Computer Information Systems - B.B.A.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Kent State University

Program Overview

The Computer Information Systems B.B.A. at Kent State University combines business knowledge with information systems, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data governance and digital transformation, making it well suited to students who want to work at the intersection of technology and business. The program also gives students flexibility to pursue Designing Innovative Information Systems, Digital Transformation Management, or a customized combination of electives while developing practical skills for solving real business problems.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Students begin by developing a foundation in business, communication, mathematics and economics while being introduced to information systems and digital technologies. Courses such as BUS 10123 Exploring Business, CIS 24053 Introduction to Information Systems and Digital Technologies, and ECON 22060 Principles of Microeconomics help students understand how business organizations operate and how technology supports them.

Year 2
The second year builds stronger business and analytical foundations while students move further into the technology side of the degree. ACCT 23020 Introduction to Financial Accounting, BA 24056 Business Analytics I, and CIS 34054 Using Information Systems and Digital Technologies for Solving Business Problems develop the ability to connect financial, analytical and technological information to practical business decisions.

Year 3
Students begin working with more advanced information-systems concepts and can start shaping their studies toward their preferred technology pathway. CIS 34034 Business Modeling and Agile Design develops agile and business-modeling skills, while electives such as CIS 34167 Designing Innovative Programs and Apps, CIS 44008 Managing Agile Digital Transformation Projects, or CIS 44043 Database Design and Data Governance allow students to build more specialized technical and managerial capabilities.

Year 4
The final year focuses on applying technology strategically and creating solutions for organizations. Students take CIS 44048 Building Solutions for Businesses and CIS 44151 Innovating with Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence, with options such as CIS 44040 Using Python for Enterprise Architecture, CIS 44041 Managing Cybersecurity, CIS 44046 How to Lead and Manage Digital Transformation, or CIS 44292 Business Experience and Internship to strengthen their professional preparation.

Focus areas

Digital transformation management, innovative information systems, business modeling and agile design, artificial intelligence, information systems design, application development, enterprise architecture, databases and data governance, cybersecurity, business analytics, cloud and emerging digital technologies.

Learning outcomes

Graduates are prepared to manage digital transformation and information-systems design projects, use emerging digital technologies and platforms, design and implement information systems, databases and applications in on-premise and cloud environments, deploy digital transformation strategies, and integrate cybersecurity and data governance into information and analytics systems.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The B.B.A. is offered through Kent State's Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, which holds AACSB International accreditation. Kent State's official accreditation listing identifies the BBA as accredited by AACSB, with the next review year listed as 2027/2028.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Kent State's Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship reports that its undergraduate business programs received a No. 1 ranking among public universities in Northeast Ohio from U.S. News & World Report for 2026. For employment outcomes, the university reports an average annual starting salary of $64,811 for Computer Information Systems graduates, based on a three-year average of graduating cohorts from 2023–2025.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Computer Information Systems B.B.A. is designed around practical application rather than theory alone. Kent State highlights hands-on, industry-led projects involving AI integration and digital transformation, with students working collaboratively on information-systems and business-analytics problems; the program also provides an internship option that can involve a summer or semester of paid professional experience.

Students can build this practical experience through several program-specific opportunities:

Industry-led projects: Students work collaboratively on real-world information-systems and business problems, particularly projects involving AI integration and digital transformation.
AI and automation tools: In CIS 44151 Innovating with Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence, students work in teams with low-code/no-code programming, artificial intelligence, Microsoft Power BI and Microsoft Power Automate to develop digital-first workflows and AI-based solutions.
Business Experience and Internship: CIS 44292 Business Experience and Internship provides practical experience in an IT-related company and exposes students to areas and activities within the information-systems profession. The catalog identifies it as an Experiential Learning Requirement course.
Paid professional experience: Kent State states that the CIS internship may involve a summer or semester of paid professional experience in industry, helping students connect classroom learning with professional work.
Professional certification preparation: CIS 44293 Workshop in Professional Information Systems Certification supports preparation for professional certifications from vendors such as VMware and Microsoft, with students selecting an examination and completing supervised self-study.
Crawford Hall computer labs: Students have access to Computer Labs 101 and 103 in Crawford Hall, with remote access also available to the College's computer labs.
Business Analytics Lab: The Robert M. and Janet L. Archer Business Analytics Lab is a 48-seat computerized data-analytics research lab designed for analyzing, mining and visualizing large datasets.
Technology resources: Crawford College provides access to Microsoft Office 365, while students can access campus-licensed software and remote computer-lab resources for coursework.
IT/CIS Expo: The department's annual IT/CIS Expo connects students with resources and employers and provides an opportunity to build professional connections.
Career and employer networking: The college's business career fairs bring employers to campus to recruit students for internships and full-time positions, including Computer Information Systems majors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Computer Information Systems B.B.A. prepares graduates for technology-focused roles that require both technical understanding and business knowledge. Kent State's current program information identifies opportunities including computer systems analyst, database administrator, software developer and computer network support specialist, while the program's business-and-technology structure can also support careers in digital transformation and information-systems management.

Typical job roles include:
Computer Systems Analyst, Software Developer, Database Administrator, Computer Network Support Specialist

Career development and graduate outcomes include:

Career services: Ambassador Crawford College provides career services and has dedicated internship contacts for Computer Information Systems, helping students pursue internship and employment opportunities.
Employment opportunities: Kent State lists organizations where its CIS graduates can find employment, including American Greetings, Cleveland Clinic, Eaton, EY, FirstEnergy, Goodyear, Hyland Software, JPMorgan Chase, PayPal, Progressive, Sherwin-Williams and The Timken Company.
Starting salary: Kent State reports an average annual starting salary of $64,811 for Computer Information Systems graduates, based on a three-year average of graduating cohorts from 2023–2025.
Internship earnings: The program page reports an average internship wage of $22 per hour, with the figure based on the university's stated program data.
Industry experience: The CIS internship course can provide summer or semester-long paid industry experience, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in an IT-related organization.
Industry connections: The department emphasizes industry-led projects, professional connections and the annual IT/CIS Expo, while Crawford College career fairs connect students with employers recruiting for internships and full-time positions.
Professional certification: Students can take a dedicated certification workshop supporting preparation for VMware, Microsoft or other vendor professional credentials, adding an industry-oriented element to their academic preparation.
Accreditation value: The BBA is covered by the Ambassador Crawford College's AACSB accreditation, providing an externally recognized quality framework for the business education underpinning the degree.
STEM designation: Kent State identifies the Information Systems and Business Analytics department's business programs as STEM-designated, giving CIS students a curriculum positioned around both technology and business.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can continue into graduate study after the B.B.A. Kent State specifically offers CIS students an opportunity to apply early to the M.B.A. and double-count 9 credit hours of graduate coursework toward both degrees; the university also offers graduate study through the Information Systems and Business Analytics area, including the M.S. in Business Analytics.