Course Listings

Concepts and Applications of Information Technology

CIFS 200 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 201) (Access to a standard office productivity package, i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software, required.) An introduction to data and the range of technologies (including hardware, software, databases, and networking and information systems) that provide the foundation for the data-centric focus of modern organizations. The objective is to apply knowledge of basic technical, ethical, and security considerations to select and use information technology (and the data that arises from technology) effectively in one¿s personal and professional lives. Discussion covers issues related to technology as a vehicle for collecting, storing, and sharing data and information, including privacy, ethics, security, and social impact. Applied exercises focus on the manipulation, analysis, and visualization of data and effective data communication strategies. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 301, CAPP 101, CAPP 300, CMST 300, CIFS 200, IFSM 201, TMGT 201, or CIFS 200.

Information Systems in Organizations

CIFS 300 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 300) An overview of information systems and how they provide value by supporting organizational objectives. The goal is to analyze business strategies to recognize how technology solutions enable strategic outcomes and to identify information system requirements by analyzing business processes. Discussion covers concepts of business processes and alignment of information systems solutions to strategic goals. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 300 or CIFS 300.

Ethics in Information Technology

CIFS 305 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 304) A comprehensive study of ethics and of personal and organizational ethical decision-making in the use of information systems in a global environment. The aim is to identify ethical issues raised by existing and emerging technologies, apply a structured framework to analyze risk and decision alternatives, and understand the impact of personal ethics and organizational values on an ethical workplace. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 304 or CIFS 305.

Software and Hardware Infrastructure Concepts

CIFS 310 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 310) A study of the hardware, software, and network components of computer systems and their interrelationships. The objective is to select appropriate components for organizational infrastructures. Discussion covers the application of system development life-cycle methodology to build secure integrated systems that meet business requirements. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIS 270, CMIS 310, CMSC 310, IFSM 310 or CIFS 310.

Enterprise Architecture

CIFS 320 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 311) Prerequisite: CIFS 310. A study of enterprise architecture and frameworks, including the transition of current business processes and functional systems to an enterprise solution. The aim is to analyze how enterprise architecture and resulting enterprise systems support an organization¿s ability to adapt and respond to a continually changing business and competitive environment. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 311 or CIFS 320.

Foundations of Computer Information Systems

CIFS 330 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 301) Prerequisite: CIFS 300. An overview of information technology management and governance. The goal is to be familiar with IT organizations, management of IT strategy, and factors in IT decision-making. Topics include strategic alignment, portfolio management, risk management, business continuity, compliance, and organizational relationships. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 301 or CIFS 330.

Telecommunications in Information Systems

CIFS 370 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 370) Prerequisite: CIFS 300. An introduction to telecommunication infrastructure. The goal is to plan, analyze, and design a secure telecommunication infrastructure that meets business needs and protects information assets. Topics include cybersecurity, data communication protocols and standards, networks, and trends in telecommunications. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIS 370, CMSC 370, CSIA 302, IFSM 370, IFSM 450 or CIFS 370.

Managing and Leading in Information Technology

CIFS 380 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 380) Prerequisite: CIFS 200 or CIFS 300. A foundation in leadership skills for the fast-paced information technology environment. The goal is to expand interpersonal communication skills, think critically, solve problems, and apply basic management principles to complete tasks effectively. Topics include effective communication in customer facing and managerial environments, critical thinking and problem-solving, time management, and the application of leadership and management concepts in the workplace of today and tomorrow. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 250, IFSM 380 or CIFS 380.

Information Systems Project Management

CIFS 430 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 438) Prerequisite: CIFS 300 or CSIA 350. A practical application of project management principles and procedures. The objective is to manage and control IT projects in alignment with organizational strategic goals and within resource constraints and to manage high-performing project teams to implement IT solutions. Topics include the development, control, and execution of plans to manage information systems projects as part of a team and the use of Microsoft Project to develop project schedules and related components. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 438, TMGT 430 or CIFS 430.

Agile Project Management

CIFS 440 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 441) Prerequisite: CIFS 430. An advanced study of agile project management methods for software development. The objective is to apply agile practices to better manage projects characterized by complexity and uncertainty with responsiveness and adaptability and to consider alternative approaches to managing projects by matching the approach to the characteristics of a project. Topics include estimation techniques; the scrum (software development) process, i.e., inspect, adapt, and improve; and dealing with organizational impediments to adoption. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 441 or CIFS 440.

Systems Analysis and Design

CIFS 460 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 461) Prerequisite: CIFS 320. A project-driven study of tools and techniques for translating business requirements into operational systems. The goal is to plan, build, and maintain systems that meet organizational strategic goals by applying enterprise architecture and enterprise governance principles and practices. Topics include processes and system development life-cycle methodologies, data modeling methods, and the importance of stakeholder involvement. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 436, IFSM 460, IFSM 461or CIFS 460.

Computer Information Systems Capstone

CIFS 495 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly IFSM 495) Prerequisites: CIFS 430 and CIFS 460. A practical application of the knowledge and experience gained from previous study in computer information systems. The aim is to demonstrate a mastery of computer information systems concepts. Emerging issues and trends in computer information systems are considered. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: IFSM 495 or CIFS 495.