The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.
General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units
See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.
This major has approved GE modification(s). See below for information on how to apply these modification(s).
- CSCI 217 is an approved major course substitution for Critical Thinking (A3).
- MATH 109 is an approved advanced course substitution for Quantitative Reasoning (A4).
- CSCI 301 is an approved major course substitution for Upper Division Social Science.
- CSCI 301 is also an approved GE Capstone substitution.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .
Literacy Requirement:
See Mathematics and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130I or JOUR 130I (or equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.
Course Requirements for the Major: 84 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.
Completion of these requirements also satisfies requirements for a minor in Business Administration.
Lower-Division Requirements: 24 units
7 courses required:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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CINS 220
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PCs and Peripherals
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3.0
|
SP
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This course focuses on the hardware and software of the modern PC , currently available peripherals and upgrades, and the basics of networking. Included will be a survey of the pros and cons of different hardware choices for various PCs, peripherals, and networking options. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
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CINS 242
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Information Systems Design
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3.0
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FA
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Prerequisites: CSCI 111 with a grade of C- or higher.
Systems analysis and design, and the role of Information Systems in organizations. Emphasis is on the project-team design approach. Operational criteria, system feasibility, requirements, and cost trade-offs. Integration of personnel, equipment, hardware, and software. 3 hours discussion.
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CSCI 111
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Programming and Algorithms I
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4.0
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FS
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Prerequisites: At least one year of high school algebra and strong computer skills or CSCI 101.
A first-semester programming course, providing an overview of computer systems and an introduction to problem solving and software design using procedural object-oriented programming languages. Coverage includes the software life cycle, as well as algorithms and their role in software design. Students are expected to design, implement, and test a number of programs. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity.
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CSCI 211
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Programming and Algorithms II
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4.0
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FS
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Prerequisites: CSCI 111 with a grade of C- or higher.
A second semester object-oriented programming course in computer science that emphasizes problem solving. This course continues the study of software specification, design, implementation, and debugging techniques while introducing abstract data types, fundamental data structures and associated algorithms. Coverage includes dynamic memory, file I/O, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, recursion, and an introduction to the complexity of algorithms. Students are expected to design, implement, test, and analyze a number of programs. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity.
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CSCI 217
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Foundations of Computing
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3.0
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SP
|
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Prerequisites: CSCI 111 with a grade of C- or higher, MATH 109 or MATH 120.
Offers an intensive introduction to discrete mathematics as it is used in computer science. Topics include functions, relations, sets, propositional and predicate logic, simple circuit logic, proof techniques, elementary combinatorics, and discrete probability. 3 hours discussion.
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MATH 105
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Statistics
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3.0
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FS
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GE
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Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement.
Summary of numerical data, elementary probability, distributions, and introduction to statistical inference. A grade of C- or higher is required for GE credit. 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course.
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MATH 109
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Survey of Calculus
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4.0
|
FS
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GE
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Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement; MATH 118, MATH 119 (or High School equivalents).
This course covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of differential and integral calculus with an introduction to differential equations. Emphasis on applications from the Life Sciences. This course is not intended for majors in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or engineering. No credit for students with credit in MATH 120. A grade of C- or higher is required for GE credit. 4 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course.
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Upper-Division Requirements: 36 units
8 courses required:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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CINS 370
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Introduction to Databases
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3.0
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SP
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Prerequisites: CSCI 211 with a grade of C- or higher.
This course provides an introduction to the theory and methodology for database design and implementation. Topics may include a survey/lecture component as well as a project component. The survey component covers entity- relationship modeling, relational algebra and calculus theories, data definition and data manipulation languages such as SQL, file structures, transactions, concurrency control, recovery, tuning and optimization, and object-oriented databases. The project entails requirements definition, design, and implementation of a database application. 3 hours discussion.
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CINS 448
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Computer Security
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3.0
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FS
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Prerequisites: Any upper-division computer networking course.
This course provides a broad overview of some of the more technical aspects of Information Systems Security. The content is designed to prepare students for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional/Associate (CISSP/A) examination from the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISP2), including a discussion of each of the following topics: security management practices; access control systems; telecommunications and network security; cryptography; security architecture and models; operations security; applications and systems development; business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning; law, investigation, and ethics; and physical security. 3 hours lecture.
