UMUC

School of Undergraduate Studies

Computer and Information Science

Students may seek an academic major in computer and information science.

Major in Computer and Information Science

The computer and information science major provides a coherent, sequential, and integrated academic program of in-depth study that furnishes a body of knowledge and methods, as well as practice in the area of computer and information science. The curriculum focuses on the problem-solving skills and techniques needed to provide computer-based solutions to practical problems, including fundamental practical knowledge in the fields of software engineering, relational databases, programming languages, operating systems, computer networks, and distributed systems.


Objectives

The student who graduates with a major in computer and information science will be able to:

  • Incorporate relevant theory, techniques, and knowledge of programming languages and computer systems in developing computer-based solutions to practical problems in the field of information systems and technology.
  • Effectively use object-oriented programming languages, such as Java or C++, in developing computer-based solutions to practical problems.
  • Pursue careers as programmers and programmer analysts, software engineers, and system/network administrators working with operating systems such as UNIX/Linux and Windows; programming languages such as Java, C++, and Perl; and relational and object-oriented database systems such as Oracle.
  • Develop clear and precise oral and written communications and enhance skills in the analysis, definition, and documentation of problems and solutions in the field of computer and information science.
  • Apply knowledge of the concepts and principles of computer and information science to the management of changes and developments in information systems and technology.
  • Discuss the environmental, ethical, and social implications of the rapidly changing field of information technology.
  • Identify current and historical trends and patterns in computer and information science and the individuals and organizations that influence and foster these global patterns of change.
  • Apply the tools and techniques in research and analysis required to evaluate computer and information science products.
  • Discuss the implications and significance of computer and information science for other disciplines and fields of scholarship.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in computer and information science requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Computer and Information Science Major - Course Requirements

Coursework for a major in computer and information science includes the following:

  • Required core courses (12 credits): CMIS 141/141A, 170, 241, 242, and 310
  • Supplemental major courses (18 credits, 6 of which must be 400-level): Chosen from CMIS 102/102A (for students with no prior programming experience) and any upper-level CMIS courses except CMIS 486A and 486B
    (Note: Students should take CMIS 102/102A before core courses and may apply it toward the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement rather than toward the major.)

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in computer and information science. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement,substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Coursework for the major is indicated by ‡

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

  • EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3) (strongly recommended as first course)
  • LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
  • WRTG 101/101X Introduction to Writing (3)
  • MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (3) or higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

  • CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (3) or CMIS 102A Fundamentals of Programming I (fulfills the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement and prerequisite for later courses)
  • IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3) or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
  • PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3) or ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement
  • ‡ CMIS 141 Introductory Programming (3) or CMIS 141A Fundamentals of Programming II
  • Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3) and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology 1 or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other course(s) to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement
  • ‡ CMIS 170 Introduction to XML
  • WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing requirement
  • GVPT 170 American Government (3) or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first behavioral and social sciences requirement

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

  • ‡ CMIS 242 Intermediate Programming
  • PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3) or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology or other course to fulfill the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)
  • NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3) or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other course to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement
  • HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3) or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
  • ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3) or a foreign language course (recommended elective)
  • SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3) or WRTG 390 Writing for Managers or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing or speech requirement
  • ‡ CMIS 310 Computer Systems and Architecture (3)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

  • WRTG 393/393X Technical Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ upper-level intensive writing requirement
  • ‡ CMIS 325 UNIX with Shell Programming (3) or other supplemental major course
  • ‡ CMIS 330 Software Engineering Principles and Techniques (3) or other supplemental major course
  • ‡ CMIS 320 Relational Databases (3) or CMIS 370 Data Communications or other supplemental major course
  • ‡ Any CMIS course (3) (supplemental major course)
  • ‡ CMIS 415 Advanced UNIX and C (3) or CMIS 460 Software Design and Development or other 400-level supplemental major course
  • ‡ CMIS 420 Advanced Relational Databases (3) or CMIS 435 Computer Networking or other 400-level supplemental major course

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (43)

Recommended Minor
Computing


Total credits for BS in computer and information science: 120