Computer and Information Science

Students may seek an academic major in computer and information science.

Major in Computer and Information Science

The computer and information science major provides an in‑depth study of computer and information science through a hands-on approach that enables students to explore computer-based solutions to challenging problems. The curriculum focuses on problem-solving skills and techniques that can be applied to many disciplines and covers software and Web engineering, relational databases, programming languages, operating systems, computer networks, and distributed systems. Students are prepared for careers in various computing areas, including applications in programming, databases, software engineering, and networking.

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a major in computer and information science will be able to

  • Design, implement, secure, and maintain databases that meet user requirements for both transaction processing and data warehouses.
  • Design, develop, implement, secure, and maintain software applications that meet user requirements, using current best practices and tools for all application interfaces and domains.
  • Design, implement, and maintain a reliable and secure network and services infrastructure.
  • Plan, manage, and provide appropriate documentation and communication through all phases of the software development life cycle to ensure successful implementation of an IT project that is on time and within budget.
  • Identify, learn, and adapt to local and global IT trends, technologies, legalities, and policies, as well as appropriately communicate their impact to key stakeholders.
  • Work independently or as an effective member of an application development team to determine and implement systems that meet customer requirements.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in computer and information science requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework including 30 credits for the major (indicated by Required by major); 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs), and 49 credits in the minor, electives; and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for the Computer and Information Science Major

Coursework for a major in computer and information science includes the following:

  • Introductory course (3 credits): CMIS 111 or CMIS 170
  • Programming language sequence (6 credits): Chosen from
  • a. PC/Java: CMIS 141 and 242
  • b. Mac/Objective C: CMIS 115 and 215
  • c. PC/Microsoft: CMIS 125 and 225
  • Core courses (6 credits): CMIS 320 and 330
  • Supplemental major courses (6 credits): Chosen from CMIS 102 (for students with no prior programming experience), 255, 310, 315, and 325.
    (Note: Students without prior programming experience should take CMIS 102 before core courses and may apply it toward the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement rather than toward the major.)
  • 400-level supplement major courses (6 credits): Chosen from any 400-level CMIS courses
    (except CMIS 486A and 486B)
  • Required capstone course (3 credits): CMSC 495

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all of the requirements for the BS in computer information science. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an academic advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found in the General Education Requirements.

Communication Studies Major Courses

First Courses

(to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)

WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 103 College Mathematics (3)

or MATH 107 College Algebra
or a higher-level math course

CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in interdisciplinary issues/computing

Introductory Courses

(to be taken within the first 30 credits)

IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)

or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software

PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)

or ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the first general education requirement in arts and humanities

CMIS 170Required by major Introduction to XML (3)

or CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices

BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)

and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)

or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences with related laboratory

CMIS 115Required by major Programming in Objective-C for Mac (3)

or CMIS 125 Programming in C#

or CMIS 141 Introductory Programming

GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences

Foundation Courses

(to be taken within the first 60 credits)

WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/writing

CMIS 215Required by major Programming for the iPhone and iPad (3)

or CMIS 225 Developing Windows Presentation Foundations Applications Using C#

or CMIS 242 Intermediate Programming

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)

or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences (discipline must differ from first)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)

or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences

HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)

or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the general education requirement in arts and humanities for the historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)

or SPCH 101 Introduction to Public Speaking
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ writing or speech

CMIS 320Required by major Relational Database Concepts and Applications (3)

Additional Required Courses

(to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 393 Advanced Technical Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the upper-level advanced writing requirement

CMIS 330Required by major Software Engineering Principles and Techniques (3)
or other supplemental major course
(see Requirements for the Major)

CMIS 310Required by major Computer Systems and Architecture (3)
or other supplemental major course
(see Requirements for the Major)

CMIS 325Required by major UNIX with Shell Programming (3)
or other supplemental major course
(see Requirements for the Major)

CMIS 420Required by major Advanced Relational Databases Concepts and Applications (3)
or other 400-level supplemental major course
(see Requirements for the Major)

CMIS 485Required by major Web Database Development (3)
or other 400-level supplemental major course
(see Requirements for the Major)

Capstone Course for the Major

(to be taken in the last 15 credits)

CMSC 495Required by major Current Trends and Projects in Computer Science (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses

(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (49)

Recommended minor:

Computing

Total credits for BS in computer and information science 120


UMUC Europe Undergraduate Catalog


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Last updated: 30 June 2011