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CSCI 301
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Computer's Impact on Society
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3.0
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FS
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GW
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Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher; Junior standing.
Impact of computers and high-tech systems on people, institutions, organizations, and environment. Examines the following: law, medicine, education, government, data banks, privacy, computer security, changing work, automation, robots, expert systems, AI, social responsibility, ethics, war, conflict resolution. Includes weekly reading, midterm, and final writing projects. Weekly lectures, discussions, films, and writing. No programming. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors.
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CSCI 311
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Algorithms and Data Structures
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4.0
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FS
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Prerequisites: CSCI 211 with a grade of C- or higher, CSCI 217 or MATH 217 recommended.
This course focuses on object-oriented methodologies in designing and implementing a variety of data structures and algorithms. Coverage includes recursion, trees, search structures, hashing, heaps, sorting algorithms, and graph algorithms. Data structure and algorithm combinations will be studied and analyzed along with their relative merits using both mathematical and empirical measurements. The course includes a number of large programming assignments focusing on object-oriented software engineering and algorithm development. Students will be required to design, implement, test, and analyze their programs in at least one object-oriented language. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity.
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CSCI 340
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Operating Systems
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4.0
|
SP
|
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Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in CSCI 311.
Operating system fundamentals, including history, process and thread management, concurrency with semaphores and monitors, deadlocks, storage management, file systems, I/O, and distributed systems. 3 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
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CSCI 446
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Introduction to Computer Networks and Network Management
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3.0
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FS
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Prerequisites: CSCI 111 and either CINS 220 or CSCI 221 or EECE 237 (all with a C- or higher for CSCI/CINS majors).
This course is an introduction to basic networking technologies and network management concepts, including major network operating systems, communication architecture focusing on ISO and Internet models with discussion of current standards and protocols. Significant laboratory work using current networking equipment reinforces lectures and provides fundamental experience with router and switch management. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. Formerly CSCI 346.
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CINS 465
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Web Programming Fundamentals
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3.0
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FA
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Prerequisites: CINS 370 with a grade of C- or higher.
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the major technologies used in the construction of interactive, client-server Web sites. Emphasis is placed on the protocols and standards used for exchanging data between the client and server programs. Both client and server side implementation methods are discussed using programming and scripting languages for the creation of dynamic Web pages. The use of direct client-to-server network communication, performance implications for implementation technologies, and techniques for increasing Web site security are discussed. 3 hours discussion.
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CINS 490
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Computer Information Systems Capstone
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3.0
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FS
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Prerequisites: CSCI 311 with a grade of C- or higher, senior standing.
This capstone course provides a culminating activity in computer information systems. Students work independently to specify, design, develop, test, and document a complete information systems application under faculty supervision. Students present status reports at weekly meetings, and present their finished project at the end of the semester. 9 hours supervision.
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Note that prerequisites for the BSIS/MINS courses are waived for CINS students, but course content is unchanged.
1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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CINS 570
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Advanced Database Management Systems
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3.0
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FA
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Prerequisites: CINS 370 with a grade of C- or higher or MINS 235.
Course topics include database application programming using a high performance, high concurrency multi-user database management system. This course covers the SQL programming language including Data Definition Language, Data Manipulation Language, and Data Control Language. The course then focuses on a procedural database programming language including control structures, composite datatypes, explicit cursors, exception handling, and writing embedded SQL applications. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
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CINS 574
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Advanced Database Architecture and Administration I
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3.0
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INQ
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|
Prerequisite: CINS 370 with a grade of C- or higher.
Students install the latest release of a robust, scalable database system such as Oracle, and create and maintain a sample database. Topics covered include advanced database architecture, intro performance monitoring, network configuration, database security, user management, and backup/recovery techniques with powerful admin tools. Prepares for Oracle Certification. 3 hours lecture.
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MINS 522
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Enterprise Resource Planning: Systems Administration
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3.0
|
FS
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Prerequisites: MINS 235, MINS 346.
