The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Professional Communications and Information Systems degree program prepares graduates to work in areas of technology or in positions that require a high level of interaction through technology and communications. These can be information technology applications, interfaces with human users, support software, communication problems and strategies, and the design of information for a variety of users and contexts.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) predicts there will be over 65,000 new jobs for "Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Network Architects" by 2020.
Careers in this particular area of study include: application developer, communications coordinator, copywriter, database administrator, editor, instructional technology specialist, media relations representative, network administrator, operational technical manager, programmer, project leader, systems analyst, technical instructor/trainer, technical support staff, technical writer, Web designer or Web master.
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2010 national mean bachelor-level entry-level salaries:
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By type of employer |
By job function |
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Aerospace |
$57,000 |
Computer Programming |
$49,780 |
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Banking (Investment) |
$56,667 |
Consulting |
$53,875 |
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Computer Systems Design/Consulting/Programming |
$47,000 |
Investment Banking (Sales/Trading) |
$57,000 |
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Consulting Services |
$59,250 |
Network Administration |
$53,333 |
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Financial Services |
$59,700 |
Software Design and Development |
$49,333 |
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Government (State and Local) |
$40,000 |
Systems Analysis and Design |
$56,667 |
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Insurance |
$69,500 |
Other Computer Related |
$52,356 |
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Software Publishers |
$55,000 |
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2009 RMU Salary Survey |
Mean: |
Range: |
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Computer Information Systems |
$67,500 |
$50,000 - $85,000 |
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Information Sciences |
$58,200 |
$44,600 - $75,000 |
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Information Systems Management |
$40,167 |
$25,000 - $70,000 |
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Below is a typical four-year course of study for professional communications and information systems students, including major requirements and some electives. Your own schedule will vary based on your own interests.
| FRESHMAN/Fall Semester | FRESHMAN/Spring Semester |
| Reading and Writing Strategies | Intro. to Decision Support Systems |
| Survey of Economics | General Psychology |
| History elective | Principles of Sociology |
| Humanities: Art and Music | Argument & Research |
| Elective | Science elective |
| SOPHOMORE/Fall Semester | SOPHOMORE/Spring Semester |
| Statistics | Operating Systems Concepts |
| Interpersonal Communication | Intro to Web Development |
| Intro. to Human Communication | Business Professional Communication |
| Public Speaking and Persuasion | Elective |
| Elective | English Lit. elective |
| JUNIOR/Fall Semester | JUNIOR/Spring Semester |
| Strategic Writing | Professional Writing |
| Systems Analysis and Design | Media Management |
| Elective | Elective |
| Elective | Elective |
| Elective | Elective |
| SENIOR/Fall Semester | SENIOR/Spring Semester |
| Decision Support Systems | Telecommmunications |
| Organizational Communication | Database Management Systems |
| Elective | Elective |
| Elective | Elective |
| Elective | Elective |
Students develop professional experience through internships and cooperative education in Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit and health care organizations, and with small businesses. The supervised work experience provides the student with hands-on experience in hardware and software technology, applications, and organizational operations.
There is always a strong demand for computing internships in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Even as the recession hit, this demand remained steady. Just about every organization that hires our graduates for full-time positions is also regularly looking to hire interns. As a result, the number of internships available usually exceeds the number of candidates, which is an advantage for our students. In fact, a large number of our undergraduate majors have jobs in the field once they complete their second year of study.
The Computer and Information Systems Department also offers a five-year, integrated B.S. and M.S. degree for all six of its master's degree programs. For most students, the program requires 150 credits.
School computing facilities include both PCs and Macs, geographic information systems and business intelligence software, the university's VMware View and remote access to five servers for web pages, database, and security programs.
The Wheatley Center
The School of Communications and Information Systems is now housed in the Wheatley Center. This soaring, 50,000 square-foot complex, glowing with colored LED accents, includes classrooms, computer labs, media arts studios, editing suites, a gallery, and teleconferencing facilities, as well as faculty and administrative offices, student meeting spaces and a café. The new building also provides access to geographic information systems software and business intelligence software.
Faculty members in the School of Communications and Information Systems are recognized for their dedication to teaching, academic research, global understanding, and professional experience. Our faculty regularly wins awards and accolades for excellence in teaching and research. As guides and mentors, they motivate students to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their field of study. Faculty members encourage students to engage in scholarly pursuits, including participation in academic conferences and professional organizations. Our faculty members hail from seven countries on four continents, helping to broaden students’ global understanding. Many lead study abroad trips and international student exchanges in Europe, South America, and Asia. Finally, SCIS faculty members’ professional experience and community involvement help students connect what they’re learning in the classroom to the workplace.
Scholarships are available based upon academic achievement.
For freshmen, high school grade point average and ACT/SAT scores are used. For transfer students, the cumulative grade point average of all college courses is used. Scholarships range from $1000 per year up to full tuition. (To calculate your scholarship eligibility, click here.)
Higher education is an investment in your future.
At Robert Morris University, we will work closely with you to show you how to finance your education through a combination of need-based financial aid, scholarships, and financing strategies to make your education attainable. RMU has one of the lowest tuition rates of all private institutions in the state, but we know that financing your education can be complicated, and your family might need help in understanding your options.
Talk to us—we can help!
Email us at finaid@rmu.edu
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