Undergraduate Business Computer Information Systems Courses

BCIS 1305. Business Computer Applications. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Introduces and develops foundational skills in applying essential and emerging business productivity information technology tools. The focus of this course is on business productivity software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, data analytics, and business-oriented utilization of the internet.

BCIS 1315. Principles of Web Design. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course teaches students how to plan, design, and create professional websites using the latest industry tools. Students will gain a basic understanding of web design and will explore topics such as planning, accessibility, and operational issues surrounding web design.

BCIS 1317. Personal Computer Maintenance and Hardware. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An enhanced study of technology and hardware operation of microcomputers, their peripherals, and operating systems. Also considered are hardware configuration and selection, installation, test procedures, and maintenance.

BCIS 3300. Computer Technology and Impact. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course explores the relationship between technology and society examining past, present, and future technologies Many topics are present including hardware and software fundamentals, the relationship between technology and society, technology and values, sociotechnical systems, and future challenges of technology and society. An emphasis is placed on businesses and the place of business in society utilizing information technologies.

BCIS 3302. Database and Data Management for Small Businesses. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Studies relational database packages. In addition, students improve their knowledge and skill with a current personal computer operating system.

BCIS 3305. Operating Systems Theory and Practice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the history, development, and principles of computer operating systems and their variants in mainframe, minicomputer, server, and microcomputer application environments. Topics will include related software issues, programming capabilities, and job control languages. Selected operating systems representing various hardware environments will be studied.

BCIS 3315. Web Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students will explore the underlying technical foundations of web design and programming. Emphasis will be placed on HTML and CSS coding as well as principles of client side scripting languages such as Javascript.

BCIS 3332. Java Programming. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A first course in the Java programming language. Covers the basic structure of Java, all standard features, data representation, and simple I/O. Students will analyze and program several representative programs.

BCIS 3333. C# Programming. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A first course in the C# programming language. Covers the basic structure of C#, all standard features, data representation, and simple I/O. Students will analyze and program several representative problems.

BCIS 3342. Advanced Java Programming. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An advanced course in the Java programming language. Covers advanced Java capabilities such as class features, error handling, graphical user interfaces, applets, and advanced object-oriented programming techniques. Students will analyze and program several representative problems. Prerequisite: BCIS 3332 or BCIS 3333 or approval of department head.

BCIS 3343. Advanced C# Programming. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Advanced programming using the C# programming language to create Windows applications in an Internet and intra-network environment. Explores object-oriented design, client-server interaction, event-driven programming, graphical user interfaces, distributed data, and distributed applications. Prerequisite: BCIS 3332 or BCIS 3333 or approval of department head.

BCIS 3347. Data Communications. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of voice and data communications technologies, concepts, and applications, including communications terminology, hardware, software, protocols, and managerial issues in data and voice communications. Topics will include alternatives available in hardware, software, and transmission facilities, design integration, selection and implementation of communications solutions. In addition, students will explore the current and future impact and direction of these technologies.

BCIS 3348. Network Architecture Design. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of network architecture, industry standards and communications protocols, the placement of networking devices and components, transmission media selection, logical and physical topologies, data transmission, and structured cabling for local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Network designs will include required components and address services as specified in an industry specific Request for Proposal (RFP). Application exercises will include preparing and presenting a design proposal in response to an RFP and installation, configuration, testing and troubleshooting of WAN/LAN wiring interface technologies. Prerequisite: BCIS 3347 or the approval of the department head.

BCIS 3389. System Analysis and Design. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

A study of the systematic analysis, design, and implementation of software systems with special emphasis on the processes and skills used in the first four stages of the System Development Life Cycle. Traditional and current methodologies, including computer aided analysis and design tools will be considered. Topics will be approached through project-oriented cases and projects, which integrate theory and practical application. Prerequisite: BCIS 3332 or BCIS 3333 or approval of department head.

BCIS 4084. Internship. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-20 Hours).

Preapproved and supervised work experience in a Computer Information Systems related position with a public or private business organization. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department head.

BCIS 4086. Problems. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 0-0 Hours).

Selected individual topics in business on technical computer applications, practicum, field project, or other suitable computer studies. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours credit. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor and department head.

BCIS 4090. Special Topics in Computer Information Systems. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 0-0 Hours).

An examination of current topics in computer information systems. Readings required from current computer information systems publications and other related periodicals. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: 9 hours in BCIS.

BCIS 4301. Database Theory and Practice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Database concepts and structures. File and data management principles underlying database construction. Fundamental types of database models, with emphasis on relational databases as well as on major non-relational forms. Practice in analysis, design, development, and optimization of working database applications on a variety of problems. Small and large system databases will be considered. Prerequisite: BCIS 3332 or BCIS 3333 or approval of department head.

BCIS 4308. Advanced Programming Language. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Develops the programming proficiency in a modern programming language. Students complete many programming assignments to achieve necessary knowledge and skills. May be repeated as topics vary. Prerequisite Approval of instructor or department head. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor or department head.

BCIS 4315. Interactive and Applied Multimedia. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An exploration of multimedia tools and their relationships to various disciplines of study. A review of the principles of multimedia and the effective uses of multimedia will be conducted. The production and design of multimedia systems will culminate the course of study.

BCIS 4316. Managing IT Projects. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course explores the fundamentals of managing IT projects based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge developed by the Project Management Institute. Specifically, the course will focus on exploring the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques used by an IT project manager to manage multiple project constraints with special emphasis on the triple constraints of scope, time, and costs. Prerequisite: BCIS 1305 and BCIS 3389.

