UMUC

School of Undergraduate Studies

Computer Information Technology

Students may seek an academic major in computer information technology

Major in Computer Information Technology

The computer information technology major prepares students to enter or advance in information technology fields where certification of knowledge level is commonly considered in hiring and promotion decisions. It is designed to combine the benefits of a traditional college education with the benefits of hands-on training in state-of-the-art computer technology. Students become technically competent but also learn to write well-organized and clear documents. The computer information technology curriculum integrates technical skill with communication skills, superior general education knowledge and breadth of knowledge in the computer information technology field, particularly networking.


Objectives

The student who graduates with a major in computer information technology will be able to

  • Develop solutions to network administration problems.
  • Apply effective information research techniques.
  • Use effective communication.
  • Critically analyze multifaceted network problems and develop solutions.
  • Articulate ethical issues related to the impact of information technology on contemporary issues.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in computer information technology requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 33 credits for the major, 41 credits in general education requirements, and 46 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 17 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above), and 18 credits in courses designated CMIT.

Computer Information Technology Major - Course Requirements

Coursework for a major in computer information technology includes the following:

  • Required foundation courses (6 credits): CMIS 310 and CMIT 265
  • Core courses (15 credits): Any upper-level CMIT courses
  • Supplemental major courses (12 credits): Any CMIS, CMIT, CMSC, CMST, and IFSM courses (Note: Students without prior programming experience 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 information technology. 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
  • 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 160 Discrete Mathematics for Computing (3) (recommended elective)
  • 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)

  • ‡ CMIT 265 Networking Essentials (3)
  • 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)
  • IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3) (recommended elective)
  • 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 Advanced Technical Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/upper-level advanced writing requirement
  • ‡ CMIT 368 Windows Server 2003 (3) or other core course for the major
  • ‡ CMIT 376 Windows Network Infrastructure (3) or other core course for the major
  • ‡ CMIT 377 Windows Directory Services Infrastructure (3) or other core course for the major
  • ‡ CMIT 320 Network Security (3) or other core course for the major
  • ‡ CMIT 480 Designing Security for a Windows Network (3) or other core course for the major
  • ‡ CMIT 350 Interconnecting Cisco Devices (3) or other supplemental major course
  • ‡ CMIT 450 Designing Cisco Devices (3) or other core course for the major
  • ‡ CMIT 425 Advanced Network Security (3) or other supplemental major course
  • ‡ CMIT 486A Internship in Computer Information Technology Through Co-op (3) or other supplemental major course

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (34)

Recommended Minors

Recommended Elective

  • MATH 140 Calculus I or other calculus course (for students planning to go on to graduate school). Please Note: Prerequisite of MATH 108 or MATH 115.


Total credits for BS in computer information technology 120