Course Descriptions

Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems

For a full list of all courses offered by the Department of Engineering, Computing and Cybersecurity, visit the course catalog.

Core Courses

This course provides the foundation for students entering the Computer Information System and Cyber Security Systems program of studies. The course will discuss University culture, procedures, and services available to equip students as they move from matriculation to graduation. Students will learn about the various curriculum offerings in the department and investigate the career outlook for CIS and CSEC majors.

Prerequisite: None

Learn about the development of computer information systems, the components that comprise them, their uses, and their global impact. Exposure to programming, databases, computer security, website development, telecommunications, and trends in technology. Hands-on experience with file management, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, probability and statistics, and Internet applications. Fee.

Prerequisite: None

Assemble a microcomputer from its hardware components and learn about how hardware operates and interacts. Learn how to select hardware for a small business or home system. Fee.

Prerequisite: None

Learn programming design and development emphasizing structured programming techniques. Typical language is Visual C++. Learn to plan and create simple, useful program codes behind graphical user interfaces (windows) for use as standalone programs or applications macros. Learning programming reveals the type of coding behind all software and teaches logic and attention to detail. Fee.

Prerequisite: None

Learn the basic programming techniques needed to create simple scripts/program to automate and perform simple computer operations. Learn the skills needed to implement algorithms to solve computing problems using a variety of scripting languages such as Python, JAVA, Ruby, PERL, PowerShell, SQL and BASH. Topics will include basic performance optimization and security practices in developing scripts and programs. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2330

This course provides the basic information of how computer networks are built and operate. Hands-on experience with basic infrastructure and component, network configuration tasks, and network analysis tools. Students are exposed early to concepts of network architectures, switching, routing, and potential vulnerabilities of various network designs. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2328 

The student will gain the foundational knowledge of the roles of the operating system, its basic functions, and the services provided by the operating system. The student will learn how operating systems components support users and applications by interfacing with input/output devices, memory, file systems, and graphical user interfaces, while monitoring system performance and security. Develop skills to install, configure, and administer Linux and Windows operating systems. Fee.

Prerequisite: None

Learn about the Linux operating system, including processes, memory and file system management, multi-user concepts, use of system editors, basic commands and shell scripts. Develop skills necessary to install, configure and administer various Linux operating systems on stand-alone and client computers, with an emphasis on working in the command line environment. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2340

Overview of the characteristics and issues associated with professional Web page and website design for a variety of audiences. Hands-on experience with website design and development of Web pages and sites using xHTML and CSS. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2330

Learn the concepts of database management systems with emphasis on relational database systems and use of structured query language (SQL) to process information. Develop practical database systems for applications. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2330

Practical experience in CIS/CSEC through a monitored work experience on or off campus. 140 hours of work with a supervisor in a job requiring use of computer information systems. Develop a resume and cover letter, and practice job-search practices. Prerequisites: 12 hours of CIS/CSEC courses, and signature. Fee.

Prerequisite: 12 hours of CIS Courses

Overview of the concepts and common practices in the field of computer systems security, including business drivers, physical and software security, assessment, fraud, cyber terrorism, information warfare, social engineering and other related to computer network defense. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2335

Learn to conduct analysis of how computer information systems can assist to in performing activities to fulfill the mission of an organization, including preliminary investigation, feasibility assessment, systems analysis, and specification of requirements. Learn about how systems are designed, developed, tested, implemented, and maintained. Fee.

Prerequisite: None

Learn about all sizes and types of communications networks ranging from personal area to world-sized networks, including their development, usage, and global impact. Learn how signals are created, about media and multiplexing techniques, and about error creation, detection, and handling. Learn how wireless networks, cell phones, the Web, and the Internet work. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2335

Explores and researches past, present, and future technologies, including their usage and impact, with an emphasis on emerging technologies. Recent topics included augmented and virtual reality, 3D printing, robotics, exoskeletons, Internet of Things, bioengineering, the semantic Web, cloud services, gamification, human-brain and natural interfaces, nanotechnology, and autonomous vehicles. Fee.

