Computer Information Technology

Undergraduate Programs

Description

Computer Information Technology (CIT), in its broadest sense, encompasses all aspects of computing technology. As an academic discipline, CIT focuses on meeting the needs of users within an organizational and societal context through the selection, creation, application, integration and administration of computing technologies. Graduates with a CIT major have the skills and knowledge needed for professional positions, research opportunities, and graduate studies in the field.

The program's mission is to ensure each graduate is exceptionally well qualified to undertake a successful information career in industry, business, education, or government. The program is designed so each student will:

  • Gain a sound foundation in computing basics, analysis and design, programming, testing, software development, security, database, software QA and testing and web application design and development.
  • Learn the theory and practice of information technology and develop skills to apply this knowledge to analyze and solve problems.
  • Develop analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills applicable to real-world problem solving.
  • Develop effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Appreciate the social and ethical issues in information technology.

Majors

 Program Locations Major / Total Credits
Computer Information Technology BS BS - Bachelor of Science
  • Mankato
 55 / 120

Certificates

 Program Locations Major / Total Credits
Database Technologies CERT
  • Mankato
 12 / 12
Information Security CERT
  • Mankato
 12 / 12
Networking Technologies CERT
  • Mankato
 12 / 12
Software Development CERT
  • Mankato
 12 / 12

Minors

 Program Locations Total Credits
Computer Information Science Minor
  • Mankato
 20
Computer Technology Minor 20
Database Technologies Minor
  • Mankato
 20
International Technology Minor
  • Mankato
 20
Networking Information Security Minor
  • Mankato
 20
Software Development Minor
  • Mankato
 20

Policies & Faculty

Policies

GPA Policy. The completion of any major or minor in the Department of Computer Information Science requires:

  1. a GPA of 2.5 or higher for all departmental courses, or their substitutions, used to complete the major or minor, and
  2. a GPA of 2.5 or higher for all courses, or their substitutions, used to complete the major or minor. This includes all departmental courses, supporting courses, and General Education courses required for the major or minor.

Students who cannot maintain a GPA of 3.0 in required 100 and 200 level courses should see their advisor for a program review.

Grade Policy. All coursework used to complete a departmental major or minor, including required courses, required supporting courses, and required General Education courses, must be taken for a letter grade except for courses offered only as P/N.

No course completed with a grade of "D" can be used to complete a departmental major or minor program, or to meet a departmental prerequisite.

Dual Major Policy. Students can earn at most one undergraduate major from this department.

Internship Policy. An internship is required for all majors.

Excluded Courses Policy. CIS 201, CIS 296 do not count toward a major or minor in the department.

Residency Policy. Students must earn at least 50 percent of the credits required for a departmental major or minor from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Contact Information

273 Wissink Hall

CIS office (507) 389-1412
https://cset.mnsu.edu/departments/computer-information-science/

Faculty

Chair
  • Jonathan Hardwick, PhD
Faculty

100 Level

Credits: 4

Basic foundations in computer concepts. Topics include: hardware, software, uses of technology in industry, and ethical, and social issues. Lab work covers various systems and applications software including word processing, e-mail, the Internet, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Cannot be counted toward any major or minor offered by Computer Information Science.

Prerequisites: Goal Areas: GE-09, GE-13

Credits: 3

Introduction to the personal computer as a productivity tool for business majors. Using Microsoft Office suite, students learn to be productive with document processing, spreadsheets, electronic presentations, and databases. Cannot be used toward any major or minor in Computer Information Science.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

This course uses health humanities storytelling to prepare students with a sincere concern for human values within the capture, management, and evaluation of health information. Students will explore the synergy between health related data, healthcare informatics, and outcome measures. Students will gain fundamental information technology skills to understand and critique data, identify relationships between visual arts and written works regarding health, and explore cultural aspects of healthcare experiences and risk adjustment of quality outcome measures.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-07

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Credits: 4

This course introduces and explores seven big ideas of computer science. Students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, including algorithmic creativity, data abstraction, and modeling and simulation.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-04

Credits: 4

This course provides conceptual and logical tools for students planning to major in a computing-based major. Programming in a high-level language such as C++, Python, or Java, and the development of skills in abstraction, problem-solving, and algorithmic thinking are emphasized.

Prerequisites: MATH 112 or MATH 113 or MATH 115 or MATH 121

Credits: 4

This course is a continuation of CIS 121. Students develop a basic knowledge of programming skills and object-oriented concepts, and use fundamental data structures such as lists, stacks, queues, and trees.

