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 the program major and concentration 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:
    • 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 101Beginning English Composition

5

ENG 201Intermediate English

5

ENG 203Effective 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 105Race, Identity and Experience in American Art

5

ART 106Race, Identity and Experience in American Art I

2

ART 107Race, Identity and Experience in American Art II

3

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 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):
MTH 101Introduction to Mathematical Concepts

5

MTH 102Statistical Foundations

5

MTH 105Math for Educators I

5

MTH 115Math for Educators II

5

SCI 101Physical Science

5

SCI 102Survey of Biological Science with Lab

5

SCI 225Human Impact on Environment

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: 

  • 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 200Macroeconomics for Today’s Professional

5

HIS 102Civics and American Government

5

HIS 212Think Global: Movements in US History and its Impact on Society and School

5

PSY 101Introduction to Psychology

5

SOC 101Foundational Sociology

5

SOC 204Contemporary Chicago

5

SOC 222Culture and Identity

5

SOC 250Cultural 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

MTH 102Statistical Foundations

5

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 103Student Success Seminar

5

or

GEN 203NLU & 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 214Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand

5

or

BRV 200Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator

5

and

CAR 295Career Service Learning

5

CAR 218Internship 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 200Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator

5

or

CAR 214Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand

5

or

CAR 202Creating Professional Identity

0 TO 2

and

CAR 203You The Professional

3

Computer Science and Information Systems Major Requirements - 60QH

Gateway Course

MIS 103Introduction to Software Applications

5

or

CSS 200Introduction 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 103Introduction to Software Applications

5

or

CSS 200Introduction to Information Systems

5

and

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

CSS 433Developing and Managing Databases

5

MIS 437Data 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 492Internship in Computer Science and Information Systems

2 TO 5

Note: CSS 492 must be taken for 5 quarter hours and completed at NLU.

Analytics Concentration - 15QH

CSS 401Systems for Cloud Computing and Big Data

5

CSS 402Advanced Studies in Analytics

5

MIS 437Data Mining and Warehousing

5

App and Software Development Concentration - 15 QH

Requires CSS 301 as a concentration pre-requisite. 
CSS 303User Interface Development

5

CSS 304Application Development

5

CSS 403Advanced Studies in Application Development

5

Cybersecurity Concentration - 15QH

CSS 400Advanced Studies in Information Security

5

CSS 406Network Security

5

CSS 407CyberOps

5

Network and Information Security Concentration - 15QH

Requires CSS 210 as a concentration pre-requisite. 
CSS 302Information Security

5

CSS 400Advanced Studies in Information Security

5

CSS 405Connecting Networks

5

Web Development Concentration - 15QH

Requires CSS 301 as a concentration pre-requisite. 
CSS 303User Interface Development

5

CSS 404Advanced Studies in Web Development

5

MIS 424Managing and Developing 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.