Introductory Courses

Whatever your field of study or work, you will use information technology or be affected by the way others use it. The Information Systems Department offers courses in each of its major areas to introduce you to the use and effects of use of technology in organizations.

Computer Information Systems

CIS 150. Introduction to client/server programming: (Three hours credit. No prerequisites.) How do you learn to program? Does it just come naturally, or is it a learned skill?

It's both. Some individuals are natural programmers, others have to work at mastering the skill a bit. If that's you, CIS 150 is a great introduction to programming from the beginning. The class graphically reinforces the basics of programming from selection, decision, and iteration structures to arrays and files. In addition, an introduction to the world of object oriented programming and how objects interact through properties, methods, and data are explored. No steps are missed and everyone gains an appreciation for programming whether it is their major, passion, or just a passing interest.

Information Security and Privacy

ISP 205. E-security and strategy: (Three hours credit. No prerequisites.) What are the threats to computers and information in the workplace? Is my personal computer vulnerable? What should I be doing to keep them safe?

The student will study the domains addressed by information security and the goals of an effective information security program. A survey of current tools and methods used to protect customer privacy and implement and manage a corporate information security program will be conducted.

Management Information Systems

MIS 110. Introduction to information systems. (Three hours credit. No prerequisites.) Learn how to make your computer work for you!
The emphasis in MIS 110 is on becoming productive with Microsoft Windows and Office.

MIS 110 is intended to be a freshman-level introduction to software tools that will help the student be more productive and capable of creating higher quality analyses, written reports, and presentations while they are at college and after. Students also learn how to download and work with images and text before incorporating them into their projects. The basic software tools of the university are introduced including web-based e-mail, Blackboard, and turnitin.com.

MIS 130. Advanced PC tools. (Three hours credit. No prerequisites.) Be billable ... be hireable!
The student will learn advanced skills with Microsoft tools such as advanced Office, FrontPage, Visio, or Windows.

MIS 130 has recently been updated to take the student through advanced Excel concepts such as nested IF statements, macros, and use of standard financial and statistical functions. This class is intended to prepare students to be "billable" and thus better qualified for internships and summer jobs with accounting firms. However, the skills learned in this course will be useful in any application of spreadsheeting.

MIS 200. Management information systems. (Three hours credit. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or approval of Chair.) Organizations use information technology to support almost everything they do. Find out how and why.
The primary focus is to bridge the gap between business needs and information systems solutions. The student is expected to understand how information technology can be effectively applied to business strategy and to supporting business processes.

MIS 320. Information Systems Project Management. (Three hours credit. Prerequisites: MIS 200 and junior standing or permission of the instructor..) This course is not just for IS majors! Although the emphasis on IS project management, PM principles can be applied to projects in any area.
This course is designed to introduce students to the theories and applications of information technology project management.
Topics include a systematic coverage of the principles and techniques involved in managing information technology projects including integration and scope management, time, cost and quality management, procurement, and risk management. Practical applications of project planning and control, appropriate to information technology, are emphasized. Also, the use of project management software to support project management activities is introduced.