Computer Information Systems (Major, Minor)

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Studies Department

Alexandra Chaillou, 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:

Foster a broad business and real world perspective in technology;
Develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills;
Enhance interpersonal communication and team skills, and encourage ethical principles;
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 Women's College. 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 Women's College.

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-302 or 303 (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-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

BUS-303 Principles of Marketing

This course introduces the language of the strategic marketing process. While formulating viable marketing strategies for diverse business situations, learners will gain experience gathering and analyzing industry and market data, as well as implementing core-marketing concepts such as market segmentation, targeting, positioning,and the marketing mix in the formulation and implementation of real-world marketing strategies. This course culminates in the development of a marketing plan for a new product, service or retail establishment. [ 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. Satisfies the technological competency requirement. [3 credits]

CST-171 Programming Concepts

Introduces computer programming using the Python programming language. Emphasizes programming structures such as decisions, repetitions, sub procedures, functions, and arrays using program design with object-oriented concepts. Students learn to write a variety of program types to meet various business needs. Satisfies the technological competency requirement. [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. Satisfies the technological competency requirement. [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. Satisfies the technological competency requirement. [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-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]

ECO-211 Introduction to Macroeconomics

Focuses on the United States economy and its relations with the world. Examines how interactions among consumers, businesses, government and the rest of the world impact economic growth, inflation, unemployment and business cycles. Investigates the impact of monetary and fiscal policies on the overall performance of the economy. Fulfills general education requirement in social science. [3 credits]

ECO-212 Introduction to Microeconomics

Examines the manner in which prices are determined and limited resources are allocated efficiently through mastery of basic supply and demand. Considers the behavior of producers and consumers under various competitive conditions. Assesses the role of government in responding to market failures. Fulfills general education requirement in social science. [3 credits]

MAT-215 Basic Statistics

Introduces the basic ideas of statistics: descriptive statistics, central tendency variability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, multinomial experiments, contingency tables and analysis of variance. A statistical software package is used. Designed for students in a variety of fields that rely on regular statistical analysis in decision-making. Fulfills general education requirement in mathematics. Prerequisite: Placement in MAT 215 or successful completion of MAT 100 or MAT 103 is recommended. [3 credits]