Management Information Systems Department Prepares Students for In-Demand Careers
Dr. Marianne J. D’Onofrio, chairperson, Management Information Systems Department


Do you like solving problems?  Do you enjoy working with computers?  If so, consider a career in management information systems.  A myth exists that there is a lack of jobs in computing and information technology, but the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that “In the next decade 8 out of the 20 fastest growing occupations will be computer related,” and that “employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014.”  The Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis reports that information technology (IT) knowledge and skills are essential to the Connecticut economy.

So, how can we at Central Connecticut State University contribute to ensuring that these workforce needs are met?  One way is by making sure that the department of Management Information Systems’ program of studies is a high quality program, continually modified to provide a firm foundation in business and information technology to meet the workforce demand.  This we do by recruiting and retaining qualified faculty members and working closely with business advisors.  The MIS department includes 9 full-time faculty members who are academically qualified, along with adjunct instructors with professional expertise.  Faculty members have been recognized as excellent teachers as well as quality researchers, publishing in nationally and internationally recognized journals.

CCSU’s Management Information Department has partnered with major corporations and professional organizations to spread the word about the growing need for information systems and technology professionals.  This fall, for example, the MIS department will host the Microsoft/Society for Information Management seminar on our campus.  Participants will explore IT in current and future business environments.

The department offers an undergraduate major in management information systems preparing students to be leaders in business using information technology for competitive advantage. Students learn both business and technical skills, making them candidates for fast career advancement in the information-driven marketplace.  Knowledge and skills in several areas are integrated throughout the program.  These areas include:  information systems, telecommunication and networking technologies, decision systems, project management, knowledge management and enterprise strategies for competitive advantage.

The department’s success is confirmed when CCSU students achieve recognition.  In February 2006, a CCSU team of three students (one majoring in MIS and two with majors in Networking and Telecommunications and minors in MIS) were first prize winners in the St. Paul Travelers Case Competition.

At the graduate level, the department participates in an interdisciplinary degree, the Master of Science in Computer Information Technology.  Students integrate knowledge and skills from three areas:  computer science, management information systems, and networking and telecommunications, as well as specialize in one of the three areas.

The department also coordinates and delivers courses for the post-baccalaureate certification in business education and the Master of Science in business education degree.

If you would like to participate in the Microsoft/Society for Information Management event on the Potential of Information Technology or would like additional information about our program offerings, please contact Dr. Marianne J. D’Onofrio, chairperson of the Management Information Systems Department, at Donofrio@ccsu.edu or 860.832.3297 or visit www.ccsu.edu/business/MIS/default.htm).

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