Overview

The CIS track in the Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science (BSCIS) program is designed for students interested in incorporating a non-CIS application area. This track allows a student to choose a non-CIS concentration in areas such as Mathematics, Accounting, and Engineering.

Major Requirements

A total of 128 credit hours must be earned in order to complete the CIS track of the BSCIS degree. The following is a complete guide to the academic requirements for the CIS track along with a recommended sequence of courses.

General Education Requirement

The General Education Requirements account for approximately 56-60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Students should see an adviser in the Business College Office (BU 219) before choosing electives to satisfy General Education Requirements in the following areas: Mathematics or Logic, Arts/Humanities, Nonwestern Culture and Civilization, Western Culture and Civilization, Social Science, Natural Science, Human Diversity and the African-American Experience, and Writing Across the Curriculum.

BSCIS Preparatory Course

A student interested in computer science but without any formal background will find CIS 151, a non-programming course, to be useful preparation. This required course can be substituted if a student has computer science AP credit or has taken any college level programming course such as CIS 260 or IST 211.

CIS Core Requirements

Twenty-six credit hours of computer science core courses:

• CIS 260 Introduction to Programming
• CIS 265 Data Structures and Algorithms
• CIS 335 Language Processors
• CIS 340 C/C++ For Systems Programming
• CIS 345 Operating System Principles
• CIS 368 Object Oriented Design and Programming
• CIS 485 Senior Project (Capstone)

Additional CIS Degree Requirement

• IST 420 Project Management is a required course for the BSCIS degree.

CIS Electives

A minimum of 20 semester hours of computer and information science electives:

• CIS 408 Internet Programming
• CIS 424 Comparative Programming Languages
• CIS 430 Database Concepts
• CIS 433 Systems Analysis
• CIS 434 Software Engineering
• CIS 438 Client Server Computing
• CIS 443 Graphical User Interface
• CIS 454 Data Communications and Computer Networks
• CIS 457 Computer Graphics
• CIS 465 Multimedia
• CIS 467 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• CIS 470 Mobile Application Development
• CIS 480 Introduction to Computer Architecture
• CIS 490 Foundations of Computing
• CIS 491 Professional Internship
• CIS 493 Special Topics
• CIS 496 Independent Study

Specialization Requirement

In addition to the CIS core and elective requirements indicated above, each student must select an area of specialization outside of the Computer and Information Science Department. At least 16 semester hours must be in this area, with at least nine semester hours at the 300-level or higher. The area of specialization must be approved by the student’s advisor. Sample programs of study showing a concentration in the various areas of business, engineering, science, or mathematics are available from the department. Several areas are listed on our concentration page. Other programs tailored to the individual student’s needs are individually approved.

Math Requirement

CIS majors must complete one (1) of the following Math sequences along with the corresponding Science requirement:

Math (Calculus Option):	Math (Math Concepts Option) :
MTH 181 Calculus I MTH 182 Calculus II MTH 220 Intro to Discrete Mathematics MTH 284 Matrices for Engineers MTH 323 Statistical Methods	MTH 148 Math for Business Majors I MTH 149 Math for Business Majors II MTH 220 Intro to Discrete Mathematics OSM 201 Business Statistics I OSM 202 Business Statistics II
Corresponding Science:	Corresponding Science:
PHY 243 University Physics I PHY 244 University Physics II	PHY 221 College Physics I PHY 222 College Physics II

Other science sequences may be taken with the approval of a CIS faculty advisor.
Note: Students who completed MTH 151-156 prior to Fall 2010 may substitute this sequence for the MTH 148-149 sequence.

Additional Requirements

• At least 46 semester hours must be earned in courses at the 300-level or above.
• All CIS courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.
• Any CIS course taken without prior satisfactory completion of all catalog prerequisite courses will not be counted toward fulfillment of graduation requirements.

Recommended Program of Study for CIS Majors

First Semester	Credits
ENG 101 English I	3
MTH 181 Calculus I1	4
CIS 151 Invitation to Computing3	3
Social Diversity (African-American Experience) 2	3
BUS 101 Introduction to College Life	1
Total	14
Second Semester	Credits
ENG 102 English II	3
MTH 182 Calculus II1	4
CIS 260 Introduction to Programming	4
Social Science2	3
Arts and Humanities (non-U.S.)2	3
Total	17
Third Semester	Credits
PHY 243 University Physics I (W)4	5
Arts and Humanities2	3
MTH 284 Matrices for Engineers5	2
CIS 265 Data Structures and Algorithms	4
Social Science (non-U.S.)2	3
Total	17
Fourth Semester	Credits
PHY 244 University Physics II (W)4	5
Concentration Elective	3
CIS 335 Language Processors	4
CIS 340 C/C++ for Systems Programming	2
Total	14
Fifth Semester	Credits
MTH 220 Intro to Discrete Mathematics	4
CIS 345 Operating System Principles	4
CIS 368 Object Oriented Design & Programming	4
Concentration Elective	3
Total	15
Sixth Semester	Credits
MTH 323 Statistical Methods5	4
IST 420 Project Management	4
CIS Elective	4
CIS Elective	4
Total	16
Seventh Semester	Credits
CIS Elective	4
CIS Elective	4
Concentration Elective	3
Concentration Elective	3
Social Diversity (U.S. Diversity)2	3
Total	17
Eighth Semester	Credits
CIS 485 Senior Project (Capstone)	4
CIS Elective	4
Concentration Elective	4
Writing (WAC) Elective2	3
Total	15

¹ The Analytical Geometry and Calculus sequence (MTH 181-182) may be substituted with Math for Business Majors (MTH 148-149).
² Before choosing electives, you should consult with an academic advisor.
³ CIS 151 can be substituted for any student with either AP computer science credit, or by completing any college level programming language course such as CIS 260 or IST 211.
⁴ PHY 243 and 244 can be substituted by PHY 221 and PHY 222 for those not taking the Calculus sequence.
⁵ MTH 284 and MTH 323 can be substituted by OMS 201 and OMS 202.
(W) Counts as a writing course for university graduation requirements (if taken at Cleveland State University).

*Please note: This sample program of study is intended to give you a general sense of the requirements associated with the Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with CIS concentration. Actual sequencing and credit hours of courses may vary, depending on the chosen concentration. In all instances, the minimum number of credit hours required for graduation is 128.

Prerequisite Tree Diagram of BSCIS Courses - CIS Track

 

Faculty

The faculty in the department have a wide range of research interests and offer students the opportunity to work closely with them on exciting and challenging research projects. Many CIS faculty members are active in professional organizations. You are encouraged to contact a faculty advisor and discuss your program of study as well as concentration area.

Internships and Co-op Opportunities

Internships are available through the department of Computer & Information Science and the Career Services Center. Cooperative education opportunities are available through the Career Services Center at (216) 687-2233. The pre-requisite for a co-op position is CSC 121.

Financial Assistance

Scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, and part-time employment are just some of the ways you can help pay for college costs at CSU. For more information on financing your education, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 216.687.3764, or by email at: fao@csuohio.edu