Undergraduate Course Catalog 2015-2016
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
» http://www.manchester.unh.edu
Computer Information Systems (COMP)
» http://manchester.unh.edu/academics/degree-programs/computer-information-systems
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Associate Professor: Mihaela Sabin
Assistant Professor: Michael Jonas
Computer Information Systems (B.S.)
The computer information systems (CIS) 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 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 software applications developer, data security specialist, database developer/administrator, e-commerce analyst/programmer, help desk manager, multimedia developer, network/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, 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, and evaluate computing and communication systems and services.
- 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.
The CIS program outcomes are aligned with criteria for accrediting computing programs (the first nine outcomes listed above) and information technology programs (the last five outcomes listed above) as recommended by the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission and the ACM Computing Curricula – IT 2008 Information Technology guidelines.
Program of Study
Students majoring in computer information systems must complete 128 credits to graduate, satisfy the University’s Discovery Program, and complete 60 credits in the major with a minimum of C- in each course and 16 credits in a self-designed concentration in an area of study that enhances learning in the CIS discipline. Students must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.
Transfer students who elect to major in computer information systems must earn 60 approved credits for completion of the CIS major, of which at least 24 credits must be completed at UNH Manchester; and 16 approved credits for completion of a self-designed concentration.
Program Requirements
The CIS program of study requires one mathematics course from the following: MATH 420, Finite Math; MATH 424B, Calculus for Biological Sciences; or MATH 425, Calculus I. Any of these courses may be used to satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning Discovery skills requirement.
Introductory Core (4 courses, 16 credits)
COMP 405, Introduction to the Internet and Web Authoring (may be used to satisfy the Environment, Technology and Society, Discovery breadth requirement)
COMP 425, Introduction to Programming
COMP 510, Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems
COMP 542, Operating Systems Applications
Intermediate Core (4 courses, 16 credits)
COMP 505, Advanced Web Authoring
COMP 520, Database Design and Development
COMP 550, Networking Concepts
COMP 560, Computer Law and Ethics
Integrative and Professional Experience (5 courses, 16 credits)
COMP 730, Object-Oriented Software Development
COMP 715, Information Security
COMP 685, Professional Development Seminar (1 credit)
COMP 690, Internship Experience (3 credits)
COMP 790, Capstone Project (satisfies the Discovery senior capstone experience requirement)
CIS electives (3 courses, 12 credits)
Candidate CIS elective courses are COMP 415, COMP 515, COMP 620, COMP 630, COMP 640, COMP 698, COMP 705, COMP 720.
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 a liberal arts, scientific, engineering, interdisciplinary, or professional area of study. The concentration must be approved by the student’s adviser before the student’s junior year.
For additional information about the computer information systems program, contact Michael Jonas, (603) 641-4352,michael.jonas@unh.edu, or contact the UNH Manchester Office of Admissions, (603) 641-4150, unhm.admissions@unh.edu.
