The computer studies major provides in-depth knowledge in practical applications of computing. The coherent and flexible program of study includes areas such as digital media, gaming, and Web-based technologies. The interdisciplinary approach allows students to integrate courses from several specialized areas in computing. Graduates are prepared for a variety of entry- and midlevel technical and management positions within the digital media, Web technology, gaming, and computing industries.

The student who graduates with a Major in Computer Studies will be able to

• Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of computing.



• Describe the purpose, function, and terminology associated with business applications software.



• Evaluate, select, and master use of the appropriate computer applications to solve a variety of information processing problems.



• Develop classroom products that demonstrate an understanding of Web design, administration, and application development using the latest tools and emerging technologies.



• Create, analyze, and critique print-based and interactive media.



• Define and explain the concepts, theories, techniques, principles, and practices which govern the use, design, and development of digital media, gaming, and Web-based technologies.

A degree with a major in computer studies requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major (indicated by Δ); 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs); 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).

Coursework for a major in computer studies includes the following:

• Programming language course (3 credits): Chosen from CMIS 141/141A and 170, CMSC 130, and CMST 306
• Foundation courses (6 credits): Chosen from CMIS 241 (or CMSC 230), IFSM 300 and 310, and CMST 340
• Supplemental major courses (21 credits, at least 15 of which must be upper level): Chosen from any CMST, CMIS, CMIT, CMSC, 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.)
• Required related course (3 credits), which may be applied anywhere in the degree: MATH 107 or MATH 106

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the Major in Computer Studies. Since some recommended courses fill 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. Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found on the GER page.

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)
Note: Placement tests required for MATH and WRTG courses.

LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)

WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 107 College Algebra (3)
or MATH 106 or a higher-level math course

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

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 satisfy the arts and humanities requirement

IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3)
or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software

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 satisfy the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement

Δ CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (3)
or CMIS 102A Fundamentals of Programming I
satisfies the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement and prerequisite for courses in the major

WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to satisfy 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 satisfy the first behavioral and social sciences requirement

Δ CMST 306 Introduction to Visual Basic Programming (3)
or other programming language course

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

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
or other course to satisfy the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)

Δ CMST 340 Computer Applications in Management (3)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course to satisfy 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 satisfy the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

Δ IFSM 300 Information Systems in Organizations (3)
or other foundation course for the major

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 satisfy the communications/writing or speech requirement

IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3)
(recommended elective)

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

WRTG 393 Technical Writing (3)
or other course to satisfy the communications/upper-level intensive writing requirement

Δ CMST 310 Electronic Publishing (3)
or other supplemental major course

Δ CMST 416 Advanced Visual Basic Programming (3)
or other supplemental major course

Δ CMST 385 Internet and Web Design (3)
or other supplemental major course

Δ CMST 386 Advanced Internet and Web Design (3)
or other supplemental major course

Δ CMIS 430 Web Site Management (3)
or other supplemental major course

Δ CMIS 450 Web Design with XML (3)
or other supplemental major course

Δ CMIS 460 Web Application Development Using ColdFusion (3)
or other supplemental major course

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

Recommended minor
Business administration

Total credits for BS in Computer Studies: 120