Programs of Study
Computer Information Systems Major
Computer information systems are prominent in the modern world. The computer information systems major allows students to develop the knowledge and skills required to understand these systems and participate in their creation and maintenance.
The computer information systems major at Lander has three components: core courses, a focus area within CIS, and an application area outside CIS. The core requirements form the basis of the program by providing the fundamentals necessary for advanced study. Focus areas allow a student to develop a specialization within computer information systems. The application area provides a domain where CIS can be put into practice.
The CIS core includes sequences in problem solving and programming skills (CIS 130, 230, 231) and productivity tools and information management (CIS 102, 120, 320) plus courses in data communications (CIS 240), computer organization (CIS 235), information analysis and design (CIS 321), database design (CIS 360), and the senior level capstone experience (CIS 499).
Students can choose to develop a focus in software, networking, or computer engineering. The software focus area requires advanced courses in software development. The networking focus area covers data communications and computer networking in depth.
The computer engineering focus area is part of Lander’s dual-degree program with Clemson University. Students in the computer information systems/computer engineering dual-degree program must complete specific mathematics and science courses at Lander in order to meet the program requirements of Clemson University. Students completing this program will be awarded both a B.S. in computer information systems from Lander University with a minor in mathematics, and a B.S. in computer engineering from Clemson University.
The third component of the computer information systems major, the application area, provides competency in a secondary area where CIS can be applied. Students satisfy the application area requirements by completing a minor. Students may choose from a number of diverse disciplines, including mathematics, business, public administration, health agency management, and electronic arts. Other minors and majors offered across campus are eligible for consideration as well. The mathematics application area is suggested for students interested in pursuing graduate studies, and is required in the computer engineering focus area.
The program requirements for the CIS major and the dual-degree program are articulated on the individual program worksheets in the Lander University catalog.
An example of a typical four-year program is provided for general guidance only. Individual student schedules can vary considerably and should be discussed with a faculty advisor in order to allow completion of a degree program in a timely manner. A sequencing of CIS classes for students entering in the fall of an odd year and the fall of an even year is also provided. A chart showing when CIS classes will be offered in the future can be found here
A successful graduate in the computer information systems major will have competency in the following areas:
- Information System Principles. This includes systems theory and concepts, information systems in organizations, decision support, and evaluation of systems performance.
- Programming Principles. This includes problem solving, algorithm development, and application programming using structure and object-oriented approaches that stress abstraction, programming style, two or more high-level languages, and various environments.
- Data Organization and Management. This includes data and file structures, access methods, algorithm design and analysis, and relational database organization and design.
- Computer Organization. This includes logical organization of computers, levels of abstraction, machine and assembly languages, data representation and addressing, and memory management.
- Data Communications and Networking. Includes networking and telecommunications concepts and standards, distributed computing, networked information technologies, and electronic commerce.
- System Development Methodology. This includes requirements specifications, analysis, design, implementation, and testing using structured and object-oriented techniques. Also included are working in a team environment, software tools, system prototyping, robustness of systems, documentation, efficiency, ethics, human-computer interaction, and networking technology, protocols, and algorithms.
- Information Systems Applications. Each student will have demonstrated competency in an approved application area, through completion of a minor or second major in that area.
Lander University is an institutional member of the Association for Computing Machinery, the world's oldest and largest educational and scientific computing society.
Every effort is made to ensure that the information presented herein is accurate. Nonetheless, the Lander University Catalog is considered the only authoritative source of information about degree programs. All students are responsible for knowing and observing the academic requirements and regulations of the University which are set forth in the Catalog.
