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| Degrees/Courses |
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| 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, as well as secondary education certifi cation in CIS. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Bachelor of Science Major in Computer Information Systems |
| Major Requirements: Fifty (50) semester credit hours including CS170, CS180, CS182, CS220, CS242, CS244, CS301, CS302, CS304, CS308, CS332, CS334, CS336, CS338, and CS460. |
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| Bachelor of Science Major in Management Information Systems |
| Major Requirements: Forty-five (45) semester credit hours including CS153, CS154, CS156, CS158, CS170, CS180, CS242, CS252, CS301, CS302, CS304, CS308, CS332, BS201, BS202, AG210, and AG211. |
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| CIS Minor Requirements: |
| Three separate CIS minors are offered to suit specific IT/IS needs: networking, analysis, and web design. Requirements for each of these are listed below. |
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| CIS Web Design Minor: |
| Twenty-five (25) semester credit hours including CS158, CS161, CS170, CS180, CS182, CS220, CS258, CS242, and CS244 |
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| CIS Networking Minor: |
| Twenty-three (23) semester credit hours including CS170, CS180, CS242, CS332, CS334, CS336, and CS338. |
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| CIS Analyst Minor: |
| Twenty-six (26) semester credit hours including CS170, CS180, CS242, CS301, CS302, CS304, CS308, and CS332. |
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| 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. |
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| CIS and Teacher Certification |
| This is available for secondary certification. It is offered as: |
| (1) a major requiring thirty-nine (39) semester credit hours including CS170, CS180, CS182, CS220, CS242, CS301, CS302, CS304, CS332, CS334, EN330, and EN332. |
| (2) a minor requiring twenty-seven (27) semester credit hours including CS170, CS180, CS182, CS220, CS242, CS301, EN330, and EN332. |
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| All Programs: |
| Students interested in any CIS or MIS program should meet with a CIS department advisor prior to taking any electives. Maximum of 3 credit hours of CS397 (Field Experience/Internship) may be used. The only Credit/No Credit course that may be applied to any CIS/MIS program is CS397. Cur-rent students wishing to take courses from other colleges and apply them to any CIS/MIS program must have written departmental approval prior to course enrollment. A combined maximum of six (6) credit hours of indepen-dent study, life experience, and/or fi eld experience credits can be applied to the major. A minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours for the CIS major and twenty-one (21) for the MIS major must be taken at Aquinas. A minimum of twelve (12) credits toward any CIS minor must be taken at Aquinas. For a course to count towards any CIS department major or minor, the earned grade must be a “C” or better. |
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| 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, CS153, CS154, CS155, CS156, CS157, CS158, CS159, CS160, or CS161. Stu-dents also have the option to test out of some of these courses by taking an exam to demonstrate their profi ciency and understanding of the course content. More information on this credit-by-exam procedure. |
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| 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. |
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| Courses: |
| Please note: All required CIS courses are offered every academic year. |
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| 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. |
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| 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). |
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| CS152 Spread Sheets (1) T |
| This hands-on lab course covers basic spreadsheet functions such as simple formulas, formatting, and print layout using Microsoft Excel. Course projects introduce skills such as formulas and basic functions, charts, and absolute addressing. This course would be beneficial to any students with a desire to analyze numerical data, manage finances, perform simple statistics, or gener-ate charts and graphs. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| CS158 Web Page Design (1) T |
| This hands-on lab course covers web page design using Adobe Dreamweaver. Basic HTML coding is introduced, but programming experience is not a pre-requisite. 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 in-troduce skills such as using templates, integrating graphics and images, forms, and frames. |
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| CS159 Desk-Top Publishing (1) T |
| This hands-on lab course covers desktop publishing concepts and application using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Adobe Dreamweaver. Experience and knowledge of basic word processing skills are beneficial. Course projects introduce skills such as creating templates, integrat-ing graphics and images, designing newsletters, and formatting multi-section documents. |
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| 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. |
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| 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 software. |
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| CS170 Introduction to Computing (3) |
| Fundamental concepts in operating systems, numbering systems, and how they are used in computing will be explored. Hands-on exposure to Windows and a UNIX-type operating system are included. A study of disk layouts and management as well as memory management will be presented. Windows and UNIX command prompt manipulation will complete the requirements. Co-requisite of CS180 recommended. |
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| CS180 Structure and Logic (3) |
| Fundamental concepts in structured object-oriented programming using the C# programming language. Structures include sequence, selection, repetition, writ-ing, and the use of methods and objects. Programs will be designed using the Warnier-Orr diagramming tool. Designs will be coded, debugged, and tested using the C# programming language. Co-requisite of CS170 recommended. |
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| CS182 Data Structures with C# (4) |
| Programs using classes, objects, error handling, arrays, and array-based lists will be designed coded, debugged, and tested using the Windows GUI interface and the C# programming language. Prerequisites: MS151, CS154, CS170, CS180. |
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| 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. |
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| CS220 Survey of Programming Languages (3) |
