Computer Information Technology
Undergraduate Programs
Description
Computer Information Technology (CIT) in its broadest sense encompasses all aspects of computing technology. CIT, as an academic discipline, 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 aim is to provide CIT major graduates with the skills and knowledge to take on appropriate professional positions upon graduation and to grow into leadership positions or pursue research or graduate studies in the field. The CIT program also has six minors.
The program’s mission is to ensure that each graduate is exceptionally well qualified to undertake a successful information career in industry, business, education, or government. In support of this mission, the program is designed so that 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 | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Information Technology BS | BS - Bachelor of Science |
|
120 |
Certificates |
Program | Locations | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Database Technologies CERT |
|
12 | |
| Information Security CERT |
|
12 | |
| Networking Technologies CERT |
|
12 | |
| Software Development CERT |
|
12 |
Minors |
Program | Locations | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Information Science Minor | 20 | ||
| Computer Technology Minor | 20 | ||
| Database Technologies Minor | 20 | ||
| International Technology Minor | 20 | ||
| Networking Information Security Minor | 20 | ||
| Software Development Minor | 20 |
Policies & Faculty
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 (IT), 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. IT 201, IT 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.
Contact Information
273 Wissink Hall
Main Office (507) 389-1412cset.mnsu.edu/cis
Faculty
Chair
- Mahbubur Syed
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 IT.Prerequisites: none
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 Information Systems & Information Technology.Fall, SpringPrerequisites: 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: CIS 121 and (MATH 113 or MATH 115 or MATH 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: none
Goal Areas: GE-09, GE-13
Credits: 4
This is the first course for students planning to major or minor in Information Systems or Information Technology. Programming in a high-level language, abstraction and problem-solving skills are emphasized. Prereq: Select from 1 course: MATH 112, 115, 121 or 181 OR a math placement score permitting placement in a course that requires any of these as a prerequisite.Prerequisites: MATH 112 or MATH 113 or MATH 115 or MATH 121 or MATH 180
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: IT 210, MATH 115. A 3.0 or higher grade in IT 210 or in an approved substitute is required
Credits: 4
A continuation of IT 210, IT 214 introduces object-oriented concepts, programming techniques, lists, stacks, queues, and trees. Students are expected to produce larger applications, utilizing multiple compilation units. Fall, SpringPrerequisites: (EE 107 or IT 210) and (MATH 113 or MATH 115 or MATH 121 or MATH 180)
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: CIS 122 and MATH 121
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: CIS 122
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
Study of trees, hashing, and graph algorithms. Analysis of algorithms, memory management, and proof techniques.VariablePrerequisites: IT 214
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: IT 214
Credits: 4
Introduction to computer hardware including Boolean logic, digital circuits, data representations, digital arithmetic, digital storage, performance metrics, pipelining, memory hierarchy, and I/O; Operating System concepts, interface, multi-tasking, threads, memory and file management, programming tools.Prerequisites: IT 214
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: IT 210, a 3.0 or higher grade in IT 210 or in an approved substitute is required.
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: a 3.0 or higher grade in IT 210 or in an approved substitute is required.
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.Prerequisites: a 3.0 or higher grade in IT 210 or in an approved substitute is required.
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: IT 214, IT 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: Permission
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: IT 380. At least 60 credits earned; in good standing; instructor permission; co-op contract; other prerequisites may also apply.
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.VariablePrerequisites: IT 310, IT 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: IT 310, IT 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: IT 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.VariablePrerequisites: IT 350, IT 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: IT 113, IT 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.Does the proposal require a modify Program proposal?NoPrerequisites: IT 310, IT 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: IT 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, SpringPrerequisites: IT 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.VariablePrerequisites: IT 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.VariablePrerequisites: IT 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: IT 310, IT 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: IT 310, IT 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: IT 380 or CS 230; STAT 154 or PSYC 201 and MATH 121
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, SpringPrerequisites: IT 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: IT 310, IT 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: IT 310, IT 380
Credits: 1
Provides Information Technology majors an opportunity, in a small group setting, to explore a topic not normally covered in the curriculum.Prerequisites: Consent
Credits: 1-4
Special topics not covered in other courses. May be repeated for credit on each new topic. Prereq: ConsentPrerequisites: Consent
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).Prerequisites: Permanent admission to IT and consent
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.Prerequisites: Senior Standing and consent
Credits: 1-4
Problems on an individual basis.Prerequisites: Consent
