A Welcome from the Chairman

Welcome to the Florida A&M University Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) Department. CIS has an illustrious tradition of success dating from 1967. Our success has been due to the collective vision, labor and caring of dedicated University administration, faculty, staff and students. We currently have over 650 majors and a faculty of 16, both growing. Between 60 and 70 students graduate each year with bachelor's degrees. This survival guide contains valuable information intended to help students successfully complete our CIS major.

We offer two challenging undergraduate majors. The Computer Information Systems major (Business option) prepares students for careers that apply information technology as a strategic component of running a business. Our ABET-accredited Computer Information Science major (Science option), in which business courses are replaced with courses in mathematics and physics, prepares students for careers that explore and discover new technologies. Either major prepares students for graduate study. The rewards of completing these challenging programs include employment by major corporations into growth careers and at impressive starting salaries, and acceptance into prestigious graduate programs. We also offer a Master of Software Engineering Science degree for students with an academic background in computing.

We have a dynamic, experienced and accomplished faculty, not to mention a dedicated support staff for your administrative and computing needs. Faculty members have over 125 years combined teaching experience and 60 years industry experience. All faculty members teach; most also do research and publish scholarly papers. Faculty members involve undergraduate and graduate students in research projects. Take the time to visit homepages of individual faculty members, and see samples of student research.

Our department is on the move! Our vision is to be the BEST department at FAMU. Being the best means striving to be better today than yesterday, setting higher standards and working harder to meet them. It involves expanding expectations, and taking appropriate actions to meet our goals. Our odyssey to be the best is steered by a dedication to live out and demonstrate four core corporate values:
  • Respect - treating all stake holders with the same respect we expect to receive.
  • Vision - service of the highest caliber for all stake holders, i.e., expecting the best.
  • Achievement - putting action behind the vision to produce tangible results.
  • Teamwork - sharing the risks, responsibilities and rewards.

On behalf of the faculty and staff, I want to encourage you to participate in this department. Although your first concern is your own academic success, you have a role to play in moving the department a head. You are expected to be a good citizen and exhibit the highest standards of academic and professional integrity. Many opportunities will arise for you to represent this department and the university: do so with distinction. You will find that other students can benefit from your knowledge, skills and leadership. Look for ways to serve others in the department.

It is my wish that you will come to treasure your time in the CIS Department as a time of personal growth and contribution.

Dr. Edward L. Jones, Chairman

Information Provided by the Department of Computer and Information Sciences
Last Updated: October 18, 2003
webmaster@cis.famu.edu