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
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:
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 |
| GEN 210 | Think Global-Perspectives from the Field | 3 TO 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 |
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: 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 | 0 TO 2 |
| and | |
| CAR 203 | You The Professional | 3 |
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.