Information technology is the central industry in the modern world. It is also one of the most challenging areas to master, since its subject matter is constantly changing. Almost every type of career you can imagine now requires some level of computer skill, whether you intend to serve as an "information professional" or not.

UMUC Asia offers students the opportunity to study in three computer-related disciplines: Computer and Information Science (CMIS), Computer Studies (CMST), and Information Systems Management (IFSM).

Computer and Information Science (CMIS)
The computer and information science field provides a coherent, sequential, and integrated academic program of in-depth study that furnishes a body of knowledge, methods of study, and 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.

Computer Studies (CMST)
The computer studies program provides a flexible and coherent program of study integrating courses from several of the specialized computer and information fields. The interdisciplinary approach of computer studies helps prepare students for a variety of entry-level and mid-level technical and management positions within the information technology field.

Information Systems Management (IFSM)
The information systems management program provides students with the skills needed to successfully participate in and support the increasingly visible role of information technology in corporate decision making. The curriculum focuses on the methods, concepts, and practical applications of information systems in the workplace. It develops graduates’ abilities to conceptualize and manage the design and implementation of high-quality information systems.

People working in all organizations depend upon information in order to make good decisions. Therefore courses in information technology will help you prepare for a career in almost any field. This technology also directly provides useful electronic tools and services (such as software), and various forms of entertainment (such as computer games, movies, and music). Information technology is truly the foundation for our modern society

Choosing a major in computer and information science, computer studies, or information systems will help prepare you for an exciting career in any of these areas. For more specific information on career opportunities relating to computers and information technology, you may want to ask your librarian for a recent copy of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, or visit online resources similar to ComputerWork.com and Riley Guide: Computer & Technology.

You may also wish to visit the resources of some professional associations such as: The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), IEEE Computer Society.

UMUC Asia offers a certificate and associate degree in computer studies, and bachelor’s degrees in computer and information science, computer studies, and information systems management. Students may earn a major in computer and information science or information systems management along with a minor in computer studies.

A bachelor’s degree with a major in computer and information science, computer studies, or information systems management requires 120 credits of course work, including:

• General Education Requirements (41 cr., including MATH 107 College Algebra)

Computer and Information Science (30 cr.)

• Required Core Courses (15 cr.)
  
  Students must take one of the following course sequences:
  
  CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (3)
  CMIS 140 Introductory Programming (3)
  
  or
  
  CMIS 102A Fundamentals of Programming I (3)
  CMIS 141A Fundamentals of Programming II (3)
  
  Students must also take the following courses:
  
  CMIS 160 Discrete Mathematics for Computing (3)
  CMIS 240 Data Structures and Abstraction (3)
  
  or
  
  CMIS 241 Data Structures and Abstraction (3)
  CMIS 310 Computer Systems and Architecture (3)
  
  
• Breadth courses (9 cr.):
  
  Choose at least one course in three of the four areas of Computer Networking, Programming Languages & Operating Systems, Software Engineering, and Database Systems.
  


• Supplemental Major Courses (6 cr.)

Computer Studies (30 cr.)

• Introductory course (3 cr.)
  
  CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design
  
  or
  
  CMIS 102A Fundamentals of Programming I (3)
  IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3)
  


• Foundation courses (6 cr.)
  
  Students must take two of the following foundation courses:
  
  CMIS 240 Data Structures and Abstraction (3)
  
  or
  
  CMIS 241 Data Structures and Abstraction (3)
  IFSM 300 Information Systems in Organizations (3)
  IFSM 310 Software and Hardware Concepts (3)
  


• Programming language course (3 cr.)
  
  Students must take one of the following programming language courses (or another suitable programming language course):
  
  CMIS 140 Introductory Programming (3)
  
  or
  
  CMIS 141A Fundamentals of Programming II (3)
  CMST 306 Introduction to Visual Basic.NET Programming I (3)
  


• Supplemental major courses (18 cr.)
  
  Students must choose six courses from offerings in computer and information science, computer information technology, computer science, computer studies, and information systems management to complete the 30 credits required for the major.

Information Systems Management (30 cr.)

• Required Foundation Courses (15 cr.)
  
  Students must take a course in a programming language (COBOL, C++, C, Java, or Visual Basic) and the following foundation courses:
  
  IFSM 300 Information Systems in Organizations (3)
  IFSM 310 Software and Hardware Concepts (3)
  IFSM 410 Database Concepts (3)
  IFSM 461 Systems Analysis and Design (3)
  


• Core and Supplemental Major Courses (15 cr.)
  
