Computer Science and Information Systems, B.S.
The Computer Science and Information Systems major combines theory and practical application of information systems to real-world scenarios. Students gain the skills necessary to succeed in a career in information technology by applying technical skills, business acumen, and soft skills throughout their courses. Computer Science and Information Systems professionals support multiple levels of a business through access, analytics, and synthesis of information thereby giving management an opportunity to make appropriate decisions.
This program is conveniently offered in both; fully online and blended formats.
Students applying to the B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems program are subject to the Undergraduate Admission Requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
PLO1. Identify, explain, analyze, and apply fundamental computer information systems concepts such as hardware, networking, software, programming, security, and data management.
PLO2. Use software tools and techniques such as application programming, web development, database development, information systems security development, and analysis techniques.
PLO3. Evaluate and suggest improvements to the security of information technology in an organization.
PLO4. Explain and analyze the role of computer information systems in diverse, globally distributed work-teams and organizations.
PLO5. Devise and plan the delivery of strategic, innovative technological solutions for organizational challenges.
PLO6. Use best practices and tools for personal career advancement and in mentoring others.
Program Details:
- Requires 180 QH including 60 QH of General Education for completion
- Requires a minimum grade of “C” in program major courses
- Credit for Prior Learning is accepted for general education, elective credit and as determined appropriate by the faculty, toward program major requirements
- Students are recommended to complete one of the concentrations listed below:
- Network and Information Security
- Analytics
- Coding and Software Development
- Students may also complete any minor or concentration that is not in the same area of study as their program major. Students must consult with their Academic Advisor to select a minor or concentration that best fits their career and personal goals.
Required Courses
Communications - 15QH
| ENG 101 | Beginning English Composition | 5 |
| ENG 201 | Intermediate English | 5 |
| ENG 203 | Effective Speaking for the Undergraduate | 5 |
Humanities and Fine Arts - 15QH
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any general education course in humanities or fine arts.
Quantitative Reasoning - 5QH
| MTH 101 | Introduction to Mathematical Concepts | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any college-level mathematics.
Physical and Life Sciences - 10QH
| SCI 101 | Physical Science | 5 |
| | and | |
| SCI 102 | Survey of Biological Science with Lab | 5 |
| | or | |
| SCI 225 | Human Impact on Environment | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use one course in any physical science and one course in any life science.
Social and Behavioral Sciences - 15QH
| ECO 200 | Macroeconomics for Today's Professional | 5 |
| | and | |
| HIS 102 | Civics and American Government | 5 |
| | or | |
| SOC 101 | Foundational Sociology | 5 |
| | or | |
| SOC 222 | Culture and Identity | 5 |
| | and | |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use one economics course substantially equivalent to the NLUs course, one course in any social sciences, and one course in any behavioral sciences.
Additional General Education Requirements
Note:
RES 200 is required for online students only.
GEN 103 may be waived for on-campus students who (1) enter NLU with an associate’s degree or 90 or more quarter credit hours of transfer credit; and (2) have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or above in their previous undergraduate studies.
Pathways Students
| BRV 200 | Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator | 5 |
| | or | |
| CAR 214 | Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand | 5 |
| | and | |
| BRV 201 | Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator: Capstone Challenge | 2 |
| | or | |
| CAR 217 | Workplace Leadership | 2 |
Transfer and Online Students
| CAR 202 | Creating Professional Identity | 2 |
| CAR 203 | You The Professional | 0 TO 2 |
Computer Science and Information Systems Major Requirements - 60QH
Gateway Course
| MIS 103 | Introduction to Software Applications | 5 |
| | or | |
| CSS 200 | Introduction to Information Systems | 5 |
Note: MIS 103 is a designated Gateway course for students enrolled in a blended program only. Transfer students may substitute MIS 103 with any non-required major elective course in the area of computer science and information systems. CSS 200 is a designated Gateway course for students enrolled in an online program only.
Core Courses
| MIS 103 | Introduction to Software Applications | 5 |
| | or | |
| CSS 200 | Introduction to Information Systems | 5 |
| | and | |
| CSS 205 | Operating Systems | 5 |
| CSS 210 | Introduction to Networking and Information Security | 5 |
| CSS 215 | Introduction to Systems Analysis | 5 |
| CSS 220 | Discrete Structures | 5 |
| CSS 225 | Introduction to Applied Programming | 5 |
| CSS 300 | Data Analysis | 5 |
| CSS 301 | Applied Object-Oriented Programming | 5 |
| MIS 433 | Developing and Managing Databases | 5 |
| MIS 437 | Data Mining and Warehousing | 5 |
Note: Students in the blended program are required to complete
CSS 200 as part of their Core courses and additional CSS Major elective course. Students in the online program are required to complete
MIS 103 as part of their Core courses and
MIS 437.
Capstone Course
| CSS 492 | Internship in Computer Science and Information Systems | 2 TO 5 |
Note: CSS 492 must be taken for 5 quarter hours and completed at NLU.
Network and Information Security Concentration - 15QH
| CSS 302 | Information Security | 5 |
| CSS 400 | Advanced Studies in Information Security | 5 |
| CSS 405 | Connecting Networks | 5 |
Analytics Concentration - 15QH
| CSS 401 | Systems for Cloud Computing and Big Data | 5 |
| CSS 402 | Advanced Studies in Analytics | 5 |
| MIS 437 | Data Mining and Warehousing | 5 |
Coding and Software Development Concentration - 15QH
| CSS 303 | User Interface Development | 5 |
| | and two courses listed below | |
| CSS 304 | Application Development | 5 |
| CSS 403 | Advanced Studies in Application Development | 5 |
| | or two courses listed below | |
| MIS 424 | Managing and Developing Websites | 5 |
| CSS 404 | Advanced Studies in Web Development | 5 |
Note: Students choosing to complete MIS 424 and CSS 404 must also complete additional 3QH of concentration electives approved by the Program Chair.
Electives
Choose additional courses to total 180 QH. These hours may be satisfied by completing any minor or concentration in consultation with your Academic Advisor.