BCIS 4320. Computer Forensics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will examine the principles and practice of conducting computer forensics investigations for both criminal and business application. Students will apply investigative methods to properly conduct a computer forensics investigation beginning with a discussion of ethics. Students will examine and use various technologies, software and procedures applicable to forensic investigation. The course will also cover the legal responsibilities and key evidentiary procedures necessary to conduct the computer forensics process. Students should have a working knowledge of hardware and operating systems to maximize their success on projects and exercises in this course. Prerequisite: Junior Standing or the approval of the instructor or department head.

BCIS 4342. Ethical Hacking & Network Defense. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Introduces intrusion security testing as a method for improving network defense to computer users with a solid grounding in computer and networking basics. Students will learn how to identify network security vulnerabilities by employing the techniques and software normally used by hackers to compromise networks. Students will then learn the process of determining the best practices in how to secure those vulnerabilities. Topics will include the mission and limitations of security and penetration testers along with the legal ramifications and restrictions involved. Students will be study the various methods of hackers, operating systems threats for Windows and UNIX based systems, cryptography, and modern network protection systems. Prerequisite: Junior standing or approval of instructor or department head.

BCIS 4343. Advanced Systems Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course concentrates on advanced systems analysis concepts with an emphasis in data and process decomposition and modeling. CASE tools support both the models and the interaction analysis of processes and data. The enterprise-wide view of system analysis stresses the theory behind and the generation of normalized relational database tables. Course includes material on user-centered requirements gathering and analysis. Prerequisites: BCIS 3389, and 4301 or approval of department head.

BCIS 4344. Advanced System Design and Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This capstone course places a strong emphasis on combining the best practices of system design, including the professional, interpersonal, and technical skills required to analyze, propose, develop, and build modern large-scale business information software systems. The student will apply information engineering principles and theory to the design and development of a complex interactive system using software engineering and data management tools. This approach will involve all the stages of the full system development life cycle, through construction and implementation. This course serves to integrate the skills of the senior CIS student. Prerequisite: BCIS 4343 or approval of the instructor or department head.

BCIS 4345. Network and Systems Security. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Studies the issues of Network and Systems Security as a continuous process involving analysis, implementation, evaluation and maintenance. Topics will include addressing computer-related risks, case analysis, and future trends. The course will provide approaches, techniques, and best practices for securing modern electronic data systems. Areas covered include electronic information and message security, database and file integrity, physical security, security management, security risk analysis, and encryption. Prerequisite: BCIS 3347 or approval of department head.

BCIS 4347. Advanced Database Systems. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Studies the theory and practice in the analysis, design, development, implementation, and optimization of working database applications on a variety of problems focusing on topics such as database administration. Prerequisite: BCIS 4301 or approval of instructor or department head.

BCIS 4350. Management Information Systems. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course investigates management issues related to business information systems designed to meet the informational needs of the various business subsystems. The concepts of systems development, security, privacy and ethics associated with information systems are stressed. Prerequisite: BCIS 1305 or department head approval.

BCIS 4352. Structured Query Language. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of SQL, including relational database schema in SQL, formulating SQL queries and sub queries of varying complexity, embedding SQL statements in a host language, defining and querying data views in SQL, and other related topics. Prerequisite: BCIS 4301 or approval of instructor or department head.

BCIS 4355. Global Information Systems. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the international issues surrounding the planning, implementation, and management of global information systems. Topics covered include development and planning of offshoring programs, cultural aspects of information systems development and deployment and legal issues of global information systems. Prerequisite: Junior Standing.

BCIS 4359. Strategic Application of Information Systems. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

A capstone course exploring the strategic alignment between business and information systems, the integration of information systems and other business functions to solve problems and facilitate decision making. Using case studies extensively, this course is designed to be taken by seniors during their last semester so they may demonstrate their ability to synthesize what they have learned over their course of study. Prerequisites: BCIS 3333 (or BCIS 3332), BCIS 3347, BCIS 3389, BCIS 4301, and BCIS 4350 or approval of department head.

BCIS 4376. Network Administration. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Studies communications architectures, protocols, and interfaces as they relate to network operating systems. Topics will include communications networking techniques such as circuit switching, packet switching, broadcast networking and internetworking. Also included will be installation, configuration, client handling, basic security, and troubleshooting of a network operating system. A modern network operating system will be used to provide extensive hands-on experience in configuring and administrating a network. Prerequisite: BCIS 3347 or approval of instructor or department head Lab fee: $2.

BCIS 4378. Comprehensive Networking. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

A comprehensive course requiring the student to plan, analyze, design, install, and configure a working computer network. Application exercises include the installation and configuration of a network operating system, the creation of required used interfaces, establishing network security, and establishing print services for a network. A modern network operating system will be used for extensive hands-on computer exercises to practice and demonstrate network skills. Prerequisite: BCIS 3347 or approval of instructor or department head Lab fee: $2.

BCIS 4379. The Technology of E-Business. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines the linkage of organizational strategy and electronic methods of delivering products, services and exchanges in inter-organizational, national, and global environments. Information technology strategy and technological solutions for enabling effective business processes within and between organizations in a global environment are considered.

BCIS 4385. Professional Development Seminar. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Professional-level enrichment for CIS majors with activities which may include participation in professional organizations, current events, research and presentations, job market analysis, interviewing and resume preparation. Prerequisite: 24 hours of BCIS/CIS courses or approval of department head.