UMUC

School of Undergraduate Studies

Computer Studies

Students may seek an academic major in computer studies.

Major in Computer Studies

The computer studies major provides in-depth knowledge in practical applications of computing. The coherent and flexible program of study includes areas such as digital media, gaming and Web-based technologies. The interdisciplinary approach allows students to integrate courses from several specialized areas in computing. Graduates are prepared for a variety of entry- and midlevel technical and management positions within the digital media, Web technology, gaming and computing industries.

Objectives

The student who graduates with a major in computer studies will be able to

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of computing.
  • Describe the purpose, function and terminology associated with business applications software.
  • Evaluate, select and master use of the appropriate computer applications to solve a variety of information processing problems.
  • Develop classroom products that demonstrate an understanding of Web design, administration and application development using the latest tools and emerging technologies.
  • Create, analyze and critique print-based and interactive media.
  • Define and explain the concepts, theories, techniques, principles and practices which govern the use, design and development of digital media, gaming and Web-based technologies.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in computer studies 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 upperlevel courses (numbered 300 or above).

Computer Studies Major - Course Requirements

Coursework for a major in computer studies includes the following:

  • Programming language course (3 credits): Chosen from CMIS 141/141A, CMIS 170, CMSC 130, and CMST 306
  • Foundation courses (6 credits): Chosen from CMIS 241 (or CMSC 230), IFSM 300 and 310, and CMST 340
  • Supplemental major courses (21 credits, at least 15 of which must be upper level): Chosen from any CMST, CMIS, CMIT, CMSC, and IFSM courses (Note: Students without prior programming experience should take CMIS 102/102A before core courses and may apply it toward the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement rather than toward the major.)

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in computer studies. 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 106 Finite Mathematics (3) or higher-level math course

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

  • 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
  • IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3) or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
  • 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 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)
  • 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
  • ‡ CMST 306 Introduction to Visual Basic Programming (3) or other supplemental major course

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

  • 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)
  • ‡ CMST 340 Computer Applications in Management or other foundation course for the major.
  • 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)
  • ‡ IFSM 300 Information Systems in Organizations (3) or other foundation course for the major
  • 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
  • IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3) (recommended elective)

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

  • WRTG 393/393X Advanced Technical Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ upper-level advanced writing requirement
  • ‡ CMST 310 Electronic Publishing (3) or other supplemental major course
  • ‡ CMST 416 Advanced Visual Basic Programming (3) or other supplemental major course
  • ‡ CMST 385 Internet and Web Design (3) or other supplemental major course
  • ‡ CMST 386 Advanced Internet and Web Design (3) or other supplemental major course
  • ‡ CMST 430 Web Site Management (3) or other supplemental major course
  • ‡ CMST 450 Web Design with XML (3) or other supplemental major course
  • ‡ CMST 460 Web Application Development Using Coldfusion (3) or other supplemental major course

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (40)

Recommended Minor


Total credits for BS in computer studies: 120