Computer Studies

Women's College and College of Adult Undergraduate Studies

Overview
Major in Computer Information Systems
Minor in Computer Information Systems
Minor in Computer Science
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 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, engineering, or physics major.

Computer information systems (CIS) is the study of the effective and efficient use of computer technology to advance the missions of 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.

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, systems analysis and design, Web page development and maintenance, and database support

The computer science (CS) 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 organizations and agencies employing CIS and CS graduates are U.S. Social Security Administration, Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrup Grumman, National Security Agency, Lockheed Martin, T. Rowe Price, Sogeti, Inc., and Science Applications 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)
CST-481 Telecomm & 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)

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 Communication	3
History	3	Natural Science	4
BUS-302 Management or BUS-303 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]

Courses

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 polymorphism. 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

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 Ecommerce, 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-481 Telecommunication & Networking

Introduces network types, architecture, protocols and standards. Evaluates efficiency, security and integrity. Prerequisite: CST-171. [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]