Computer Studies
Overview
Major in Computer Information Systems
Minor in Computer Information Systems
Minor in Computer Studies
Four-year Plan
Course Descriptions
Barbara Mento, M.E.S., Chair
Kyongil Yoon, Ph.D.
The computer studies program of the School of Arts and Sciences offers a major and minor in computer information systems to students in the Women's College and College of Adult Undergraduate Studies. The computer information systems minor can be paired with a number of majors, and is particularly useful in conjunction with a major in business. In addition, a minor in computer science is offered in the Women's College, and is frequently taken in combination with a mathematics or physics major.
Computer information systems is the study of the effective and efficient use of computer technology to advance the missions of both profit-generating and nonprofit organizations. It requires an under-standing of computer technology, as well as communication, conceptual and leadership skills. The curriculum reflects the basic activities of computer information systems: analyzing, planning, programming, developing, implementing and evaluating new uses of computer technology. The multidisciplinary course requirements in economics and business teach students how technical resources can be used to support organizational goals.
Some courses in the computer information systems program are offered on campus (evenings) and some are online.
The computer information systems program 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, computer user training, technical marketing and sales, systems analysis and design, Web page development and maintenance, database support, and project management.
The computer science minor focuses on the study of algorithmic approaches to problem solving. In addition to the technical skills obtained in the minor, scientific applications are enhanced by mathematical and analytical skills.
Some agencies employing program graduates are CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield of Maryland, U.S. Social Security Administration, MedStar Health, AT&T, UPS Information Services, Booz Allen Hamilton, National Security Agency, IBM, Lockheed Martin, T. Rowe Price, Sogeti, Inc., and Science Application International Corporation.
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 for computer science minors.
Programs of Study
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 212 (3)
BUS-302 or 303 (3)
MAT-215 Basic Statistics (3)
Two electives from
CST-260 Web Animation (3)
CST-355 Project Management (3)
CST-356 Internet Communication (3)
CST-411 Topics in Computer Information Systems (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)
Required Courses for a Minor in Computer Science
CST-171 Programming Concepts (3)
CST-261 Web Page Design (3)
CST-295 C++ Programming (3)
CST-321 Java Programming (3)
MAT 211 Calculus I (4)
MAT 212 Calculus II (4) or MAT 110 Discrete Mathematics (3)
Four-Year Plan
Sample program of study for the full-time computer information systems major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
See course descriptions for a list of required courses and description of course and program options.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | |||
| CST-141 Fundamentals of Information Systems | 3 | CST-171 Programming Concepts | 3 |
| IDS-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 Comm | 3 |
| History | 3 | Natural Science | 4 |
| BUS-302 Management or BUS-303 Marketing | 3 | RST-201 Intro 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] |
Course Descriptions
CST-110 TECHNOLOGY FOR INSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Provides prospective classroom teachers with opportunities for planning, designing and producing projects that support the instructional needs of students in grades K-12, including best practices for the integration of technology into curriculum with state and national technology standards. Students complete a variety of projects to develop skills in word processing, Web page development, computer presentations and other technologies. For education majors only. [3 credits]
CST-130 INTRODUCTION TO MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Emphasizes problem-solving skills for all disciplines, such as finding reliable information on the Internet, using spreadsheets to analyze information quantitatively, developing databases to store and retrieve information, creating visual computer presentations to accompany reports and designing Web pages. A final integrated project is required. Course focuses on computer competencies for the non-major.
[3 credits]
CST-141 FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Introduces the characteristics and architectures of information systems and their impact on businesses. Explores elements of computer hardware, a variety of software capabilities, telecommunications infrastructure and the system development life cycle. This is the gateway course in the major. [3 credits]
CST-171 PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS
Introduces computer programming using a common small business language such as Microsoft Visual Basic. Emphasizes programming structures such as decisions, repetitions, sub procedures, functions, and arrays using structured program design with object-oriented concepts. Students learn to write a variety of program types to meet various business needs. [3 credits]
CST-260 WEB ANIMATION
Explores the world of animation as an enhancement and alternative to traditional information delivery. Studies the elements of animation including graphics, sound, interactivity, feedback and special effects, as well as techniques for planning and developing appropriate and effective applications in Flash. Students demonstrate the progression of their skills through the successful completions of a number of practical projects. [3 credits]
CST-261 WEB PAGE DESIGN
Focuses on coding and design of Web pages using HTML and JavaScript to create high-level Internet content. Includes legal and ethical issues as well as human-computer interaction design concepts. Students demonstrate the progression of their skills through the successful completion of a number of practical projects. [3 credits]
CST-295 C++: OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING
Introduces object-oriented programming including objects, classes, inheritance and poly-morphism. Includes high-level structures such as pointers and arrays as well as data structures with stacks and queues. Prerequisite: CST-171 or MAT-211. [3 credits]
CST-321 JAVA PROGRAMMING
Introduces object-oriented programming using objects and classes to write Java applications and Web applets for simple gaming. Includes graphical features of Java such as objects, images, event handling, color control and layout control. Prerequisite: CST-171 or MAT-211. [3 credits]
CST-355 PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Investigates project management as it applies to the systems development life cycle with an electronic project management tool. Emphasizes resource allocation and sub-project definition. Students will apply theory and principles learned to solutions for practical business problems. Prerequisite: CST-171 or CST-261. [3 credits]
CST-356 INTERNET COMMUNICATION
Examines the advantages and challenges of the Internet for businesses communication. The uses of social media as business tools will be explored. [3 credits]
CST-385 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
Examines the system life cycle and alternative methodologies, emphasizing techniques of project management, system documentation, logical and physical system specification, system development and installation. Students complete a number of systems design projects. Prerequisite: CST-171 or CST-261. [3 credits]
CST-411 TOPICS IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Offers an intensive, advanced study in a particular area of technology focusing on current issues encountered in the professional world. Topics vary, but recent classes have considered E-commerce, legal issues and computer security. Prerequisites vary according to topic. [3 credits]
CST-421 DATABASE CONCEPTS
Introduces concepts and techniques of structuring, storing and retrieving data. Includes database and database table design, data normalization and introductory SQL programming. This is a project-based course. Prerequisite: CST-385. [3 credits]
CST-463 DIRECTED STUDY IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Provides an opportunity for a student to pursue advanced study of a topic of special interest under the direction of a faculty member. [1, 2 or 3 credits]
CST-489 COMPUTER STUDIES SEMINAR
Provides opportunities for majors to research and evaluate current social and ethical issues related to computing such as copyright laws, computer crime, personal rights, work environment and invasion of privacy. Class is designed as a highly collaborative seminar and is the major capstone experience. Requires design and implementation of an extensive project. Prerequisite: CST-295 and junior or senior status. [3 credits]