Computer Information Systems
James Madison University
Computer Information Systems Minor - Application Form
CIS is about computing in context. The context is business, and in particular the CIS pedagogical
thrust emphasizes applications of information technology toward creating solutions for
business-related problems. CIS is a technical field that requires mathematical and logical
problem-solving ability, as well as the capacity to communicate effectively and a sufficiently
rigorous understanding of the business world. With this in mind, the minor in computer
information systems is primarily structured to provide students in various disciplines on campus
with the opportunity to study business-oriented information systems.
Admission to the CIS minor is based on a student’s performance in one course from each of the
following seven competency areas:
1) One introductory information-systems course (COB 204 or equivalent as determined
by the department head)
2) One introductory computer programming course (CIS 221, ISAT 252, CS 139, or
equivalent as determined by the department head)
3) One calculus course (MATH 205, MATH 231, MATH 235, GISAT 151, or equivalent as
determined by the department head)
4) One statistics course (COB 191, MATH 220, or equivalent as determined by the
department head)
5) One critical thinking course (student’s Cluster One critical thinking course, or
equivalent as determined by the department head)
6) One writing course (GWRTC 103 or equivalent as determined by the department
head)
7) One quantitatively-oriented economics/business course (GECON 200, ECON 201, COB
241, COB 242, COB 291, or equivalent as determined by the department head)
Students seeking to add the CIS minor can submit an application at any time. At the end of each
semester, applicants who have completed the above coursework will be rank ordered based on
a weighted average of their highest grades in one course from each of #1 - #7. If a student took
more than one class in a competency area, then the highest grade for that competency area will
be used in the calculation. For example, if a student received a C in GECON 200 but an A in COB
241, the grade for #7 would count as an A. Similarly, if a student took COB 204 one semester
and received a D, then took it again a second semester and received an A, the grade for #1 will
count as an A.
Revised 8/01/13
Computer Information Systems
James Madison University
The weighted average will place heavier weight on COB 204 and CIS 221 (or equivalent) than on
the other competencies (calculus, stats, critical thinking, business/econ classes), as the first two
competencies are the most directly relevant for the CIS minor.
Based on the rank order, a decision will be made each semester on which applicants to admit to
the minor. CIS minor admittance depends on student performance and is subject to space
availability of relevant CIS courses. Preference will always be given to CIS majors for upper-level
CIS courses; therefore enrollment to the minor will be managed according to resource availability
within the CIS&BSAN department.
Name:
JMU ID:
JMU email:
Semester wishing to take CIS 304:
Major:
Semester for Expected Graduation:
In the table below, indicate the courses for the competency areas you have completed or are in the
process of completing. If you have completed a course more than once, provide information for each
time the course was attempted. Include information on courses for which you have received a grade of
“W”.
Competency Area
Course
Semester/Year enrolled
Grade*
Information
Systems
Computer
Programming
Calculus
Statistics
Critical Thinking
Writing
Business/Economics
*Write IP if in progress
Attach a copy of your JMU Declaration of Minor Form and submit to:
Katrina Spickler, ZSH Office 233.
Student Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _______________
To be completed by CIS Staff Only
Competency Weighted GPA:
Revised 8/01/13