2023-2024

Computer Information Systems (Major, Minor)

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Studies Department

Pamela O'Brien, Ph.D., Dean, School of Arts, Sciences and Business
Charles Buehrle, Ph.D., Chair
Kyongil Yoon, Ph.D.

Degrees offered

Major
Minor

Campuses

Main Campus

The Computer Information Systems Program of Study provides the tools needed for career options in diverse fields such as applications development, system and/or software support, computer programming, software engineering, information systems management, systems analysis and design, Web page development and maintenance, and database support.

Summary

Computer Information Systems (CIS) is the study of the effective and efficient use of computer technology to advance the missions of organizations. A Major or Minor in Computer Information Systems or a Minor in Computer Science prepares students to effectively implement computer resources for organizations. It requires the ability to learn and utilize constantly evolving computer technology and social media. The curriculum reflects the basic activities of computer information systems: analyzing, planning, programming, developing, implementing and evaluating new uses of computer technology. Courses in Computer Information Systems prepare students for teamwork and leadership and stress the importance of workplace and life skills including written and verbal communication. 

Based on recommendation of the Association of Computing Machinery, the goals of the CIS program are:

    1. Foster a broad business and real world perspective in technology;
    2. Develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills;
    3. Enhance interpersonal communication and team skills, and encourage ethical principles;
    4. Model creative information technology solutions that enhance organizational performance.

The Computer Studies Program of Study in the School of Arts, Sciences, and Business offers a Major and Minor in computer information systems to students in the traditional undergraduate program. The Computer Information Systems Minor can be paired with any Major and is particularly useful with a Major in Business. In addition, a Minor in Computer Science is offered in the traditional undergraduate program.

A minimum grade of C is required in all computer information systems courses for Computer Information Systems Majors and Minors, and in all Computer Science courses.

Required Courses for a Major in Computer Information Systems (Credits)

       CST-141 Fundamentals of Information Systems (3)
       CST-171 Programming Concepts (3)
       CST-261 Web Page Design (3)
       CST-295 C++ Programming (3)
       CST-321 Java Programming (3)
       CST-385 Systems Analysis (3)
       CST-421 Database Concepts (3)
       CST-489 Computer Studies Seminar (3)
       ECO-211 or ECO-212 (3)
       BUS-202 or 203 (3)
       MAT-215 Basic Statistics (3)

       Two electives from:

       CST-355 Project Management (3)
       CST-356 Internet Communication (3)
       CST-411 Topics in Computer Information Systems (3)
       CST-481 Telecom & Networking (3)

Required Courses for a Minor in Computer Information Systems

       CST-141 Fundamentals of Information Systems (3)
       CST-171 Programming Concepts (3)
       CST-261 Web Page Design (3)
       CST-295 C++ Programming (3)
       CST-385 Systems Analysis (3)
       CST-421 Database Concepts or CST-489 Computer Studies Seminar (3)

Four-Year Plan

Below is a sample Program of Study for the full-time Computer Information Systems Major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

Fall

Spring


First year


CST-141 Fundamentals of Information Systems 3

CST-171 Programming Concepts

3
NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education 3

ECO-211 Macroeconomics or
ECO-212 Microeconomics

3
ENG-101 College Writing 3

Literature

3
Foreign Language 3

General Education/Electives

6
General Education/Electives 3

Physical Education

1
[15 credits]

[16 credits]


Second year


CST-295 C++ 3

CST elective

3
MAT-215 Basic Statistics 3

COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Communication

3
History 3

Natural Science

4
BUS-202 Management or
BUS-203 Marketing
3

RST-201 Introduction to Biblical Studies


3
General Education/Electives 3

CST-321 Java Programming

3
[15 credits]

[16 credits]


Third year


CST-261 Web Page Design 3

CST-385 System Analysis

3
Philosophy (200-level) 3

CST-elective

3
General Education/Electives 9

Religious Studies (300/400-level)

3
[15 credits]

General Education/Electives

6
Fourth year

[15 credits]


CST-421 Database Concepts 3

CST-489 Computer Studies Seminar

3
Philosophy (300/400-level) 3

CST elective

3
Fine Arts 3

General Education/Electives

9
General Education/Electives 6

[15 credits]


[15 credits]