Prerequisites: MATH 113 or MATH 115 or MATH 121; and CS 110 or CIS 121 or IT 210

Credits: 4

This course reviews basic programming concepts such as data types and variables, loops, functions, input/output and visualization. Students become prepared to produce larger, more complex applications. A strong emphasis on problem-solving as students explore how programming concepts are applied to scenarios drawn from healthcare and other domains. Students develop programming skills necessary to implement data structures, exception handling, and object-oriented concepts. Students are also introduced to incremental program development, testing, and debugging.

Prerequisites: Select One: MATH 113, MATH 115, MATH 121, MATH 180. Select One: CS 110, CIS 121

200 Level

Credits: 2

This course introduces students to assistive technology and its applicability to people with various disabilities. Hardware and software demonstrations with an emphasis placed on inexpensive and readily available solutions. Extensive use of the Internet will be employed to keep current with latest technology and to facilitate a continuing dialogue with instructor.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

Students prepare written summaries and oral presentations related to the complex social and ethical issues associated with computers. Through thoughtful questions, informative readings, and the analysis of opposing viewpoints, participants gain insight into the complexity of technology-related issues in a world without clearly defined borders.

Prerequisites: Goal Areas: GE-09, GE-13

Credits: 4

This course builds on CS 122 (Data Structures) with coverage of advanced data structures and associated algorithms, including trees, graphs, hashing, searching, priority queues, and memory management. Formal proof techniques, the analysis of best, worst, and expected cases, and the development of efficient algorithms are emphasized. Use of effect-free programming, first-class functions, and higher-order operations such as map, reduce, and filter are explored.

Prerequisites: MATH 121 and CS 111 or CIS 122 or IT 214

Credits: 4

This course presents historical and current concepts and implementations of computer organization. Topics include instruction set design, digital storage, performance metrics, processor datapath and control, pipelining, memory hierarchy, busses and I/O interfacing, and parallel processors.

Prerequisites: CS 111 or CIS 122or IT 214

Credits: 1-2

Special topics not covered in other 100- and 200-level courses. May be repeated for each new topic.

Prerequisites: none

300 Level

Credits: 4

Business application development using a non-object oriented programming language. Emphasis on principles of application programming such as control breaks, read a record/write a line, driver, shared sub-routines, pass by reference, and sub-programming. File concepts emphasized include index-sequential file handling, CRUD, heap files, sorting, transaction, and master files. Programming concepts include input-processing-output definitions, understanding requirements, structure charts, program documentation, and programming standards. Large group project is completed during semester.

Prerequisites: CIS 122

Credits: 4

Introduction to database systems, entity relationship models, relational algebra, database design, data modeling, normalization, and conversion of business rules into relational model. Introduction to basic SQL including subqueries, joins, functions, sequences, triggers, views, and stored procedures.

Prerequisites: CIS 121 or an approved substitute.

Credits: 4

Security concepts and mechanisms; security technologies; authentication mechanisms; mandatory and discretionary controls; cryptography and applications; threats; intrusion detection and prevention; regulations; vulnerability assessment; information assurance; forensics; anonymity and privacy issues; disaster recovery planning, legal issues and ethics.

Prerequisites: EE 107 or CIS 121 or an approved substitute.

Credits: 4

This course covers basic concepts related to computer networking. Topics addressed will include the OSI model, the Internet model, network management, network protocols and data security. Prerequisite: a 3.0 or higher grade in IT 210 or an approved substitute is required.

Prerequisites: CIS 121. Select 1: MATH 113, MATH 115, MATH 121. Or an approved substitute.

Credits: 4

This course explores both structured as well as object oriented systems analysis and design. Use of upper and lower CASE tools are employed in the analysis, design and implementation of a team oriented term project.

Prerequisites: CIS 122, CIS 340

Credits: 12

Study abroad for one semester to participate in a project-based technology/media-oriented program of study. The program of study must be one approved by the student's advisor and the chair of this department.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1

This course introduces students to the career readiness skills needed to be successful in internships and entry-level jobs. Students will explore career pathways, prepare for a job search, gain exposure to technologies used within industry, and develop effective professional skills so they are prepared to work with diverse teams.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 0

Curricular Practical Training: Co-Operative Experience is a zero-credit full-time practical training experience for one summer and an adjacent fall or spring term. Special rules apply to preserve full-time student status. Please contact an advisor in your program for complete information.

Prerequisites: CIS 380

400 Level

Credits: 4

This course provides the student with a solid understanding of the principles, techniques and design patterns involved in advanced object-oriented programming. Successful students should have a distinct advantage in the marketplace.Variable

Prerequisites: CIS 223, CIS 380

Credits: 4

This course provides an introduction to data science, discusses opportunities and challenges associated with data science projects, and develops competencies related to data collection, data cleaning, data analysis, and model evaluation. The course focuses on hands-on exercises using data analytics tools.

