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Degrees/Courses
 
The Computer Information Systems department offers courses that lead to Majors in Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Management Information Systems (MIS). The department also offers minors that can be used to complement other disciplines and used to complement other disciplines.
 
The purpose of the CIS degree is to prepare students for careers as computer professionals. The department has courses in four main areas: programming, systems, networking, and database. Aquinas and the CIS department have offered the major in CIS for more than twenty-five years. During this time, students have found entry-level jobs and advanced placement in these areas during their course work and after graduation.
 
The department also offers a major in Management Information Systems. The purpose of this degree is to emphasize the balance of technical skills and the knowledge of business functions. The MIS degree focuses on the design, implementation, management, and use of Information Technology applications in organizations.
 
In both the CIS and MIS degrees, the department prepares tomorrow’s “IT” executives and professionals. The information economy requires a new set of management skills focused on the appropriate use of Information Technology.
 
Bachelor of Science Major in Computer Information Systems
Major Requirements: Thirty-six (36) semester credit hours including CS151, CS152, CS154, CS170, CS180, CS251, CS252, CS254, CS270, CS280, CS301, CS302, CS304, CS430, CS440 and CS441.
 
Bachelor of Science Major in Management Information Systems
Major Requirements: Thirty-eight (38) semester credit hours including CS151, CS152, CS153, CS154, CS156, CS170, CS180, CS252, CS270, CS301, CS302, CS440, BS201, BS202, AG210, and AG211.
 
Certificate in Business Applications
Requirements: 12 credit hours from the following: CS151, CS152, CS153, CS154, CS156, CS252, CS170, and CS180.
 
Certificate in Web Design
Requirements: 12 credit hours from the following: CS151, CS153, CS158, CS161, CS251, CS258, CS170, and CS180.
 
CIS and Teacher Certification
This is available for secondary certification. It is offered as:
(1) a major requiring thirty-six (36) semester credit hours including CS170, CS180, CS270, CS280, CS301, CS302, CS304, CS317, CS430, CS440, EN330, and EN332.
(2) a minor requiring twenty-four (24) semester credit hours including CS170, CS180, CS270, CS280, CS301, CS317, EN330, and EN332.
 
CIS Minor Requirements:
Provides knowledge and skills in computing to supplement a variety of majors. Twenty-four (21) semester credit hours including CS151, CS152, CS154, CS170, CS180, CS251, CS252, CS254, CS270, CS301, and
CS440.
 
Math/CIS Minor Requirements:
Eight courses including: MS252, a language course (MS211 or CS180), a course in computer math
(MS240 or MS332), a calculus course (MS118 or MS121), and a one or two-hour research project (399) that is supervised by a faculty member from the student’s major field and uses the computer for modeling,
data gathering, and data analysis; remaining courses chosen from a list of approved courses, currently including MS122, MS232, MS332, CS112, CS224, CS280, CS315, CS327, and CS330. At least two courses must be taken through CIS department.
 
All Programs:
Students interested in any CIS program should meet with a CIS advisor prior to taking any electives. Maximum of 3credit hours of CS397 (Field Experience/Internship) may be used. The only Credit/No Credit course that may be applied to any CIS program is CS397. Current students wishing to take courses from other colleges and apply them to any CIS program must have written departmental approval prior to course enrollment. A maximum of six (6) credit hours of independent study, life experience, or field experience
can be applied to the major. A minimum of twelve (12) credit hours must be taken at Aquinas.
 
Technology Course Requirement:
Any one (1) of the following courses can be taken to fulfill the one credit General Education technology requirement: CS150, CS151, CS152, CS154, or CS158. In place of these classes, students also have the option to test-out of a course by taking an exam to demonstrate their proficiency and understanding of the course content. More information on this credit-by-exam procedure.
 
Note: All students taking any CIS course are required to have a Novell account and an Electronic Login Manager (ELM) account before the first meeting.
 
Courses:
CS150 Technology Concepts (1) T
This course provides students with the opportunity to enhance their understanding of current technology trends.Various issues relating to the use of computers, such as the Internet, state-of-the-art hardware devices, security, and ethics are discussed.This class is not a hands-on computer course, but uses the textbook, the Internet, and current news articles as the basis for course projects and discussions. Students of all skill levels and backgrounds will benefit from this timely information.
 
CS151 Word Processing (1) T
This hands-on, lab course covers basic word processing functions such as editing, formatting, and printing using MicrosoftWord. Course projects introduce skills such as header/footers, cover pages, tables, and bullets. This course would be beneficial to all students who need to improve their understanding of document creation and editing (Students with prior word processing experience, who are familiar with these basic functions, may want to consider CS-159 as an alternative to this course).
 
CS152 Spread Sheets (1) T
This hands-on, lab course covers basic spreadsheet functions such as simple formulas, formatting, and printing using Microsoft Excel. Course projects introduce skills such as formulas and basic functions, charts, and absolute referencing. This course would be beneficial to any students with a desire to analyze
numerical data, manage finances, perform simple statistics, or generate charts and graphs.
 
