CIS serves a variety of students, including majors, minors, and those who are neither majors nor minors but wish to learn computing skills. While all Niagara students may take any CIS course for which they are prepared, most students in the following courses are neither majors nor minors in CIS.

• CIS 132 and CIS 232:  These are courses whose students are introduced to a variety of important computer applications and their uses in business and the social sciences. CIS 232 is the more intensive introduction that should be taken by students considering a major or minor in CIS.
• CIS 138:  This is a beginner's course in computer programming.  Many of its students major in mathematics, the sciences, or education.
• CIS 198: This is a course for education students, designed to help prepare teachers to use computers in their schools.
• CIS 233:  This course is largely concerned with statistical software and its applications in the social sciences. Many of its students are majors in Criminal Justice or Social Work.
• CIS 255 (also listed as GIS 100): This course teaches the use of geographical information systems (GIS).  Students learn to model, organize, and analyze spacial data, using mapping software.

In addition to the above, many Niagara students in other majors find it worthwhile to take CIS courses that are required for the CIS major or the CIS minor.