Prerequisites: CIS 223, CIS 340

Credits: 4

Extensive coverage of SQL, database programming, large scale data modeling, and database enhancement through reverse engineering. This course also covers theoretical concepts of query processing, and optimization, basic understanding of concurrency control and recovery, and database security and integrity in centralized/distributed environments. Team-oriented projects in a heterogeneous client server environment.

Prerequisites: CIS 380

Credits: 4

This course covers science and study of methods of protecting data and designing disaster recovery strategy. Secure database design, data integrity, secure architectures, secure transaction processing, information flow controls, inference controls, and auditing. Security models for relational and object-oriented databases.Variable

Prerequisites: CIS 350, CIS 440

Credits: 4

This course introduces students to a variety of existing and emerging technologies used within healthcare environments. Emphasis will be on software used to capture clinical data and generate reports. Students will complete a team oriented project incorporating business requirements, project management, and design elements for a system implementation, system change, or reporting request.

Prerequisites: CIS 113, CIS 340

Credits: 4

The course explores big data in structured and unstructured data sources. Emphasis is placed on big data strategies, techniques and evaluation methods. Various data analytics are covered. Students experiment with big data through big data analytics, data mining, and data warehousing tools.

Prerequisites: CIS 223, CIS 440

Credits: 4

Covers information warfare principles and technologies. Information warfare concepts; protocols, authentication, and encryption; network attack techniques, methodologies, and tools; network defense; malware; Trojan worms, viruses, and malicious code; electronic crimes and digital evidence.

Prerequisites: CIS 350

Credits: 4

Advanced coverage of data communication, networking and security protocols. Topics: data transmission methods, error detection and recovery, flow control, routing, security issues and performance analysis of existing and emerging protocols for secure communication. Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: CIS 360

Credits: 4

Network and server systems administration. Domain administration; file system management; networked printers; user management; and workstation configuration. Network programming assignments/projects in Layered Software Systems, HTTP Server, UDP (TFTP or DNS), CGI program, IPV6, RPC/SCTP.Variable

Prerequisites: CIS 360

Credits: 4

Existing and emerging mobile and wireless data networks with emphasis on digital data communications. Gain an understanding of the unique considerations that must be given to network protocols for wireless and mobile communication and their applications.Variable

Prerequisites: CIS 360

Credits: 4

This course is designed to give students the skills required to write applications for mobile devices (smartphones and tablets). Topics to be covered include interacting with the UI, using an emulator/simulator, application lifecycle, moving from one screen to another, services, alarms, broadcast receivers, maps API, location based programs, GPS, persistence, hardware sensors, and web applications.

Prerequisites: CIS 223, CIS 380

Credits: 4

Topics include software quality assurance, software quality metrics, software configuration management, software verification and validation, reviews, inspections, and software process improvement models, functional and structural testing models.

Prerequisites: CIS 223, CIS 380

Credits: 4

This course discusses concepts and techniques for design, development and evaluation of user interfaces. Students will learn the principles of interaction design, interaction styles, user-centered design, usability evaluation, input/output devices, design and analysis of controlled experiments and principles of perception and cognition used in building efficient and effective interfaces. Group project work.

Prerequisites: MATH 121. Select one: STAT 154 or PSYC 201. Select one: CS 230 or CIS 380

Credits: 4

HTTP Protocol; Web-markup languages; Client-side, Server-side programming; Web services; Web servers; Emerging technologies; Security; Standards & Bodies; Web interface design techniques; User-centered design; Visual development environments and development tools; Interface design effectiveness. Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: CIS 380

Credits: 4

An introduction to all important aspects of software engineering. The emphasis is on principles of software engineering including project planning, requirements gathering, size and cost estimation, analysis, design, coding, testing, implementation, and maintenance. Group project work.

Prerequisites: CIS 223, CIS 380

Credits: 4

This course is designed to give students the skills required to design and develop video games. The primary focus of the course is on mobile game development, game design principles and user-centered design methodologies. A play-centric approach to game design and development will be studied, discussed and applied in the production of a game demo.

Prerequisites: CIS 223, CIS 380

Credits: 1

Provides Information Technology majors an opportunity, in a small group setting, to explore a topic not normally covered in the curriculum. Prereq: Consent. Variable

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-4

Special topics not covered in other courses. May be repeated for credit on each new topic. Prereq: Consent

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-12

Provides students with opportunity to utilize their training in a real-world business environment working under the guidance and direction of a faculty member. (At most 4 hours toward a major in this department). Fall, Spring, Summer Prereq: Permanent admission to IT and consent.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

Develop high quality software application researching and applying fundamental software engineering techniques, several advanced development and test tools, human factors of interface design and a team approach, each student controlling only a part of the system. Fall, SpringPrereq: Senior standing and consent

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-4

Problems on an individual basis.

Prerequisites: none