Requirements and Curriculum
Note: This information reflects the 2007-08 course catalog.
Requirements
Required for a major
The foundation courses, which include economics 130, 242, accounting 150, MIS 130, and math 141 or 151. Other requirements include MIS 140, 210, 310, 320, 490, 491, computer science 150 and 151. Students must achieve at least a C average (2.0 GPA) in the foundation courses. Courses in which grades below C- are earned will not count toward filling the foundation requirements. These foundation requirements should be completed by the end of the sophomore year. (MIS courses numbered above 300 are intended for students with junior standing.)
Students majoring in this area are urged to consider the following courses as electives: communication studies 132 and 252, English 210, philosophy 100 and 220, sociology 101, political science 130, psychology 130. Students planning on graduate study should consider mathematics 240, 321, 322, 463.
The credit hours for the MIS major must be earned in regular classroom courses. Credits earned through directed readings, independent study, internships and the senior project may not be counted toward the total hours required for the major.
Required for a minor
130, 140, 210, 320, computer science 150.
Because majors in computer science and management information systems have substantial requirements of courses in MIS, students may major in either discipline but not in both. This same policy holds true for CS/MIS minors.
Curriculum
130 Introduction to Information Systems 4 hours
An introduction to the structure and use of information systems (IS) in business. Topics include basic IS components, logical structure of database systems, types and application of decision support systems, disaster planning and recovery, privacy/security considerations, information accuracy, IS contribution to value chains, e-commerce principles, and analysis, design and acquisition of information systems. Students will use specialized and general-purpose software packages to solve business problems.
139, 239, 339, 439 Special Topics Credit arr.
140 Technical Aspects of Information Systems 4 hours
An introduction to the technology upon which information systems are built. Topics include fundamental computer and network architecture, system and network software, communications protocols, decision support system structure and configuration, and methods for developing IS software and for constructing IS infrastructure.
185 First-year Seminar 4 hours
A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term.
210 Information Systems Analysis and Design 4 hours
A detailed look at developing the requirements for and the architecture of information systems. Topics include structured and object-oriented analysis and design methods, entity-relationship diagrams and relation normalization, graphical user interface design methods, test case development, prototyping, and properly documenting all of the above. Prerequisite: 130 and 140. (W)
310 Implementing Information Systems 4 hours
Methods for implementing an information system from its requirements and design document. Topics include detailed design methods, custom development versus customizing commercial packages; implementation language selection; database implementation and configuration; query writing; integrating software, hardware, and networking components; and component and system testing. Prerequisite: 210 and computer science 151.
320 Management of Information Technology 4 hours
Managerial aspects of developing, maintaining, and supporting information systems and its associated technology. Topics include project planning, staffing and management, processes for outsourcing information systems, supporting and administrating information system infrastructure, addressing ethical and social implications, considerations for data acquisition and database management, planning for system growth, flexibility, and accessibility. Prerequisite: 130, junior standing. (E)
322 Business Programming Languages 4 hours
An introduction to the fundamentals of business programming languages, including COBOL and report generators, data structures, file organization and processing, problems of sorting and searching, report generation. Comparison of procedural languages with nonprocedural fourth-generation languages. Prerequisite: 130.
375 Directed Readings 1, 2, or 4 hours
Students who develop an interest in a specialized area of the discipline for which course offerings are limited may follow a prescribed reading list under the direction of a faculty member with expertise in that area.
380 Internship 1, 2, or 4 hours
On-the-job learning experience in industry or government. The plan must be presented for departmental approval before the experience begins. (Note: Students with less than a 2.50 GPA in major must have departmental approval before interviewing.)
395 Independent Study 1, 2, or 4 hours
462 Systems Analysis and Design 4 hours
Overview of the information systems development process, project management tools of the analyst, feasibility study, data collection and analysis, design, final plan selection, system evaluation, implementation. This course is recommended for seniors only. Majors taking this course will continue with MIS 490. Prerequisite: foundation courses, senior standing, or consent of instructor.
485 Seminar Credit arr.
490 Senior Project 2 hours
A capstone project that provides the opportunity for the MIS major to apply the material that he or she has learned in the previous MIS courses. Students will work as a team to specify, design, and implement a small system for a real user. Required of all MIS majors (even those with a second major). Pre- or co-requisite: 310 and 320.
491 Senior Project 2 hours
A continuation of MIS 490. Required of all MIS majors (even those with a second major). Prerequisite: 490.
493 Senior Honors Project 4 hours
A year-long independent research project. Applications are completed on the “Honors Program” form available at the registrar’s office, requiring the signatures of a faculty supervisor, the department head, the honors program director, and the registrar. Interdisciplinary projects require the signatures of two faculty supervisors. The project must be completed by the due date for senior projects. The completed project is evaluated by a review committee consisting of the faculty supervisor, another faculty member from the major department, and a faculty member from outside the major department. All projects must be presented publicly. Only projects awarded an “A- or A” qualify for “department honors” designation. The honors project fulfills the all-college senior project requirement. (S, R)