This course focuses on advanced system support issues related to an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that is used in global organizations. Students learn how to provide basic systems administration support of the operating system, database, and application system software levels within a large ERP system used to support a global organization with multiple companies. Concepts, issues, current trends, decision making, and trouble shooting are addressed through a multi-layered view of the system. 1 hour discussion, 4 hours activity.
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1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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CINS 548
|
Advanced Computer Security
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3.0
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FA
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Prerequisites: CINS 448 with a grade of C- or higher.
This course provides advanced training in the engineering and management of information systems security, particularly those systems that play a role in U.S. national security, and is aimed at professionals who plan to work either as contractors or federal employees in the area of national security or defense. The course also prepares students for the Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP) certification test prepared by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISP2) in collaboration with the National Security Agency. Specific areas of concentration are systems security engineering; certification and accreditation (C&A); technical management; and U.S. Government Information Assurance (IA) regulations. 3 hours lecture.
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CSCI 546
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Computer Network Management
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3.0
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FA
|
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Prerequisite: CSCI 446 with a grade of C- or higher.
This course covers advanced network management concepts and implementations including a network operating system, workstation management, and domain administration. Coverage also includes TCP/IP administration and router/hub management. The course provides hands-on experience on network management in a laboratory environment. 2 hours lecture, 6 hours laboratory.
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EECE 555
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Advanced Computer Networks
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4.0
|
FA
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Prerequisites: CSCI 446.
Examination of computer network protocol design issues and a selection of advanced computer networking topics, such as multimedia networking, wireless networks, optical networks and network security, using current and proposed standards as examples. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory.
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1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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CSCI 344
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Shell Programming
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|
3.0
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SP
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Prerequisites: Grade of C- or higher in either CSCI 144 or CSCI 211.
Shell programming provides an easy means to perform a wide range of text/data manipulation, system administration, network administration, and software development tasks in the UNIX, Linux, and Windows environments. This course provides an introduction to shell programming and the types of problems for which it is well suited. Topics include regular expressions, advanced UNIX/Linux utilities, the Bash scripting language, and the Perl programming language. Students solve a variety of tasks using UNIX/Linux utilities, Bash Script, and Perl. This course is recommended for students pursing careers in software development, information technology, and information systems. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
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CSCI 444
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Fundamental UNIX System Administration
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3.0
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FA
|
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Prerequisites: CSCI 144 or CSCI 211 with a grade of C- or higher.
This course guides students through the fundamental responsibilities of UNIX system administration. Topics include file system monitoring, file and directory archiving, user account management, shutdown and rebooting sequences, system backups, system log responsibilities, and basic system security. Projects focus on the creation of shell scripts to automate system administration tasks. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
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CSCI 540
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Systems Programming
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3.0
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FA
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Prerequisites: CSCI 340 with a grade of C- or higher.
A hands-on project course that examines the development of systems software. It provides an introduction to writing low level programs in the UNIX/Linux environment. Topics include using system calls, processes, threads, concurrency, process/thread synchronization, signals, and interprocess communication. The course includes several large programming projects which provide students solid experience in lower level programming. 3 hours discussion.
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1 units selected from:
Select from upper-divison Computer Science (CSCI) or Computer Information Systems (CINS) courses.
Formal Business Minor Requirements: 24 units
The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, also fulfill requirements for a Minor in Business Administration. Students are responsible for formally declaring the Minor in Business Administration.
8 courses required:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
|
ACCT 201
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Introduction to Financial Accounting
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3.0
|
FS
|
|
|
Introductory study of the information system that measures, records, and communicates the economic activity of an entity, in monetary terms, to stakeholders outside of the organization. The study of assets, liabilities, owners' equity, revenues, expenses, gains, and losses as they relate to the preparation of financial statements communicating an entity's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. 3 hours discussion.
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ACCT 202
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Introduction to Managerial Accounting
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3.0
|
FS
|
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Prerequisites: ACCT 201 (or ABUS 261 for ABUS majors only).