CS153 Presentation Graphics (1) T
This hands-on, lab course introduces presentation graphics software. Microsoft PowerPoint is used to create and edit on-screen “slide” presentations, handouts, and overhead transparencies. Course projects introduce skills such as adding clipart, creating custom backgrounds, and maximizing transitional effects. This course would be beneficial to any students who will be making presentations in other courses, in future business settings, or for educational purposes.
 
CS154 DataBase (1) T
This hands-on, lab course covers basic database and file management functions using Microsoft Access. It is a software application class, not a programming course and introduces skills such as creating reports, setting up input forms, and looking up database information. Database software packages are used to setup and manage data files such as employee records, inventory files, names and addresses, and business contact lists. This course would be beneficial to students of all backgrounds.
 
CS155 Internet (1) T
This hands-on, lab course covers a variety of Internet concepts such as email, search strategies, browser software tips, basic web page design, and ethical/ legal issues related to the Internet. No prior Internet experience is required, but some basic experience with computers is helpful. Students must have access
to the Internet and an email account outside of class. (Aquinas student accounts are available.) Students with extensive prior experience on the Internet, who are interested in web page design should consider taking CS-158 instead of this course.
 
CS156 Accounting Technology (1) T
Accounting technology provides an opportunity for students to generate financial information for planning and decision-making using a leading full-service accounting information system. Students learn to create financial statements and supplemental schedules, budgets, graphical analysis, and other reports that
facilitate the process of problem resolution.
 
CS157 Project Management (1) T
This hands-on lab course covers the basic functions of project management software. Some of the topics covered include breaking your project into phases, identifying critical tasks, managing costs and resources, viewing and printing reports, and refining project plans.
 
CS158 Web Page Design (1) T
This hands-on, lab course covers web page design using Microsoft FrontPage. Basic HTML coding is introduced, but programming experience is not a prerequisite; some prior experience with computers and the Internet, however, is presumed. Students must have access to the Internet and an email account
outside of class. (Aquinas student accounts are available.) Course projects introduce skills such as using templates, integrating graphics and images, forms, and frames.
 
CS159 Desk-Top Publishing (1) T
This hands-on, lab course covers desktop publishing concepts and application using MicrosoftWord, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microscoft FrontPage. Experience and knowledge of basic word processing skills are beneficial. Course projects introduce skills such as creating templates, integrating graphics and images, designing newsletters, and formatting multi-section documents.
 
CS160 Midi Music Publishing (1) T
This course is designed to teach anyone, even non-musicians, how to create professional looking music scores quickly and will enable those who are musicians to record music with the aid of the computer for personal use, web page enhancement, and transportingmusic to other instruments.This course is currently
taught using FINALE 2000.
 
CS161 Image Editing (1)
This hands-on lab course covers the creation and editing of professtional quality graphics. These graphics can be used to enhance web pages, professional presentations (with photography), and other non-chart graphics. Students will scan, manipulate, and compress digital images. The course is currently taught using Adobe Photo Shop.
 
CS170 Introduction to Computing (3)
Understanding the basics of number systems and how they are used in computing; an exposure to the basic concepts of a modern graphical operating system; problem solving using the Windows application programming interface (API); a study of hard disk management and
 
CS180 Structure and Logic (3)
Fundamental concepts in structured programming using Visual Basic. Programs will be designed using the Warnier Orr diagramming tool and written using the basic structured programming control structure. Students will also design and implement functions using memory pointers and references. Prerequisite: CS170.
 
CS198 Independent Reading (Variable)
Individually-negotiated program of readings for non-majors in a selected topic established by contract between the instructor and the student.
 
CS251 Advanced Word Processing (1) T
This course is the second of two courses in word processing. It is designed to teach advanced topics such as mail merge, envelopes, web forms, macros, Visual Basic for Applications, indexing and table of contents. Prerequisite: CS151, CS170, and CS180
 
CS252 Advanced Spreadsheets (1) T
This course is the second of two courses in spreadsheets. It is designed to teach advanced topics such as advanced formulas, list management, templates, object linking and embedding, macros, Visual Basic for Applications, data validation, and pivot charts and tables. Prerequisite: CS152, CS170, and CS180
 
CS254 Advanced Database Technology (1) T
This course is the second of two courses in database technology. It is designed to teach advanced topics such as object linking and embedding, subforms, switchboards, pivot tables and charts, reporting and forms, Visual Basic for Applications, and database administration. Prerequisite: CS154, CS170, and CS180
 
CS258 Advanced Web Page Design (1) T
This course is the second of two courses in word processing. It is designed to teach advanced topics such as XHTML formatting, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Flash, Fireworks, JavaScript and dynamic HTML and animation. Prerequisite: CS158, CS170, and CS180
 
CS270 Foundations in Operating Systems (3)
An introduction to a client operating system such as Windows XP; includes the study and implementation of user accounts, protocols, file permissions and sharing, device drivers, and managing data. Prerequisite: CS170
 
CS280 Data Structures (3)
Creating and using dynamic data types, reference pointers, classes and objects. Design and implementation of arrays and array-based lists; an introduction to visual applications with Visual Basic.
Prerequisites: CS170, and CS180. Co-requisite of CS270 recommended.
 
