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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.

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 a minor and/or additional concentrations, listed below
Minors: 
Concentrations: 

Required Courses

Communications - 15QH

ENG 101Beginning English Composition

5
ENG 201Intermediate English Composition

5
ENG 203Effective Speaking for the Undergraduate

5

Humanities and Fine Arts - 15QH

ART 101Basic Art Appreciation

5
HIS 103History Across the Globe

5
PHI 107Ethics, Logic and Critical Inquiry

5

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 101Introduction 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

One course must have a lab:

SCI 101Physical Science

5
and
SCI 102Survey of Biological Science with Lab

5
or
SCI 225Human 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 200Macroeconomics for Today’s Professional

5
and
HIS 102Civics and American Government

5
or
SOC 101Foundational Sociology

5
or
SOC 222Culture and Identity

5
and
PSY 101Introduction 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

Students must complete GEN 103 and MTH 102 as well as one of the following course options:

Pathways Students

GEN 210Think Global-Perspectives from the Field

3 TO 5
BRV 200Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator

5
or
CAR 215Personal Branding

3
and
CAR 216Professional Networking

2
BRV 201Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator: Capstone Challenge

2
or
CAR 217Workplace Leadership

2

Transfer Students

CAR 202Creating Professional Identity

2
CAR 203You The Professional

0 TO 2

Note: 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. GEN 210 is required for Pathways students only.

Computer Science and Information Systems Major Requirements - 60QH

Gateway Course

MIS 103Introduction to Software Applications

5

Core Courses

CSS 200Introduction to Information Systems

5
CSS 205Operating Systems

5
CSS 210Introduction to Networking and Information Security

5
CSS 215Introduction to Systems Analysis

5
CSS 220Discrete Structures

5
CSS 225Introduction to Applied Programming

5
CSS 300Data Analysis

5
CSS 301Applied Object-Oriented Programming

5
MIS 433Developing and Managing Databases

5
MIS 436Technology Applications in Management

5

Capstone Course

CSS 492Internship in Computer Science and Information Systems

2 TO 5

Note: CSS 492 must be taken for 5 quarter hours. 

Network and Information Security Concentration - 15QH

MIS 417Network Management

5
CSS 302Information Security

5
CSS 400Advanced Studies in Information Security

5

Analytics Concentration - 15QH

MIS 462Systems Development Life Cycle

5
CSS 401Systems for Cloud Computing and Big Data

5
CSS 402Advanced Studies in Analytics

5

Coding and Software Development Concentration - 15QH

CSS 303User Interface Development

5
and two courses listed below
CSS 304Application Development

5
CSS 403Advanced Studies in Application Development

5
or two courses listed below
MIS 424Developing and Managing Websites

2
CSS 404Advanced 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 one of the concentrations listed above.