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 computing and 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, software, problem solving, and synthesis of information thereby giving organizations an opportunity to make appropriate decisions.
Graduates will be prepared to join the workforce or continue on to graduate degree programs in areas such as computer science, data analytics, cybersecurity, information technology (IT), business administration, and management. The intention is to include preparation for industry certifications where appropriate as a value-add to the students. Emphasis is on industry-informed practice, immediate application at the workplace, and supporting and preparing students for the workplace. The CSIS major courses explore the applications of computing to solving workplace issues with an emphasis on the technology needed within the business fields.
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 the program major and concentration courses including the following:
- Credit for Prior Learning may be accepted for CAR 202, CAR 203, CAR 490, CSS 225, CSS 300, CSS 301, CSS 400, and 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:
- Analytics
- App and Software Development
- Cybersecurity
- Network and Information Security
- Web 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
General Education Requirements
Communications
The following courses are recommended:
| ENG 101 | Beginning English Composition | 5 |
| ENG 201 | Intermediate English | 5 |
| ENG 203 | Effective Speaking for the Undergraduate | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any three general education courses in the following disciplines: academic writing, oral communications, and any course in the area of communications.
Humanities and Fine Arts
Choose two courses from the list below:
| ART 105 | Race, Identity and Experience in American Art | 5 |
| ART 106 | Race, Identity and Experience in American Art I | 2 |
| ART 107 | Race, Identity and Experience in American Art II | 3 |
| HIS 103 | History Across the Globe | 5 |
| PHI 107 | Introduction to Ethics and Social Critique | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any two general education courses in the following disciplines:
- Humanities: foreign language, history, literature, philosophy, religious studies, interdisciplinary humanities and fine arts, interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences
- Fine Arts: visual arts (including art history, art appreciation, and studio arts, such as drawing, painting, digital art, or film), film and cinema studies, and performing arts (including music appreciation, music theory, and music performance, theatre appreciation and performance, and dance)
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Choose three courses from the list below (one must be math and one must be a natural science):
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any three general education courses in the following disciplines:
- Mathematics: college-level and not developmental in nature
- Natural Sciences: physics, chemistry, earth science, astronomy, geology, physical geography, biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany and zoology; and interdisciplinary fields such as environmental science, and ecology and conservation
- Mathematics or Natural Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Choose two courses from the list below:
| ECO 200 | Macroeconomics for Today’s Professional | 5 |
| HIS 102 | Civics and American Government | 5 |
| HIS 212 | Think Global: Movements in US History and its Impact on Society and School | 5 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 5 |
| SOC 101 | Foundational Sociology | 5 |
| SOC 204 | Contemporary Chicago | 5 |
| SOC 222 | Culture and Identity | 5 |
| SOC 250 | Cultural and Ethnic Movements in the United States | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any two general education courses in the area of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the following disciplines: anthropology, economics, geography, history, human geography, political science, psychology, sociology, interdisciplinary social/behavioral science, interdisciplinary humanities and social and behavioral science.
Program Specific General Education Requirements
Note: ENG 201 and MTH 102 must be competed with a grade of "C" or better.
General Education Electives
This area may be satisfied by two courses in any general education category listed above or other courses consistent with integrated general education competencies. These courses may not be needed if student is completing the program specific general education requirements listed above.
Additional General Education Requirements
| GEN 103 | Student Success Seminar | 5 |
| | or | |
| GEN 203 | NLU & You: Tools & Strategies for Student Success | 3 |
Note: GEN 103 is required for the first-time freshman students only. Students transferring in less than 90 QH are required to complete GEN 203.
Career Development Requirements
First-time Daytime Students
| CAR 214 | Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand | 5 |
| | or | |
| BRV 200 | Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator | 5 |
| | and | |
| CAR 295 | Career Service Learning | 5 |
| CAR 218 | Internship Application Workshop | 0 |
Note:
CAR 218 may be waived for students who have an internship accepted in Handshake prior to Winter term of the junior year.
Transfer Students
| BRV 200 | Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator | 5 |
| | or | |
| CAR 214 | Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand | 5 |
| | or | |
| CAR 202 | Creating Professional Identity | 2 |
| | and | |
| CAR 203 | You The Professional | 3 |
Computer Science and Information Systems Major Requirements - 50 QH
Gateway Course
| CSS 100 | Computational Thinking and Technical Writing | 5 |
Note: Students may complete a Computer Science elective in lieu of
CSS 100.
Core Courses
| CSS 200 | Introduction to Information Systems | 5 |
| CSS 205 | Operating Systems | 5 |
| CSS 210 | Introduction to Networking | 5 |
| | or | |
| CSS 301 | Applied Object-Oriented Programming | 5 |
| | and | |
| CSS 225 | Introduction to Applied Programming | 5 |
| CSS 300 | Data Analysis | 5 |
| CSS 315 | Systems Analysis | 5 |
| CSS 320 | Discrete Structures | 5 |
| CSS 433 | Developing and Managing Databases | 5 |
Capstone Course
Analytics Concentration - 15QH
| CSS 401 | Systems for Cloud Computing and Big Data | 5 |
| CSS 402 | Advanced Studies in Analytics | 5 |
| CSS 437 | Data Mining and Warehousing | 5 |
App and Software Development Concentration - 15 QH
Requires
CSS 301 as a concentration pre-requisite.
| CSS 303 | User Interface Development | 5 |
| CSS 304 | Application Design and Development | 5 |
| CSS 403 | Mobile App Development | 5 |
Cybersecurity Concentration - 15QH
Network and Information Security Concentration - 15QH
Requires
CSS 210 as a concentration pre-requisite.
| CSS 302 | Switching, Routing, and Wireless Fundamentals | 5 |
| CSS 400 | Cybersecurity Essentials | 5 |
| CSS 405 | Connecting Networks | 5 |
Web Development Concentration - 15QH
Requires
CSS 301 as a concentration pre-requisite.
| CSS 303 | User Interface Development | 5 |
| CSS 404 | Back End Web Development | 5 |
| CSS 424 | Developing and Managing Websites | 5 |
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.