  Students must take one of the following core courses:
  
  IFSM 302 Workplace Productivity (3)
  IFSM 303 Human Factors in Information Systems (3)
  IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3)
  IFSM 320 Office Automation (3)
  
  Students must take two of the following core courses:
  
  IFSM 425 Decision Support and Expert Systems (3)
  IFSM 430 Information Systems and Security (3)
  IFSM 438 Project Management (3)
  IFSM 450 Telecommunications Systems in Management (3)
  


• Additional Required Coursework (6.cr.)

A certificate in computer studies requires 18 cr., including:

• Computer Core Courses (6 cr.)


CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (3)
or CMIS 102A Fundamentals of Programming I (3)
IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3)
or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
 

• Courses Related to Computer Studies (12 cr.)



• Detailed Certificate Description

Total credits for a Certificate in Computer Studies: 18

Requirements for the Computer Studies Curriculum

An associate degree in computer studies requires 60 credits of course work, including:

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


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)


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


• Elective Courses (chosen from any courses to complete 60 credits for the degree—CMIS, CMST, or IFSM courses that may be applied to the BS in Computer Studies are recommended) (13)



• Detailed Degree Description

Total credits for AA with Computer Studies Specialization: 60

A bachelor’s degree with a major in computer and information science, computer studies, or information systems management requires 120 credits of course work, including:

Major in Computer Studies
A bachelor’s degree with a major in computer and information science, computer studies, or information systems management requires 120 credits of course work, including:

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


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)


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


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


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



• Detailed Degree Description

Total credits for BS in Computer Studies: 120

Minor in Computer Studies
A minor in computer studies requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework chosen from courses in computer and information science, computer information technology, computer science, computer studies, and information systems management; at least 9 credits must be earned in courses numbered 300 or above. Courses may not duplicate those used to satisfy requirements for the major.

Total semester hours for minor in Computer Studies: 15

Employers and the military recognize a college degree as a major academic achievement. An associate or bachelor's degree from UMUC distinguishes you as a graduate of one of America's leading public universities.

UMUC participates in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Degree Programs for Military Personnel, so you can complete your degree in Asia or at a future duty location.

Your UMUC degree may be closer than you realize. Learning acquired through military experience, examinations, and course work from other schools may be applied to your degree. UMUC may accept as many as 45 credits from these sources toward an associate degree and up to 90 credits toward a B.A. or B.S. degree.

A wide variety of online courses in computer studies and other fields are available through UMUC's distance education (DE) programs, and are helping many students make progress towards UMUC degrees. For lists of courses offered, visit the UMUC Asia DE Web site and click on “Schedule of Classes.”

Contact a UMUC Academic Advisor to arrange for an evaluation of your course work and experience to determine where you stand in your degree program.

1. As you are beginning your computer course work, you should take basic courses in mathematics. UMUC's math placement test will help you determine where you should begin. Some students will need to take MATH 001, MATH 009 or MATH 012. MATH 107 College Algebra is required for a certificate or degree in all computer-related fields.

 

2. As your first computer course, select IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems. IFSM 201 is a prerequisite for many upper-level courses. If you have not already done so, this would be a good time to consider whether or not you need to make a purchase of some basic "office" type software for use throughout your education. You may find that the UMUC computer labs provide this for you in a suitably convenient way. Either way, it is likely that you will need word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software for many classes you take during your time with UMUC.

 

3. Following IFSM 201, you might want to take CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (or CMIS 102A Fundamentals of Programming), which is a first look at programming.

 

4. Following CMIS 102/102A, IFSM 300 Information Systems in Organizations, and IFSM 310 Software and Hardware Concepts, are good choices. These are useful for all students, and are required for the IFSM bachelor's degree. CMIS 102/102A also opens the door to more advanced programming courses which will be needed for CMIS and other degrees.

 

5. Rather than think of your computer courses as an "island," you should view your education as a whole. Be sure to take some writing courses so that you are preapared for upper-level project work, and the real-life documentation, report-writing, and communication skills required for any computer-related job.

 

6. Also, remember that college is not just about preparing for a carreer. Your education should expand your knowledge and view of the world. Consider taking a concentration in courses outsde the computer field. You may wish to select a minor such as Asian Studies, Communication Studies, Psychology, or Management Studies. Even if you prefer to stay within computers, if your major is in IFSM or CMIS, you may also choose to pursue a minor in CMST.

UMUC Asia Academic Advisors are based at Yokota, Kadena, and Yongsan, and also travel frequently to most education centers. They advise students in person, by telephone, and by e-mail, and prepare evaluations of students’ academic progress. Your local UMUC Asia Field Representative can put you in touch with an Academic Advisor.

UMP-104 (4M 9/06)