Computer Information Systems

Description

Computer Information Systems Program Description

The computer information systems (CIS) major is designed for the student who is interested in pursuing a technical career in support of organizations. Employers are seeking highly skilled technology professionals who know how to utilize technology to improve the organization’s competitive edge. This major consists of core courses in applied programming, network, and database design followed by an in-depth career-focused track in software design, network design, or computer forensics. The program’s in-depth practical application of computer technology prepares the graduate to enter the workplace as a well-versed technology professional. Many graduates of this bachelor’s degree program elect to continue their education at the graduate level by pursuing a master's in business and technology management.

CIS students will develop a portfolio of essential skills valued by employers. They will become problem-solvers who know how to think analytically, assess business problems, and design the best technology solutions.

Most courses are offered either online in an 8-week format or in an 8-week hybrid format where students meet one night per week. Some courses are offered in a 16-week online format.

Computer Forensics Track Description

Computer forensics is the use of specialized computer investigation techniques to identify, collect, preserve, examine, and analyze digital evidence for presentation in criminal or civil proceedings. Specialized tools enable the computer forensics investigator to develop timelines reconstructing computer usage across the Internet and corporate local area networks. The CIS computer forensics track offers a solid foundation in computer security culminating with elite skills in computer forensics. With the blend of security and forensics skills, graduates are not only prepared with the knowledge to prevent, detect, and recover from unauthorized malicious intrusions into the organization’s infrastructure but also to collect the digital evidence necessary to prosecute the intruders. Many graduates in this track elect to continue their education at the graduate level by pursuing a master's in forensic studies.

Network Design Track Description

Organizations today depend on complex multi-vendor technology infrastructures and highly skilled technical staff to support day-to-day operations. The CIS network design track prepares graduates with a blend of experience in leading Microsoft, UNIX, and Cisco technologies. Students take courses in Windows and UNIX server administration, network security, e-mail server and web server administration, Cisco routing, wireless networks, and mobile communication systems, all essential technology skills for the IT network professional.

Software Design Track Description

Software applications are developed for commercial off-the-shelf use or to solve specific internal organizational problems. The process consists of requirements analysis, data gathering, software design, coding, testing and maintenance. The CIS software design track prepares graduates with end-to-end practical experience in the design, development, and deployment of software solutions for the workplace. Students take courses in leading programming languages including C#, JAVA, ASP.NET, and Visual Basic.NET, using high value systems development tools such as Microsoft’s Visual Studio.NET and IBM’s WebSphere. This is a high-growth IT career field for those skilled in these cutting-edge technologies.

Objectives

Computer Information Systems Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, graduates will be able to:

1. Articulate technology skills learned and applied during their academic career.
2. Perform those information technology tasks essential to their chosen career path in application, network, or database design.
3. Communicate with confidence technology ideas in team meetings and public forums.
4. Demonstrate a professional competency in research, analysis, and business writing.
5. Converse in the languages of application, network, and database design.
6. Assess business problems using analytical and critical thought processes to identify the best technology solution.
7. Pursue an IT career as a well-rounded technology professional, able to leverage talents and interests.

Computer Forensics Track Outcomes

Upon completion of the computer forensics track, graduates will be able to:

• Analyze and manipulate complex network infrastructures.
• Design and implement a network security plan.
• Construct an incident response team.
• Evaluate an end-to-end computer forensics investigation.
• Carry out evidence collection according to established protocols.
• Assemble testimonial evidence to act as an expert witness at a trial.

Network Design Track Outcomes

Upon completion of the network design track, graduates will be able to:

• Assess business problems and implement the best network solution.
• Apply knowledge of operating systems to construct various networking environments.
• Design messaging systems for problem reporting and resolution.
• Formulate secure network infrastructures in efficient topologies.
• Implement integrated voice and data services.

Software Design Track Outcomes

Upon completion of the software design track, graduates will be able to:

• Assess business problems and select and implement the best programming language environment.
• Formulate software solutions for the desktop computing platform.
• Design software solutions for the Internet.
• Integrate database solutions with web and desktop applications.
• Develop software solutions for wireless handheld devices.

Policies

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major, and the lowest acceptable grade is a "C" in all major and Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE) courses. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to advance to the next course without earning a grade of "C" or better in the prerequisite course(s). When a grade below "C" is earned in a major course, the student must repeat that course.

A course may be repeated twice without special permission. Information systems majors must apply in writing to the department chair requesting permission to attempt a course for a third time. Stevenson University does not grant credits or waivers for technical certifications.

Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in computer information systems. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements:

Take four of the following Upper Division courses:

Take any two of the following Business electives:

Students must choose and complete the courses for one of the tracks listed below.

Software Design Track:

Network Design Track:

Computer Forensics Track:

Minor in Computer Information Systems

A minor in information systems is available. Students who wish to pursue a minor in information systems may choose any six IS courses from the business information systems or computer information systems programs. IS 135 will count toward the minor. The lowest acceptable grade is a “C“ in all IS courses. All course prerequisites must be met to be eligible to take the selected course for a minor. Please see an academic advisor for more information. Specific information regarding minor requirements may be found in the Academic Information section of the catalog.

Other Options

BS/MS Option: The BS/MS option is available for students majoring in computer information systems who wish to combine their bachelor’s coursework with work toward a master’s degree in one of Stevenson’s graduate programs. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degree in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into a BS/MS option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors. For more information on this program see the  Admissions section of this catalog.