well as 2v2 competition. The games may consist of binary battleship (developed by Dr. Ronnie Fanguy, BACIS department head), as well as the popular Smash Brothers on the Nintendo Wii U platform.
The Information Systems Club and its intrepid leaders developed Game Day. This event has served as a great way for students and faculty to recruit, network, promote teamwork, and introduce computer gaming through competition.
Gamers of all ages are encouraged to compete. Fees for anyone wanting to partake in the competition are $8.00 per person for the singles competition and $15.00 per person for the 2v2 competition. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for each category (single and 2v2); all placed winners receive a trophy. Complimentary pizza, drinks, and popcorn are provided for all.
Stay tuned for the date of our next Game Day!
CAREERS
Computers and their use in information systems have created interesting, highly paid and challenging opportunities for millions of men and women. Employment opportunities in the computer information systems field are excellent, as organizations continue to expand their use of computers. National employment surveys continually forecast shortages of qualified information systems personnel in many job categories.
As a CIS graduate, you may be employed as an information specialist by small or large, local or international, organizations in a number of capacities, such as:
- Systems analyst – one who designs systems based on the requirements of the end-users.
- Computer programmer – one who prepares computer programs based on the specifications of the systems analysts.
- Data communications specialist – one who develops and supports the use of computer networks and data communications.
- Database administrator – one who develops and oversees the use of databases in an organization.
- EDP auditor – one who audits the security and performance of computer-based systems.
Promotion from a technical to a management-level position is possible for CIS graduates. The core business courses found in the CIS curriculum prepare students for such opportunities. Administrative-level positions include project leader, supervisor and director of information systems. For additional information on CIS occupation outlook please visit Bureau of Labor Statistics web site.
In addition to CIS faculty, the CIS Advisory Board participates in the planning and evaluation of the Nicholls State University CIS program. The advisory board is composed of a diverse group of individuals. To represent CIS majors, current Nicholls students serve on the advisory board. The current make-up of the board is as follows:
Brent J. Duet
IT Director, T Baker Smith
Stewart Saathoff
Owner, Transech
Ryan J. Hutchinson
IT Director, South Central Planning & Development Commission
Raymond Folse, Ph.D.
Retired NSU Professor, CEO of Ed-U-Tek, Inc.
Chris Oubre, Ph.D.
BRRF Offsites Application Engineer, Exxon Mobil Chemical
Russ M. Doucet
Sr. Systems Analyst, MCP Placid Refining Company LLC
Jeff Sardella
IT Director, Terrebonne General Medical Center
Bryan Samaha
Network Administrator, Thibodaux Regional Medical Center
Ralph Melain
Owner, Antares
Jeremy Knight
Applications Software Developer
Jason Bergeron
Owner, Technology Professionals LLC
Michael Anderson
IT Director, State of Louisiana
Sonny Orgeron
IT Director, Danos
Aaron Gravois
IT Director, Rouse’s Supermarkets
Brandon Reeves
Owner, Efend
Stephen Dye
CISO, Edison Chouest Offshore
FACULTY & STAFF
Mrs. Sherry Rodrigue
Title: Department Head, Instructor of Computer Information Systems
Department: Business Administration & Computer Information Systems
Email: sherry.rodrigue@nicholls.edu
Phone: (985) 448-4749
Office Location: 101 White Hall
Dr. Ann-Marie Castille
Title: Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems
Department: Business Administration & Computer Information Systems
Email: ann-marie.castille@nicholls.edu
Phone: (985) 448-4738
Office Location: 152 Powell Hall
Mr. Terry Evans
Title: Instructor of Computer Information Systems
Department: Business Administration & Computer Information Systems
Email: terry.evans@nicholls.edu
Phone: (985) 448-4205
Office Location: 310B Powell Hall
Dr. Ronnie Fanguy
Title: Professor of Computer Information Systems
Department: Business Administration and Computer Information Systems
Email: ronnie.fanguy@nicholls.edu
Phone: (985) 448-4971
Office Location: 311 Powell Hall
Dr. En Mao
Title: Professor of Computer Information Systems
Department: Business Administration & Computer Information Systems
Email: en.mao@nicholls.edu
Phone: (985) 449-7024
Office Location: 123 Powell Hall
Dr. Lori Soule
Title: Director of Online Business Education, Associate Professor of CIS
Department: Business Administration & Computer Information Systems
Email: lori.soule@nicholls.edu
Phone: (985) 448-4242
Office Location: 206A White Hall
Ms. Cherie Rigaud
Title: Administrative Coordinator
Department: Business Administration and Computer Information Systems
Email: cherie.rigaud@nicholls.edu
Phone: (985) 449-7014
Office: 101 White Hall
CONTACT INFORMATION
101 White Hall
P.O. Box 2015
Thibodaux, LA 70310