Learn how to successfully transition from the full-time school to the full-time working environment, in particular how to enter today's rapidly changing information technology fields. Fee. May be taken twice for credit. Fee.

Prerequisite: Senior Standing

Overview of isolated and networked technologies designed to enable users to communicate with each other and with artificial intelligence-driven avatars. Hands-on immersive experience with several of these technologies plus discussion of users, current and future uses and impacts, avatar and object representation and interaction, and establishment of internal communities and economies. Fee. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Fee.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing

Integrate and apply concepts, knowledge, and skills gained in CIS courses and a chosen specialization to research, develop, exhibit, and present an original individual project that demonstrates mastery of computer information systems technologies, usages, and issues at the undergraduate level. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 3319

Programming Concentration

Continuation of CIS 2330, with an emphasis on object-oriented programming methodologies and advanced language features. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2330

Overview of computer information systems in context with other fields of computer study. Subjects in computer science not covered in depth in CIS, such as computer architecture, discrete structures, intelligent systems, and human-computer interface. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2328

Hands-on experience with advanced features of HTML5 and CSS3, and JavaScript and other scripting languages used to create interactive websites. Design and develop websites for accessibility responsiveness and installation, configuration, and customization of Content Management Systems. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2368

Overview of the concept of object orientation in computer programming. Hands-on experience with C++, Java, and other modern object-oriented programming languages. Fee. Prerequisite: CIS 2330 or equivalent. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 3330

Exploration of the characteristics and issues associated with database integration into professional Web pages and websites designed for a variety of audiences. Hands-on experience with PHP and scripting languages used to incorporate databases and interactive features within Content Management Systems used to create Web pages with dynamic content. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 3365

Computer Networking Concentration

Learn how to configure reliable, optimal, and secure Linux system network interfaces. Gain hands-on experience with the deployment and configuration of network services, such as file, web, email, and name servers using reference implementations that commonly found in business environments. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2335 and CIS 2350

Overview of the concept of client-server networking and hands-on experience with installing different network operating systems, creating and administering domains, troubleshooting, and expanding domains. Introduction to computer network security. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2335 and CIS 2350

Students will learn the broad range of technologies associated with the field of Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS). Hands-on practical lab exercises with IDS/IPS hardware and software will develop students' skills in detecting and analyzing vulnerabilities and threats, as well as taking the necessary steps to mitigate associated risks. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 3340

Exploration of the technologies, characteristics and issues associate with the concept of cloud computing and its implementation in a variety of organizations. Hands-on experience with creating, managing and securing a private cloud. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 3340

Cyber Security Concentration

Learn how to configure reliable, optimal, and secure Linux system network interfaces. Gain hands-on experience with the deployment and configuration of network services, such as file, web, email, and name servers using reference implementations that commonly found in business environments. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 23325 and CIS 2350

Learn the concepts and practices of cryptographic methods in communications and electronic computing employing public key systems, block ciphers, and stream ciphers, Learn the basic tools for the design and analysis of such systems. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 3353 and MATH 2303

Overview of the concept of client-server networking and hands-on experience with installing different network operating systems, creating and administering domains, troubleshooting, and expanding domains. Introduction to computer network security. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 2335 and CIS 2340

Overview of the methods, legal requirements, ethics, and policies associated with digital forensics. Learn the tools, protocols, and functions of system/network forensic services. Topics include applications of hardware and software to computer forensics, computer forensics law, volume and system analysis, forensics investigations, and computer forensics in the laboratory. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 3353

Students will learn the broad range of technologies associated with the field of Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS). Hands-on practical lab exercises with IDS/IPS hardware and software will develop students’ skills in detecting and analyzing vulnerabilities and threats, as well as taking the necessary steps to mitigate associated risks. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 3340

Exploration of the technologies, characteristics and issues associate with the concept of cloud computing and its implementation in a variety of organizations. Hands-on experience with creating, managing and securing a private cloud. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 3340

In this course students learn how and why vulnerable computer systems can be exploited and then how they can be configured in a more secure manner. Students will gain hands-on experience with methods of discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities to gain access to systems. Fee.

Prerequisite: CIS 3353