Course Descriptions
Computer Information Systems Course Descriptions
CIS112
Introduction to Computing - 3 Credits
This course strives to meet the high level of computer literacy required of all students earning a degree from the university. Special emphasis is placed on the ethical use of computer technology for information analysis and communications. Computer units introduce the Internet, Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Students who feel they have attained computer literacy and earn 70 percent on an exemption exam may substitute any other 3-credit course for this core requirement.
Students may prove competency by passing a waiver examination. No credit is granted if the requirement is waived.
CIS120
Introduction to Information Technology - 3 credits
This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of information technology (IT). Students gain practical knowledge of IT systems and the different frameworks in which IT is managed in business. Topics include computer architecture and organization, application platforms, database management, Web technologies, and network configurations. In addition, the course examines the history of information technology and its impact on society.
Prerequisite: CIS112
CIS200
Programming Fundamentals VBI - 3 Credits
This course provides opportunities to practice the critical organizational and logical skills required when using data structures for writing programs in high level programming languages. Planning tools for modularity and data structures are introduced.
Prerequisite: CIS112
CIS213
Project Management I - 3 credits
This course introduces students to essential project management tools and methodology. Course topics highlight modern PM techniques for managing applications development projects from initiation through delivery. Emphasis is on business strategies that focus on planning, organizing, and controlling significant activities of software project management.
Prerequisites: CIS112 and CIS120
GAM217
Introduction to Video Games - 3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the essential study of video games. The course surveys various perspectives in the field of game design and production. Topics include the history of video games and animation, human computer interaction, game theory, game genres, game engine architectures, and game culture. In addition, evolution of the video game industry will be examined. Students are required to complete a digital game to demonstrate rudimentary design principles discussed in the course.
Prerequisite: CIS112
CIS230
Programming VBII - 3 Credits
This course applies structured techniques to programming business applications in Visual Basic. Emphasis is on using Visual Basic programming language to build business applications that access and manipulate databases, display and print reports.
Prerequisites: CIS112 and CIS200
CIS240
Programming in C++ - 3 Credits
The C++ language will be explored for modular programming structures, arrays, and pointers. Comparisons between C++ and other programming methodologies, especially C, will be made.
Prerequisites: CIS112 and CIS200
GAM247
Interactive Computer Graphics - 3 credits
This course introduces design and aesthetic foundations of 3-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Topics include rendering 3D geometric models, 2D and 3D transformations, color theory, illumination and shading, texture, special effects, and computer animation. Emphasis is on rendering interactive graphics for video games. The course culminates in a presentation of students’ final projects involving an original video game that incorporates basic elements of 3D animation.
Prerequisite: CIS112
GAM257
Fundamental of Game Programming - 3 credits
This course introduces game programming principles and techniques for planning and implementing 3D interactive games. In a collaborative fashion, students are exposed to a structured process that explains how to develop 3D games incorporating object-oriented programming statements, 3D graphic scripts, character animation, sound, and music. This course concludes with a final project involving a game prototype that exhibits 3D graphics programming and animation techniques studied in this course. Emphasis is on problem solving and collaboration.
Prerequisites: CIS112 and GAM247
GAM301
Game Design and Animation I - 3 credits
This course introduces students to fundamental principles of game design and 3D computer animation. The course explores methods of modeling, rendering, and animating 3D objects for video games, computer simulations, and virtual worlds. Students use 3D modeling software to create character animation and 3D environments including rigging, key framing animation, lighting, camera angles, texture formation, and motion.
Prerequisites: CIS112, GAM217, and GAM247
CIS303
Software Engineering I - 3 credits
This course introduces students to theoretical and functional aspects of software engineering. Course topics cover systematic approaches for developing complex software systems and practical strategies for documenting each phase of the software development process. Emphasis is on using software engineering techniques to complete collaborative software development projects.
Prerequisites: CIS112 and CIS120
CIS311
Technical Writing in CIS - 3 Credits
This course is designed to teach technical communication skills and strategies needed to prepare and disseminate information in business and professional settings. This course offers practice in delivering oral presentations, and creating effective written and visual designs including electronic media, user manuals, formal technical reports, Web pages, and online help guides. This course emphasizes a systematic writing process, and it provides a practical study in mechanics, visual rhetoric, punctuation, grammar, and usage.