| Fundamental concepts of programming in low- and high-level languages, com-piled and interpretive languages, procedural and non-procedural languages will be studied. As this is primarily a programming course, students will be designing, writing, testing, and debugging programs in several languages. Prerequisites: CS158, CS182. |
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| CS242 Database Theory (4) |
| Introduction to concepts and technology of database management systems; physical data organization; hierarchical, network, and relational models; reading and writing basic structured query language (SQL) statements using a com-mercial relational database management system. Prerequisites: CS170, CS180, CS254. |
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| CS244 Web Programming with Databases (4) |
| Students will design and implement an application using a database engine and a programming language that supports web development. Students will study and use advanced SQL statements, and will be required to design, code, debug, and test a web-based application. Prerequisites: CS158, CS170, CS182, CS220, CS242. |
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| 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 |
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| 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, tem plates, ob-ject linking and embedding, macros, Visual Basic for Applications, data valida-tion, and pivot charts and tables. Prerequisites: CS152. |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| CS301 Management Information Systems (3) |
| An overview of various frameworks for information systems and systems devel-opment. Topics include formal systems theory for management problem solv-ing, decision support systems, project management methodologies, feasibility analysis, and IT/IS governance. Practical application is included, using various analysis tools and software environments to create systems proposals, data models, and project plans. Prerequisites: CS151, CS170, CS180. |
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| CS/BS302 Systems Analysis (3) |
| The second of two courses in business systems analysis using structured meth-odologies. Topics include process modeling, data fl ow diagramming, and object-oriented analysis. Practical application is included, using various analysis tools and software environments to create process models, various object-oriented models, and candidate design proposals. Prerequisites: CS152, CS251, CS301. |
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| CS304 Systems Design (3) |
| Implementation of the logical models created in Systems Analysis. Topics include data analysis, event analysis, interface design and prototyping, and post-implementation and support. Practical application involves implementation of specifi c process analysis and design including physical network architecture modeling, input and output graphical user interface design prototyping, program design, and documentation and presentation of design to an audience. Prerequisite: BS/CS302. |
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| 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. |
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| CS307 File Management (3) |
| File organizations including sequential, indexed relative, and hash fi les, as well as tree structures, are explored. Programming problems involving sequential and non-sequential fi le organizations are presented. Prerequisites: CS280, and CS313. |
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| CS308 Project Management (3) |
| Explores management techniques for information systems projects. Includes task identifi cation, staffi ng, scheduling, security, risk identifi cation and manage-ment, performance evaluation, and implementation methodologies. Hands-on use of a project management software package, as well as team competition in a simulated project management (software-driven) experience is included for practical application of skills. Prerequisite: CS157, CS252, CS302. |
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| CS310 Special Topics in Computer Information Systems (variable) |
| Offered when needed as timely issues concerning information technology
arise. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| CS332 Installing, Confi guring, and Administering Windows Client (3) |
| An introduction to a Windows client operating system. Students will be required to install, confi gure, and maintain a Windows client operating system. Students will study security, memory management, priorities, and sharing of system re-sources. Prerequisite: CS170. |
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| CS334 Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server Environment |
| An introduction to a Windows server operating system. Students will be required to install, confi gure, and maintain a Windows server operating system. Students will study LANs, WANs, VPN, the OSI model, security, memory management, backup strategies, and sharing of system resources. Network accounts for us-ers, computers, and printers will be created and tested. Prerequisites: CS332. |
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| CS336 Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server Network Infrastructure (3) |
| The study of the Windows server operating system as part of a larger network. Concepts of integrating several domains, enterprise networks, and mixed op-erating system environments are studied. Students will install and confi gure Windows Servers for DHCP, DNS, WINS, Windows Software Update Service, and Remote Access (via VPNs). Troubleshooting of TCP/IP and other network issues will be addressed. Prerequisite: CS334. |
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| CS338 Designing Security in a Windows-Based Network Environment (3) |
| The study of basic network security practices using a Windows-based network confi guration. Students learn to craft and implement a set of security policies based on an analysis of possible threats. Authentication, access control, public-key encryption, IIS security, server/workstation hardening, and intrusion-detec-tion topics will be addressed. Prerequisite: CS336. |
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| CS397 Field Experience (Variable) |
| Approved work experience in the computer field established by contract between
the instructor and the student.
Prerequisite: CS280. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| CS460 Practicum in Information Technology (3) |
| Students will form teams and select an application to design, code, test, debug, install, and document. The students on each team must demonstrate their aca-demic learning over the previous three and one-half years in the other courses in the major. This is a credit/no-credit course. The instructor serves as the con-sultant, subject matter expert, and evaluator of the application completed by each team. Prerequisite: CS244, CS304, CS308, CS336. |
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