Information Systems

Project Management for Improving Business Systems provides students with the essential skills and methods required to manage projects successfully within the organization. The curriculum aligns with the Project Management Institute's (PMI's) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) and offers a comprehensive overview of the four phases of project management: defining, planning, executing, and closing. Students will learn to evaluate and prioritize projects, identify and assess risks related to project-based improvement initiatives, allocate human and technical resources, and evaluate the quality of project deliverables against predefined standards. Fall.

Analytical Programming for Business provides a foundation in programming logic, techniques, and analytical methods. The course employs modern programming languages and tools, such as Python and R, to develop scalable programming solutions to business-related problems. This course focuses on the practical applications of programming such as interaction with data sources, data preparation, processing data with logical operations, analyzing the data to conclude insights, and visualizing and reporting the data. The student will also learn to debug code, manipulate data structures and prepare data for analysis, automate workflows, and apply foundational statistical, data visualization, and machine learning techniques. Fall.

Prerequisite: must be a junior or senior or have permission from the instructor.

Applied Problem-Solving for Business Analysis introduces business students to the use of quantitative tools and structured methods for effective data-based problem solving and decision analysis. The course develops skills necessary to formulate, evaluate, and communicate solutions based on evidence and data. It covers the four major stages of problem solving - problem identification and definition, developing theories and hypotheses relationships, analyzing data and evidence to validate or invalidate causal theories, and effectively communicating recommended solutions. The focus is on business process improvement and provides an overview of some of the common systematic approaches for business problem solving used in the investigation of relationships with data. Spring.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the use of personal computers within the modern business environment. Topics include the use of hardware and operating systems, communications software, and word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Additionally, the course addresses computer terminology, ethics, social implications, and career opportunities in the field.

This course introduces the fundamentals of information systems and the role of information processing in today's business environment. This overview of information systems includes the following topics, hardware and software, data bases and big data, business intelligence and analytics, networking and telecommunications, systems development, information security, and the ethical, legal and social issues of information systems. Students must be a Junior or Senior or obtain permission from the instructor. Fall odd years.

This course provides future MIS professionals with the expertise to lead and innovate in the field of data communications and networking. The course equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage and oversee modern communication networks. This course focuses on the crucial aspects of transmitting data, voice, and video, covering the systems, hardware, and software essential for seamless communication. Students will delve into specific types of networks, including Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs), and gain a foundational understanding of the OSI model. Students explore real-world applications of networks, preparing them to implement and manage network solutions effectively. Fall odd years.

This course equips students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in database design and implementation. The course covers physical and logical database designs, including relational, hierarchical, and network models, and teaches students how to utilize data analysis and manipulation languages to query, update, and manage databases effectively. Key topics include database integrity, concurrency, distributed databases, and intelligent databases. Students will demonstrate competence in the fundamental tasks of modeling, designing, and implementing database management systems. Fall even years.

This course provides the foundation for managing information security through the effective role of governance and ethical behavior. Students explore the importance of satisfying regulatory requirements like Sarbanes/Oxley and HIPAA, preparing for financial and security audits, and ensuring data privacy. The course delves into security activities, methodologies, and procedures, focusing on the detection and reaction to threats, and the protection of information assets. Through real-world case studies, students will examine pre- and post-incident procedures, technical and managerial responses, and the planning and staffing functions essential to information security. Students must be a Junior or Senior or obtain permission from the instructor. Spring even years.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of essential concepts and techniques for analyzing and designing information systems, with an overview of the system development life cycle. Emphasis is on developing practical skills through real-world case studies and projects, preparing students to tackle complex system design challenges. The course equips students with the knowledge and expertise needed to optimize information systems for enhanced efficiency and functionality. Students must be a Junior or Senior or obtain permission from the instructor. Spring odd years.