CS301 Management Information Systems (3)
An overview of the changing requirements in corporate management structure from a computer based information systems standpoint. Topics include formal systems theory for management problem solving, decision support systems, expert systems, distributed processing requirements, and client/server implementation. Prerequisite: CS170 and CS180.
 
CS/BS302 Systems Analysis (3)
The second of two courses in analysis of business systems using structured methodologies.Topics include process modeling, data flow diagrams, feasibility analysis, the systems proposal, and object modeling. Prerequisite: CS301.
 
CS304 Systems Design (3)
Implementation of the logical models created in Systems Analysis. Topics include data analysis, event analysis, implementation of specific process analysis and design, prototyping, physical network modeling, input and output design of a graphical user interface, programdesign, implementation, and post implementation support. Prerequisite: BS/CS302.
 
CS306 COBOL (3)
Input, output, and data movement statements; arithmetic statements, conditional statements, perform statements. Application of COBOL to problems involving sequential files, report writing, and sort/merge.
Prerequisite: CS280.
 
CS307 File Management (3)
File organizations including sequential, indexed relative, hash files, and tree structures. Programming problems involving sequential and non-sequential file organizations. Prerequisite: CS280, and CS313.
 
CS313 Windows Programming with Visual Basic (3)
The design and implementation of programs using a GUI with Visual Basic. Prerequisites: CS280
 
CS315 Windows Programming with C++ (3)
The study of object oriented programming theory followed by the implementation of objects and then object oriented programs using C++. Prerequisites: CS280.
 
CS317 Java Programming for Teachers (3)
The creation and management applications using Java. Students will write applications in Java, using objects and advanced data structures including stacks, queues, linked lists, and binary trees. Prerequisite: CS280.
 
CS327 Computer Graphics (3)
Computer graphics standards; 2-dimensional graphics primitives including point, line, and polygon; translation, scaling, and rotation; graphical icons; applications in windowing environments; business graphics including bar chart and pie chart; introduction to 3-dimensional graphics; use of a graphics software package. Students write programs to create and manipulate graphical entities. Prerequisite: CS258 and CS280.
 
CS330 Operating Systems (3)
The study of system software that manages the resources of the computer: peripheral devices, memory, and processor. Concepts of interrupt, deadlock, and concurrency are studied. Students will have hands-on experience with a modern computer operating system such as Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional. Prerequisite: CS280 or permission.
 
CS332 Data Communications (3)
A broad introduction to data communication terms and concepts; impact of communication technology on information systems design. A study of the hardware needed for adequate data communication.Topics include protocols and network architectures, communication services, error control, and network management. Prerequisite: CS330.
 
CS397 Field Experience (Variable)
Approved work experience in the computer field established by contract between the instructor and the student. Prerequisite: CS280.
 
CS398 Independent Reading (Variable)
A student may apply to take an Independent Reading course towards major or minor. An outline should be prepared by the student and submitted to one of the faculty in the department. Upon the faculty’s approval, a contract is signed between student and faculty member for a specified work to be done by the student
in a specified period of time for a specified number of credit hours.Upon the completion of the work by the student, the faculty member will submit a letter grade. Prerequisite: CS280.
 
CS399 Independent Project (Variable)
A student may apply to take an Independent Project course towards major or minor. An outline should be prepared by the student and submitted to one of the faculty in the department. Upon the faculty’s approval, a contract is signed between student and faculty member for a specified work to be done by the student
in a specified period of time for a specified number of credit hours.Upon the completion of the work by the student, the faculty member will submit a letter grade. Prerequisite: CS280.
 
CS401 Project Management (3)
Management techniques for data processing projects: staffing, scheduling, security, performance evaluation, and implementation methodologies. Hands-on use of a project management software package. Prerequisite: CS280, and CS304.
 
CS430 Network Operating Systems (3)
Introduces the student to different types of network operating systems and network topologies. Students will study the difference between LAN’s and WAN’s. In depth study of the appropriate levels of the OSI model. The lab includes the installation of the network operating systems (NOS), creating and securing accounts,
installation of printing and dial-up functions. Students will have hands-on experience with a Windows Server operating system. Prerequisite: CS180 and CS270.
 
CS440 Database Management Systems (3)
Introduction to concepts and technology of database management systems: physical data organization; relational, network, and hierarchical models; implementation using a prominent commercial product. Prerequisites: CS154, CS170 and CS180.
 
CS441 Database Programming (3)
Students will design and implement an application using a database engine and programming in Visual Basic. Students will be required to write SQL statements to complete the implementation of the course long project. Prerequisite: CS280 and CS440.
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