Undergraduate Course Descriptions
CIS 105 Introduction to Computer Systems (2 credits)
An introduction to basic computer technology and terminology: functions of operating systems,
file structures and storage, ports and interfaces, the internet, and computer ethics.
Students will learn to be informed consumers of technology and will gain laboratory
experience with wordprocessing, spreadsheet, and presentation software packages. Not open to
students with credit for both CIS 103 and CIS 104.
CIS 106 Intermediate Computer Systems (2 credits)
This course centers on the principles, use, and evaluation of computer hardware and software as applied to various fields, particularly business and education. Issues of information systems, electronic commerce, and artificial intelligence will be among the topics
discussed. Includes laboratory experience with spreadsheet and
database software packages. Prerequisite: CIS 105. Not open to students with credit for
both CIS 103 and CIS 104.
CIS 108 Computer Applications for Business (2 credits)
An introduction to basic computer technology and terminology needed for the understanding
and use of computer applications in business environments. Topics include: input, output,
file structures, and storage devices. Students will gain laboratory experience with word
processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.
CIS 120 Electronic Design and Layout (4 credits)
Exploration of practical concepts and use of computer applications for graphic design,
media creation and editing, optimal file-format usage, and efficient layout.
CIS 150 Programming in C/C++ (4 credits)
Introduction to structured programming techniques, design, and style. Concepts of
modularity and elementary data structures are introduced. The laboratory component of the
course emphasizes the logical approach to problem solving through the analysis of concrete
examples and programming problems. Prerequisite: MTH 100 or equivalent.
CIS 152 Programming in Java (4 credits)
Introduction to structured programming techniques, design, and style from a specifically
object-oriented perspective. The laboratory component emphasizes the logical approach to
problem solving through the analysis of concrete examples and programming problems.
Prerequisite: CIS 150.
CIS 180 Survey of Computer Information Systems (4 credits)
An exploration of information technology as it is used in both corporate and consumer
environments. Serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of computer systems, with a
practical goal of understanding and evaluating the relative benefits of a variety of
hardware and software products. Provides a basic overview of business productivity
software. Some sections may include a service-learning component.
CIS 200 Data Structures (4 credits)
Continuation of CIS 150. Development of algorithms, programs, and data structures with
emphasis on the implementation of arrays, records, stacks, queues, trees, and linked
lists. Prerequisite: CIS 150; Prerequisite or Corequisite: MTH 145. Not open to students
with credit for CIS 202 or CIS 250.
CIS 203 Electronic Spreadsheets (2 credits)
Work with electronic spreadsheet concepts and features using a current microcomputer
spreadsheet package. Prerequisite: CIS 106 or equivalent.
CIS 210 Assembly Language (4 credits)
Study of the interface between computer hardware and software. Topics covered include
data definitions, control structures, interrupt handling, macros, and the assembly
process. Prerequisite: CIS 150.
CIS 230 Operating Systems (4 credits)
Study of operating system concepts, including simple processing, concurrent processing,
deadlock, memory management, processor scheduling, disk scheduling, protection mechanism,
and file systems. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CIS 200.
CIS 234 Database Management Systems (4 credits)
A study of relational database management concepts and features, including the creation,
maintenance, and manipulation of database files using a current relational database
management system. Prerequisite: CIS 106 or CIS 180 or equivalent. Not open to students
with credit for CIS 204 and CIS 340.
CIS 240 COBOL Programming and File Design (4 credits)
Introduction to COBOL programming language and file processing techniques, with emphasis
on the principles of sequential, indexed, and random access file organization and
management. Prerequisite: CIS 150 or previous programming experience.
CIS 316 Networks and Data Communications (4 credits)
A study of current trends, concepts, and goals in computer networks and data
communications, including protocols, configurations, implementations, and applications
with emphasis on local area networks and internetworking. Prerequisite: CIS 106 or CIS
180. Not open to students with credit for CIS 206 and CIS 310.
CIS 324 Systems Analysis (4 credits)
Examination of the tools and techniques for the analysis, design and implementation of
information systems with an emphasis on current trends and studies. Prerequisite or
corequisite: CIS 234. Not open to students with credit for CIS 224 or CIS 345.
CIS 330 Operating Systems Laboratory (4 credits)
Students program a significant portion of a conventional, process-based operating
system. Components include memory management, process management, process coordination
and synchronization, interprocess communication, and device drivers. Prerequisites:
CIS 210 and CIS 230.
CIS 334 Advanced Database Management (2 credits)
Continued application of database management with emphasis on particular database
management systems and languages - (a) Advanced SQL, (b) Oracle, (c) DB2, (d) FileMaker.
Repeat credit possible for different topics. Prerequisite: CIS 234.
CIS 350 Advanced Data Structures (4 credits)
Extensive exploration of lists and trees, their various implementations and applications
to stacks and queues, sparse matrix and graph representation. Students write programs
using dynamic and object-oriented techniques. Prerequisites: CIS 200 and MTH 145. Not
open to students with credit for CS 250.
CIS 352 Programming for Internet Applications (2 credits)
Examination of programming languages and techniques for web client and/or web server
applications - (a) JavaScript, (b) VisualBasic, (c) Perl, (d) XML, .NET. Repeat credit
possible for different topics. Prerequisites: CIS 120, (CIS 200) and CIS 316.
CIS 460 Planning and Management of Information Systems (4 credits)
An in-depth study of the theoretical and practical uses of information systems for
management decision making and strategic planning. Problems and illustrations used in
the course will be abstracted from actual business situations, including microcomputer
and mainframe examples. Prerequisites: CIS 324. This course should be taken toward the
end of the degree program.
CIS 1/2/3/485 Special Topics (1-4 credits)
A study of topics in computer information systems not covered by the standard curriculum
but of special interest to faculty and students. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
CIS 2/3/486 Independent Study (1-4 credits)
Intensive individual work in an area of computer information systems. Includes Honors
Program research or the development of a major computer project in an area of interest
to the student that is not covered in other courses in the department. Prerequisites:
eight hours of previous CIS course work, consent of the instructor, academic advisor,
and division chairperson.
CIS 497 Professional Experience (1-4 credits)
Supervised employment experience in a computer science related field with 40 hours of
work for each semester hour of credit. Graded P/F. Prerequisites: CIS 350 or 460 and
consent of the division chairperson; successful completion of application requirements
for internship. This course should be taken in the final semester.
