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College of Letters and Science Computer Information Systems Degree

Major

PURSUE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN A CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AT UW-STEVENS POINT

The Department of Computing and New Media Technologies provides unique opportunities through three options in the Computer Information Systems (CIS) major: application development and support, cybersecurity, and networking.

The CIS curriculum introduces students to concepts in programming, algorithms, databases, computer networking, web applications and systems analysis. Students learn to incorporate these into today’s networked world by designing and implementing production level software systems. Students develop valuable theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and practical experiences as part of their coursework using state of the art tools and technologies in the field.

Our students are widely successful in internship placements with area and out-of-state employers. A growing number of companies hire students during the summer and school year to give students more experience and attract students to permanent jobs after graduation. More than 85% of students are hired upon completing CIS internships. Beyond central Wisconsin, CIS alumni have found success in Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, Amazon and Visa—and a variety of startups across the country.

My classes gave me the base knowledge. I had never done coding earlier—just in college. The work through the Sentry Co-Op was a welcoming, helpful culture. It helped me immensely and I learned so much about my career path. – Alissa Rickert, ’22 Computer Information Systems
  

Why Study Computer Information Systems at UW-Stevens Point?

Our curriculum provides a wide range of opportunities that can meet a variety of interests in the area of computer information systems. Our department has long-standing connections with companies and organizations in which students enjoy numerous internship and employment opportunities. Computing and New Media Technologies graduates rank among the top on campus in gaining employment in applicable fields or continuing studies in a related field.

Gain Real World Experience

This past year, students spent 6,000 hours working on software and web development with local organizations through their capstone experiences. Local employers in the computer information systems and web development programs include Sentry Insurance, Skyward, WildCard Corp, Marshfield Clinic Information Systems, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, NorthWinds Technology Solutions, and others. Computing majors are in demand — most students have jobs lined up before graduation.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

The computer information systems program at UW-Stevens Point provides a rich academic training and practical experience in computing. We keep our students up to date with the most recent advances and trends by offering a rich set of electives that cover topics including mobile application development, parallel programming, game development, and front-end frameworks, just to name a few recent examples. As a CIS student, you will have access to state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, as well as software and services such as Azure Dev Tools for Teaching and Amazon AWS.

In our CIS program, you will be exposed to foundational topics in computing from your first semester. You will get to know the faculty and academic staff well, thanks to courses that are in most cases capped at 24 students. Students get the chance to work with faculty on undergraduate research and independent study on topics including game design machine learning, information security, and more.

GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS

Students are encouraged to talk to their faculty adviser about jobs available in our Skyward Internship Center, in the Science Building, and the Sentry Insurance Co-op program. We continue to promote and support employer-sponsored student internship programs in CNMT with various local businesses and non-profit organizations.

Join a group of like-minded students in the field. Student organization opportunities can be found on the Stevens Point Involvement Network (SPIN).

Major Map
Computer Information Systems

Navigate Your Major

Major Maps help students map their first day to the first job in their chosen field. While a four-year plan outlines classes to get a degree, Major Maps help students learn how to build career-ready skills and experiences outside the classroom. Each Major Map shows how students can get the most of their UW-Stevens Point journey from enrollment to graduation and beyond. It’s a roadmap to discovering your purpose!

Technology You Will Use

Learn industry skills in our collaborative computer labs available for student use: A 30-seat teaching lab featuring dual full HD projector setup for software development instruction, renovated computer lab with hands-on access to networking hardware and software for networking and cybersecurity instruction, and a collaboration space with five BYOD pods, a 70-inch interactive touchscreen, and whiteboard walls.

MEET OUR FACULTY

In the Computing and New Media Technologies, students will find a department fueled by knowledgeable and compassionate faculty and staff, dedicated to teaching, research, and community outreach.

Weimin He

  • Professor
715-346-4409

Tomi Heimonen

  • Associate Professor
  • Chair, Department of Computing and New Media Technologies
  • Academic Director, M.S. Cybersecurity online degree program
715-346-4145

Hardeep Kaur Dhalla

  • Associate Professor
715-346-3210

Chad Johnson

  • Assistant Professor
  • Coordinator, Digital Forensics and Recovery Analysis Lab
715-346-2120