Undergraduate Course Catalog 2010-2011

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

» http://www.unhm.unh.edu

Computer Information Systems (CIS)

Associate Professor: Mihaela Sabin
Assistant Professor: Karla E. Vogel

Computer Information Systems (B.S.)

The Computer Information Systems (or Information Technology) field, in its broadest sense, encompasses all aspects of computing technology. As an academic discipline, CIS is concerned with issues related to selecting, creating, applying, integrating, and administrating computing technologies. CIS is also concerned with aspects related to advocating for users of computing technologies and meeting their needs within an organizational context.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) prepares graduates with knowledge, skills, and best practices to work in the highly integrated field of computing technologies and to grow into leadership positions. The program also enables graduates to further their studies at the graduate level and pursue research in a computing-related discipline.

Career opportunities for students with a CIS degree are varied, but may include such areas as applications analyst/developer, data security specialist, database developer/administrator, e-commerce analyst/programmer, help desk manager, multimedia developer, network manager, system administrator, technical writer, technology trainer, user support specialist, testing and quality assurance specialist, or Web developer. Career options exist in a wide range of organizations as all businesses, industries, and nonprofits continue to use, develop, and integrate information technology solutions.

Program Educational Objectives

Within five years of graduation a CIS student should be able to:

Apply knowledge and skills in core and advanced information technologies to help an organization achieve its goals.
Advocate for users of information technologies (IT), whether they are end-users of information systems, managers of enterprise applications, developers of IT solutions, or customers of IT-reliant work systems.
Develop, manage, or evaluate computing and communication technologies.
Live and work as contributing, well-rounded members of society.

Program Outcomes

The program enables students to achieve, by time of graduation, the following competencies:

An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
An ability to use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies.
An ability to identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems.
An ability to effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment.
An understanding of best practices and standards and their application.
An ability to assist in the creation of an effective project plan.

Program of Study

Students must complete 128 credits to graduate, including 60 credits in the CIS major and 16 credits in the self-designed concentration. Students must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.0. Each required course in the major must be completed with a minimum grade of C-. Students must complete 24 credits of CIS courses at UNH Manchester.

Program Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 128 credits and satisfy the University’s Discovery Program. The CIS program requires one mathematics course from the following: MATH 420 Finite Math, MATH 424 Calculus for Biological Sciences, or MATH 425 Calculus I. Any of these courses may be used to satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning Discovery skills requirement.

The CIS program requirements include three levels of required CIS courses: introductory core, intermediate core, and integrative and professional experience; and includes a self-designed concentration that prepares students in an area of study to which CIS can be applied; and CIS electives

For additional information contact Mihaela Sabin, Program Coordinator, at 603-641-4144 or mihaela.sabin@unh.edu; or contact the Office of Admissions.

Introductory Core (4 courses, 16 credits)

CIS 405, Introduction to the Internet and Web Authoring (may be used to satisfy the Environment, Technology and Society, Discovery breadth requirement)

CIS 425, Introduction to Computer Programming

CIS 510W, Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems

CIS 542 Operating Systems Applications

Intermediate Core (4 courses, 16 credits)

CIS 505, Advanced Web Authoring

CIS 520, Database Design and Development

CIS 550, Networking Concepts

CIS 560W, Computer Law and Ethics

Integrative and Professional Experience (5 courses, 16 credits)

CIS 610, System Analysis and Design

CIS 615, Information Security

CIS 685, Professional Development Seminar (1 cr)

CIS 750 Internship Experience (3cr)

CIS 780 Capstone Project (satisfies the Discovery Senior Capstone Experience requirement)

Concentration (4 courses, 16 credits)

Majors can creatively design a concentration of courses that meet their academic and professional goals and career plans. Four courses can be selected across a wide university curriculum, reflecting majors’ interests in pursuing an interdisciplinary, liberal arts, scientific, engineering, or professional focus. No more than two courses may be used to fill a concentration and a general education requirement. The concentration must be approved by the advisor before the student’s junior year.

CIS Electives (3 courses, 12 credits)

No more than two CIS electives can be used to fill a concentration or minor. Candidate CIS elective courses are: CIS 515, CIS 599, CIS 605, CIS 620, CIS 630, CIS 650.

Minor - Computer Information Systems

To earn a minor in Computer Information Systems, students must complete 20 credits with no individual grade lower than C- and a 2.00 average in minor courses. Students may take any five courses from the CIS, CS or PHIL 447 offerings, two of which must be at the 500 level.

For more information contact Karla Vogel, Minor Supervisor, at 603-641-4127 or kv@unh.edu.

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