Computer Information Technology (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. The Bachelor of Science in CIT provides graduates with the skills and knowledge to undertake a successful information career in industry, business, education, or government.
Program Requirements
Required General Education
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:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-09, GE-13
Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-1A
This course will cover topics of precalculus mathematics. Topics covered will include functions, graphs of functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, trigonometric functions, circular functions, vectors and complex numbers, induction, series and probability.
Prerequisites:
Satisfy Math Placement Table in this section, or grade of P in MATH 098.
Goal Areas:
GE-04
Limits, continuity, the derivative and applications, transcendental functions, L'Hopital's Rule, and development of the Riemann integral.
Prerequisites:
Satisfy Placement Table in this section, MATH 115 or both MATH 112 and MATH 113 with "C" (2.0) or better.
Goal Areas:
GE-04
An introduction to statistical concepts and methods that is applicable to all disciplines. Topics include descriptive measures of data, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, tests of hypotheses, confidence intervals, correlation, linear regression, and analysis of variance. The use of statistical software will be emphasized. Prereq: ACT Math sub-score of 19 or higher, successful completion of MATH 098 or appropriate placement scores (see Placement Information under Statistics) Fall, Spring, Summer GE-4
Prerequisites:
Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.
Goal Areas:
GE-02, GE-04
Choose 3 Credit(s). Choose one of the following Communication Courses
A course designed to improve students' understanding in communication, including the areas of interpersonal, nonverbal, listening, small group and public speaking.
Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-1B
A course in communication principles to develop skills in the analysis and presentation of speeches.
Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-1B
Major Common Core
3 credits of CIS 497 are required for the major. Additional credits may only be used to satisfy degree requirements.
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
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:
CIS 121. Select One Course: MATH 112, MATH 113, MATH 115, MATH 121, or MATH 130
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 340. Select One Course: CIS 122 or CIS 123
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 340, CIS 380
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
Introduction to learning the written and oral communication of technical information. Assignments include writing and presenting proposals, reports, and documentation. Emphasis on use of rhetorical analysis, computer applications, collaborative writing, and usability testing to complete technical communication tasks in the workplace.
Prerequisites:
ENG 101
Goal Areas:
GE-02, GE-13
Major Restricted Electives
Choose 12 Credit(s).
Prerequisites:
none
Minor
Required Minor: Yes. Any but Computer Science.
4-Year Plan
The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan. * Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.
First Year
Fall - 15 Credits
Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-1A
Concepts of algebra (real numbers, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions), equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, conic sections, sequences and series, probability, and binomial theorem.
Prerequisites:
Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.
Goal Areas:
GE-04
General Education Course *4 credits
General Education Course *3 credits
Spring - 14 Credits
Basic concepts of trigonometry as preparation for college level mathematics and science course work. Topics include concepts of algebra (real numbers, functions, graphs of functions, exponential and logarithmic functions), trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, applications of trigonometry, and analytic geometry.
Prerequisites:
Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 112 with "C" (2.0) or better.
Goal Areas:
GE-04
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
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:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-09, GE-13
General Education Course *3 credits
Second Year
Fall - 15 Credits
Limits, continuity, the derivative and applications, transcendental functions, L'Hopital's Rule, and development of the Riemann integral.
Prerequisites:
Satisfy Placement Table in this section, MATH 115 or both MATH 112 and MATH 113 with "C" (2.0) or better.
Goal Areas:
GE-04
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:
CIS 121. Select One Course: MATH 112, MATH 113, MATH 115, MATH 121, or MATH 130
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.
General Education Course *3 credits
Spring - 16 Credits
An introduction to statistical concepts and methods that is applicable to all disciplines. Topics include descriptive measures of data, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, tests of hypotheses, confidence intervals, correlation, linear regression, and analysis of variance. The use of statistical software will be emphasized. Prereq: ACT Math sub-score of 19 or higher, successful completion of MATH 098 or appropriate placement scores (see Placement Information under Statistics) Fall, Spring, Summer GE-4
Prerequisites:
Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.
Goal Areas:
GE-02, GE-04
Introduction to learning the written and oral communication of technical information. Assignments include writing and presenting proposals, reports, and documentation. Emphasis on use of rhetorical analysis, computer applications, collaborative writing, and usability testing to complete technical communication tasks in the workplace.
Prerequisites:
ENG 101
Goal Areas:
GE-02, GE-13
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.
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 340. Select One Course: CIS 122 or CIS 123
Third Year
Fall - 15 Credits
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
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 340, CIS 380
General Education Course *3 credits
Elective Course in Minor *4 credits
Spring - 15 Credits
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
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.
General Education Course *3 credits
General Education Course *4 credits
Fourth Year
Fall - 14 Credits
General Education Course *3 credits
Elective Course in Major *4 credits
Elective Course in Minor *4 credits
Other Graduation Requirements Course *3 credits
Spring - 16 Credits
Elective Course in Major *4 credits
Elective Course in Major *4 credits
Elective Course in Minor *4 credits
Other Graduation Requirements Course *4 credits
Policies
GPA Policy: The completion of any major or minor in the Department of Computer Information Science requires both:
a GPA of 2.5 or higher for all departmental courses (CIS), or their substitutions, used to complete the major or minor, and
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.
It is recommended that students who cannot maintain a GPA of 3.0 in required 100 and 200 level courses 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.
Registration Hold Policy: The department will place a registration hold on any student who earns a “D” or “F” in any of its courses. The department will also place such a hold on any student who drops any of its courses after the first two weeks of the semester. A student with a registration hold cannot register for courses until the hold is released, which requires filling out an appeal form and taking it to the student’s advisor for discussion. Appeal forms are available from the departmental office. This hold policy does NOT apply to students who are taking 100-level IT courses.
Dual Major Policy: Students can earn at most one undergraduate major from this department.
Incomplete Policy: The department gives incomplete grades for only two conditions. The first condition is illness, which requires a doctor’s written recommendation. The second condition arises when a death in the student’s family has caused the student to be away from the campus for an extended period. The student must have a satisfactory grade (“C” or better) in the course at the time of the onset of the condition.
Internship Policy: The Department of Computer Information Science continuously strives for improvements in the academic program. Coursework, coupled with extensive laboratory experience, play an important part in the student’s educational program. However, application of the concepts discussed in class to on-the-job situations is equally important. As a result, the department requires an internship or a capstone experience for all IT 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 at Minnesota State Mankato.
