St. Bonaventure University will offer a new major in Computer Information Systems (CIS) beginning this fall, expanding opportunities for students interested in technology-focused careers that bridge computing and organizational problem-solving.

The New York State Education Department approved the new Bachelor of Science degree program earlier this month, less than a week after approving the university’s updates to its Data Science major, now called Data Science & Artificial Intelligence.

The additions are just the latest in the expansion of offerings in the Department of Computer Science. In April, the department announced a suite of new academic minors designed to give students across disciplines practical, in-demand technology skills — with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence.

Across its programs, the department emphasizes not only technical knowledge and hands-on experience, but also the human and social dimensions of technology. Students learn to design and implement technology solutions that are effective, ethical and responsive to the needs of the people and organizations they serve.

“We now have a full array of majors and minors to bring high-quality experiences with technology to students within our department and across campus — and we have amazing physical and digital infrastructure to support it all,” said Dr. Chris Bopp, chair of the Department of Computer Science.

The revamped Data Science & Artificial Intelligence program builds on the foundation that already existed in the program and digs deeper into additional AI content, Bopp said.

The university was able to expand its portfolio of Computer Science offerings because of its new partnership with Rize Education, which allows smaller institutions — more than 125 to date — to launch career-focused, high-demand academic programs through its innovative program-sharing model.

Rize programs and courses are delivered online and built using a college’s existing catalog, allowing students to enjoy the benefits of on-campus life while gaining the flexibility of online learning.

Courses are delivered fully online and seamlessly integrated into a college’s existing in-person curriculum. All courses are taught by faculty from other accredited institutions in the Rize consortium.

“This partnership allows us to offer new curriculum quickly, while allowing us to build expertise and enrollments in our computer and data science programs on campus,” said Dr. David Hilmey, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

The new CIS program is designed to fill a growing need between traditional computer science and cybersecurity programs.

While computer science focuses on software development and theoretical foundations, and cybersecurity emphasizes the protection of systems and data, the CIS program centers on the design, implementation, integration and support of information systems within organizations.

The program will prepare students to understand not only how technology systems are built and secured, but also how they function within businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and other institutions.

By combining technical expertise with practical applications, the major aligns with St. Bonaventure’s liberal arts tradition and emphasizes ethical decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration and responsible technology use.

Students enrolled in the program will gain hands-on experience through project-based learning, internships and collaborative coursework. The curriculum includes study in systems analysis, database management, networking, server administration and user experience design, equipping graduates with the skills needed to address real-world technology challenges.

“The launch of Computer Information Systems reflects the evolution of the technology workforce and the growing demand for professionals who can connect technical expertise with organizational needs,” Bopp said.

“Many employers are looking for graduates who understand not only how technology works, but also how it can be implemented effectively to solve problems, improve operations and support strategic goals. This program prepares students to become that bridge between technology and the people and organizations it serves.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows strong demand for information systems professionals, with projected employment growth and competitive salaries across a range of industries. The new major provides students with an applied pathway into careers in information technology, systems administration, database management, business systems analysis, network administration and related fields.

The program also seeks to develop graduates who can think critically about the role of technology in society.

Program objectives include enabling students to understand information systems challenges and applications, recognize connections between technology and other academic disciplines, and evaluate the impact of emerging technologies on individuals and communities.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #8 for value and #19 overall by U.S. News and World Report (2025).