Prerequisite: ENG110, ENG120
CIS312
End-User Computing (Application Design I) - 3 Credits
This course gives students the opportunity to explore advanced topics in word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications focusing on information support for the managerial end user. Cases and reading assignments alert students to ethical and societal dimensions of systems, information strategies, e-commerce, and global information transfer. The course intends to serve management and computer information students who will need to integrate information theory with advanced computer skills.
Prerequisite: CIS112
CIS314
Project Management II - 3 credits
This course provides advanced approaches for managing and tracking medium and large scale software development projects. The focus of the course is to present practical methods for monitoring work schedules and milestones; reducing risks; estimating project resources and cost; integrating scope changes; and maintaining quality throughout the project. Emphasis is on using project management techniques to analyze and control the activities of the project management team. This course builds on topics introduced in CIS 213 Project Management I.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS120, and CIS213
CIS317
Decision Support Systems/ Expert Systems - 3 Credits
Management strategies utilizing computer support systems, simulations, decision modeling tools, and sample expert systems resulting in improved decisions for all levels of management are examined.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS312, and junior standing.
CIS337
Networking in Business - 3 Credits
Emphasis in this course is placed on networked-based information technology (local and wide-area networks) used to gain efficiency and effectiveness for competitive advantages and for building new strategic relationships.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS230 or CIS240 strongly recommended.
CIS340
Computer Ethics - 3 Credits
This course strives to stimulate consciousness to meet the challenges arising from ethical dilemmas involving the misuse of technology. In a seminar format, violations of confidentiality and personal privacy, software piracy, computer viruses, abuse of Internet resources such as e-mail, ethical systems building, and vendor-client issues are explored.
Prerequisite: CIS112
CIS350
Web Design - 3 Credits
In this course, students will go through the entire process of planning and building well-designed interactive web sites using HTML and Web authoring tools. Emphasis is on designing the functional features and aesthetic qualities of a web site.
This course may not be substituted for a programming language.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS312 or permission of the instructor.
CIS351
Web I - 3 credits
This introductory course provides students with practical methods and skills to plan, design, and develop an interactive Website. Emphasis is on using essential principles and techniques for building an effective Web layout and user interface. The course will conclude with the submission of a final project demonstrating the rudiments of Web development.
Prerequisites: CIS112, or CIS312 or permission of the instructor.
CIS356
Systems Analysis II - 3 credits
This course examines advanced system analysis techniques for determining business information systems requirements. Topics include object-oriented analysis, agile analysis, prototype development, quality control, and configuration management. Emphasis is on the development and maintenance of software systems. This course builds on Systems Analysis I.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS230 or CIS240, CIS356 or permission of the instructor.
CIS360
Systems Analysis I - 3 Credits
This course introduces an overview of the traditional systems development life cycle and emphasizes prototyping for the continuous improvement of technology-based systems.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS200 or CIS420 are strongly suggested.
CIS370
Global E-Commerce - 3 Credits
Students are introduced to the theory and practice of electronic commerce emphasizing how computer technology presently influences online business strategies and initiatives.
Prerequisites: MGT105, CIS112, CIS317 suggested.
CIS398
Internship in CIS - 3 Credits
This course provides students with practical experience in CIS within private or public sectors under the supervision of a practicing professional. Students are required to spend 15 hours per semester in seminar meetings and work at least 90 hours per semester in a computer facility.
A journal describing daily activities is required.
Prerequisites: 18 credits in CIS and at least Junior standing.
You must speak with your academic advisor as well as the Career Services Office before registering.
GAM401
Game Design and Animation II - 3 credits
This course builds upon the knowledge gained in Game Design and Animation I. Advanced methods of game design, including drafting a game design document, are covered in the course. Students gain insight into the aesthetic design and technical implementation needed to design high-quality 3D interactive video games. Students use 3D modeling software and scripting techniques to create character and terrain animation, and artificial intelligence for games. Emphasis is on applying problem-solving skills and refining the game design document.
Prerequisites: CIS112, GAM217, GAM247, and GAM301
CIS404
Software Engineering II - 3 credits
This course presents advanced topics on software engineering practices for the design and development of software products. The course focuses on software engineering measures for analyzing and documenting requirements; preparing design specifications; and developing and testing applications. Emphasis is on disciplined software engineering techniques that are used to produce quality and sustainable software products. This course builds on the topics introduced in CIS303 Software Engineering I.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS120, and CIS303
CIS412
End-User Systems Design (Application Design II) - 3 Credits
This is a hands-on course in designing end-user managerial computer information systems using the integrated Microsoft Office Professional suite of applications including PowerPoint and the Internet for system implementation. Students will design a web page suitable for web publication and at least one integrated system.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS312, CIS360, CIS420 or CIS422, strongly suggested.
