Department of Computer Information and Decision Management

Dr. Jonathan A. Shaffer, associate dean of undergraduate business programs

Classroom Center, Room 220A • WTAMU Box 60268
806-651-2525 • Fax 806-651-2927
jshaffer@wtamu.edu

Faculty: Abdullat, Babb, Barthel, Chen, Crisostomo, Dana, Humpherys, Jennex, Lazrig, Ramos Salazar, Ray, Shao, Zhang.

The mission of the Department of Computer Information and Decision Management (CIDM) is to offer students rigorous and relevant programs necessary for business knowledge and technical skills to work in vibrant, technologically advanced and international environments in the fields of business computing, information technology and decision support. The CIDM faculty balances teaching and applied research, resulting in academic offerings that provide students with a relevant education and an appropriate blend between theory and practice. The department strives to create learning-centered environments that foster the acquisition of essential skills that promote an interest for personal and professional growth in its students.

The Department of Computer Information and Decision Management offers course work in information systems, business quantitative methods and decision supports. CIDM programs provide a strong foundation in business fundamentals and strategies, and managerial issues related to information technologies. Special interest is given to emerging technologies and their role as facilitators of strategic advantage in the marketplace. The department offers degree programs at the undergraduate (B.B.A. in CIS and B.B.A. in CIS with a specialization in decision management) and graduate (M.B.A. with emphasis on CIS) levels. The department offers students comprehensive education in various dimensions of information and decision management, including database management, systems analysis and modeling, data communications and networking, web-based applications development, data warehousing, security and visualization. CIS majors differ from computer science majors in emphasizing applications of computer systems over their development and analysis. The applications are focused on complex business needs in enterprises.

The department’s hi-tech, hi-touch learning environment provides a rich experience not easily duplicated, electronically linking students with computing resources. Students are able to have access to the department’s computing resources any time and from any where. The department’s faculty has a rich blend of teaching, research and industry expertise, providing students with the conceptual and practical knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in information systems development and/or management. The CIDM department is equipped with current technologies in its computer laboratories, which are combined with classrooms.

The Computer Information Systems Program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202, telephone 410-347-7700.

Internship Program

The College of Business offers internship opportunities through the Office of Career and Professional Development. Students in approved internships have an opportunity to do actual work in their chosen field and receive 3 hours course credit and, in most cases, a salary for an internship position. The program provides students opportunities to earn a portion of their college expenses while gaining work experience which enhances academic studies. To receive course credit, students complete an academic component in addition to the work of their internship, and at the end of the semester, receive a letter grade.

Note: Students should periodically consult with departmental offices to ensure that curriculum has not changed and that students’ planning is up to date.

Discipline - Course Prefix
Computer Information and Decision Management - CIDM

NOTE: See the “Course Descriptions” sections of this catalog for a complete list of courses offered by the University.

Programs

Major

Computer Information Systems B.B.A.

Minor

Computer Information Systems Minor