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 a flexible and coherent program of study integrating courses from several of the specialized computer and information fields. The interdisciplinary approach helps prepare students for a variety of entry-level and midlevel technical and management positions within the information technology field.

Objectives

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

  • Incorporate relevant theory, techniques, languages, and systems in developing computer-related solutions to practical problems.
  • Apply appropriate knowledge, concepts, and principles to facilitate the management of change in computer technology.
  • Conceptualize and manage the design and implementation of high-quality information systems.
  • Design and develop computer software using a programming language.
  • Use technology to research information and provide a critical analysis of alternatives to help organizations make informed decisions.
  • Apply standard system practices to the planning, implementation, management, and evaluation of information systems in an organization.
  • Design and produce accurate and precise written documentation in all phases of the system development life cycle from preliminary feasibility studies to end-user documentation and manuals.
  • Analyze information technology needs from historical and international perspectives in regard to advances in worldwide e-commerce

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 Technical Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ upper-level intensive 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
  • ‡ CMIS 430 Web Design with XML or other upper-level CMST, CMIS, CMIT, CMSC, or IFSM course (3) (supplemental major course)
  • ‡ CMIS 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