CIS415
Information Resource Management - 3 Credits
This seminar provides a broad overview of information systems management with particular attention to planning, organizing, and controlling user services and managing the computer information systems development process. The case study approach is used. Oral and written reports are required.
Prerequisite: Senior standing in either CIS or Management.
CIS420
Database Management Systems - 3 Credits
An overview of database modeling is presented with the objective of mastering one database management system for personal computers. Each student will prepare a complete database system by designing menus, input screens, queries, and output reports. Also covered are database selection and administration.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS312, CIS230, and CIS360 strongly recommended.
CIS422
Database I - 3 credits
Principles and methodologies of database design are presented with the objective of developing a basic database model for a personal computer. Students are required to build a database system that demonstrates basic menus, input screens, queries, and reports. Emphasis is on relational theory, SQL concepts, and database integrity.
Prerequisites: CIS112; CIS120, CIS312, CIS360, and CIS230 are strongly recommended
CIS423
Advanced Database Management Systems - 3 Credits
This course reinforces topics introduced in the first course and initiates building complete database systems using Visual Basic and Oracle. The final project requires the creation of an operational, menu-driven, customized database system.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS312, CIS420. CIS230, CIS360, and CIS412 strongly recommended
CIS424
Database II - 3 credits
This course reinforces topics introduced in Database I and initiates building complete database systems using Microsoft Visual Basic and Oracle. Students are required to submit a final project that includes planning and creating an operational, menu-driven, customized database management system.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS120, CIS200, CIS230, CIS312, CIS412, and CIS422 are strongly recommended.
CIS425
Computer Control and Audit - 3 Credits
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of auditing and controlling computer information systems. Emphasis is placed on the design and application of controls within computer information systems. This course may be used to fulfill either a CIS or Accounting elective.
Cross listed with ACC425. Prerequisites: CIS312 or CIS430 for CIS students.
CIS426
Database V - 3 credits
Building on the practical aspects of database technology learned in Database IV, this course focuses on managing the Oracle database system and applying modern database administration skills. Topics include advanced DBA techniques in database software installation, securing databases, backup recovery, network administration tools, DB tuning and optimizing responsibilities, and upgrading and patching maintenance.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS120, CIS200, CIS312, CIS412, CIS422, CIS424, CIS427,CIS429 are strongly recommended.
CIS427
Database III - 3 Credits
This course reinforces topics introduced in the Database II course. This course provides advanced knowledge of relational database management systems (RDBM) and distributed databases. Practical exercises will be used to highlight RDBM strategies; develop Oracle PL/SQL-based applications; diagnose problems; and improve database performance.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS120, CIS200, CIS230, CIS312, CIS412, CIS422, and CIS424 are strongly recommended.
CIS429
Database IV - 3 credits
This course reinforces themes introduced in Database III and highlights essential techniques in Oracle database performance tuning. Practical exercises will be used to formulate SQL queries and tune SQL statements for optimal performance. Topics include performance diagnostics and tuning; using tuning tools and utilities; using triggers to customize information management in the Oracle database; managing memory; and tracking and managing dependencies.
Prerequisites: CIS112, CIS120, CIS200, CIS230, CIS312, CIS412, CIS422, CIS424, and CIS427 are strongly recommended
CIS430
Accounting Information Systems - 3 Credits
This course introduces the system flow of financial information in the contexts of the system development process and the actual applications of computer technology to record keeping and information gathering functions. Applications studied include procurement and receiving, inventory control, accounts payable, marketing and shipping, billing and collections, etc. Case studies and a hands-on computer project are required. This course may be used to fulfill either a CIS or Accounting elective.
Cross listed with ACC430. Prerequisites: ACC303 or at least junior standing for CIS majors.
CIS450
Seminar in CIS - 3 Credits
This course provides the opportunity to do in-depth research on a topic of individual interest in CIS in order to integrate and assimilate information issues. It is the capstone course for the major and enables students to prepare documents representing their accomplishments, perceptions, and expertise for future evaluation. Frequent meetings between students and instructor serve to focus and direct the study.
Prerequisites: 21 credits in CIS and senior standing.