Undergraduate Catalogue
Computer Information Systems Major
Effective use of information technology is the mark of a successful enterprise in the 21st century. Virtually every business policy decision is intertwined with the application of information technology to plan, produce, market, manage and service business functions. Careers based on a broad understanding of information technology and expertise in the analysis, design and development of information systems will continue to grow in number and importance. The bachelor's degree in computer information systems (CIS) prepares graduates for just this promising professional future.
As a business major, the CIS student learns the context and practice of business through courses in the business core. This understanding prepares the CIS graduate to be a full business partner who is aware of the interrelationships and interdependencies in and around modern enterprise in the commercial, government and not-for-profit sectors. Students are also taught to recognize ethical implications in all business situations and to incorporate these considerations in business decision-making. Building on this business foundation, the CIS program equips the graduate with the knowledge and understanding of information technology capabilities and implications, as well as with competency in "best-of-breed" methodologies and tools for information systems development. The CIS graduate is prepared to excel in any of the emerging and varied roles of the IT professional: business analyst, systems analyst, application developer, systems integrator, IT liaison, end-user support, network manager, vendor representative, technical support specialist.
The CIS courses integrate concept-focused and applied technology-focused material. The conceptual content emphasizes the theory and principles of information technology, computer science, and management that form the discipline of information systems. The course content related to applied technology emphasizes leading-edge technologies that are used to build information systems solutions. These courses are designed to develop professional expertise, ability to produce value from the beginning of one's professional career, self-confidence, and a can-do attitude in CIS graduates.
Required Courses
CS 150 Introduction to Data and Information Management (3 credits)
CS 180 Programming Fundamentals (3 credits)
CS 240 Business Processing and Communications Infrastructure (3 credits)
CS 350 Database Management Systems (3 credits)
CS 360 Business Systems Analysis and Modeling (3 credits)
Elective Courses (choose any three)
CS 280 Object-Oriented Application Development (3 credits)
CS 380 Multi-Tiered Application Development (3 credits)
CS 401 Directed Study in Computer Systems
CS 402 Advanced Computing Topics Seminar
CS 420 Operating Systems Use, Technology, and Administration
CS 421 Internship in Computer Systems
CS 440 Advanced Net-Centric Computing (3 credits)
CS 460 IS Project Management and Practice (3 credits)
CS 480 Advanced Application Development Technology
Qualified Students in the program are highly encouraged to inclue an internship in their course sequence to provide an on-the-job experience prior to graduation.
