School of Undergraduate Studies

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Computer and Information Science

Students may seek an academic major in computer and information science.

Major in Computer and Information Science

The rapidly changing world of computers requires an exceptional education. Acquire the advanced knowledge you need to excel in this sought-after field.

Objectives

The student who graduates with a major in computer information technology will be able to:

Design and implement network and database administration solutions.
Produce effective proposals, reports, memoranda, briefings, and documentation.
Communicate effectively using oral and computer-based presentation techniques.
Apply effective information research techniques.
Discuss information technology from an international and historical perspective.
Apply ethical judgments to thinking critically and systematically about the impact of information technology on contemporary social, political, and economic issues.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in computer and information science requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Computer and Information Science Major - Course Requirements

Coursework for a major in computer and information science includes the following:

Required core courses (12 credits): CMIS 141/141A, 170, 241, 242, and 310
Supplemental major courses (18 credits, 6 of which must be 400-level): Chosen from CMIS 102/102A (for students with no prior programming experience) and any upper-level CMIS courses except CMIS 486A and 486B
(Note: Students should take CMIS 102/102A before core courses and may apply it toward the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement rather than toward the major.)
Required related course (3 credits), which may be applied anywhere in the degree: MATH 107

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in computer and information science. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement,substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Coursework for the major is indicated by ‡

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3) (strongly recommended as first course)
LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
WRTG 101/101X Introduction to Writing (3)
MATH 107 College Algebra (3) or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (3) or CMIS 102A Fundamentals of Programming I (fulfills the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement and prerequisite for later courses)
IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3) or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3) or ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement
‡ CMIS 141 Introductory Programming (3) or CMIS 141A Fundamentals of Programming II
Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3) and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology 1 or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other course(s) to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement
‡ CMIS 170 Introduction to XML
WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing requirement
GVPT 170 American Government (3) or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first behavioral and social sciences requirement

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

‡ CMIS 242 Intermediate Programming
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3) or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology or other course to fulfill the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)
NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3) or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other course to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement
HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3) or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3) or a foreign language course (recommended elective)
SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3) or WRTG 390 Writing for Managers or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing or speech requirement
‡ CMIS 310 Computer Systems and Architecture (3)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 393/393X Technical Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ upper-level intensive writing requirement
‡ CMIS 325 UNIX with Shell Programming (3) or other supplemental major course
‡ CMIS 330 Software Engineering Principles and Techniques (3) or other supplemental major course
‡ CMIS 320 Relational Databases (3) or CMIS 370 Data Communications or other supplemental major course
‡ Any CMIS course (3) (supplemental major course)
‡ CMIS 415 Advanced UNIX and C (3) or CMIS 460 Software Design and Development or other 400-level supplemental major course
‡ CMIS 420 Advanced Relational Databases (3) or CMIS 435 Computer Networking or other 400-level supplemental major course

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (43)

Recommended Minor
Computing