Introductory study of the process of identification, measurement, accumulation, summarization, preparation, interpretation, analysis, and communication of financial and non-financial information to assist managerial planning, controlling, and decision-making within an organization to assure appropriate use of and accountability for the organization's resources. Students study terminology, cost behavior, cost estimation, cost assignment, cost accounting systems, cost of quality, financial and operational budgeting, performance evaluation, profitability analysis, pricing methodologies, and short-term and long-term decision-making techniques. 3 hours discussion.
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BLAW 302
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Managing the Legal Environment
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3.0
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FS
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Prerequisites: At least junior standing.
Increasingly, managers are faced with legal and ethical challenges in their decision making. This course adopts an integrative strategy which explores the legal and ethical environments of business by focusing on those issues which most affect the major functional areas of business (accounting, marketing, information systems, human resource management, etc.). Students learn strategies which can later be employed not only to avoid litigation but also to pursue more effectively strategic goals of business. This course applies to those working in organizations which employ only a few employees as well as to those which employ thousands. 3 hours lecture.
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ECON 103
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Principles of Microeconomic Analysis
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3.0
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FS
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GE
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An introductory survey of microeconomic analysis. Analysis of individual economic units: household, firms, and markets. Analysis of individual decision making. Supply and demand analysis. Type of market organization: competition, oligopoly, and monopoly. Discussion of current problems. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course.
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FINA 307
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Survey of Finance
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3.0
|
FS
|
|
Prerequisites: ACCT 201, ECON 103.
An introduction to financial management, providing a background in the areas of financial institutions, the time value of money, analysis of financial statements, working capital management, financial structure of the firm, capital budgeting, and related tools of financial analysis. 3 hours lecture.
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MGMT 303
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Survey of Management
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3.0
|
FS
|
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Using a combination of theory and application, this course focuses on the human side of organizations, including issues of 1) making good decisions, 2) enhancing performance, 3) steering through a turbulent global environment, 4) combining and unifying multiple business functions and 5) enabling change. Students gain an understanding of management and how and why organizations are structured. The themes of quality, technology, ethics, and adaptation are emphasized. 3 hours lecture.
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MINS 301
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Corporate Technology Integration
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3.0
|
FS
|
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This course introduces students to the concept of information systems as the application of technical resources to support organizational processes. Given this foundation, students build an integrative, process-oriented understanding of information systems and their deployment, management, and use within distributed and global organizations. Projects focus on introductory enterprise systems, fundamentals of database systems, and basic Web programming. For this course, students are expected to have demonstrated proficiency in the use of microcomputers and office automation software including word processing, spreadsheets, and desktop databases. A proficiency exam is given during the first week of each semester and students are encouraged to take this exam in advance of the semester they intend to enroll in the class. Students who lack such knowledge may wish to enroll in appropriate undergraduate courses prior to attempting this course. This course is designed for BADM majors. 3 hours lecture.
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MKTG 305
|
Survey of Marketing
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3.0
|
FS
|
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Nature and functions of marketing systems and marketing in the individual firm. Study of the marketing mix, marketing institutions, and the environments in which marketing decisions are made. 3 hours lecture.
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Additional Computer Information Systems Graduation Requirement:
Graduating seniors must complete an exit exam as a requirement for graduation. Passing the exam is not required for the degree; the scores will be used for program assessment. Consult the department office for examination details.
Grading Requirement:
All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.
A grade of C- or better is required in all computer science (CSCI) or Computer Information Systems (CINS) courses used for the major.
Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.
Honors in the Major:
Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.
The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.
Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:
- You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
- You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
- Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
- Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
- Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
- Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.
While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.
Honors in Computer Information Systems
In addition to the common requirements for the Honors in the Major program given above, the Honors in Computer Information Systems program includes the following:
- You must be recommended by a faculty member.
- Students who are admitted to the department's Honors in the Major program must complete 3 units of CINS 548H, CINS 570H, CSCI 465H, CSCI 511H, CSCI 540H, or CSCI 547H with a minimum grade of B. Unless other arrangements are made, the professor instructing the course you take becomes your faculty mentor. It is during this time that you must define a research problem or performance area and develop an Honors Research Project/Thesis proposal in preparation for work in CSCI 499H. You must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in your senior year.
- Each Honors in the Major class requires completion of the course plus an additional Honors project and culminates with a public presentation of your Honors project.
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