Computer Information Systems Major

Business & Technology Department

Overview

Computer Information Systems is a four-year program of study designed to equip graduates to effectively analyze the computer technology requirements of a business or ministry, determine the computer systems and networks necessary to satisfy those requirements, and effectively manage the resulting information technology environment.

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Time to Complete
4 Years
Program Director
Stephen Elliot

Program Track Options

Networking & Security Track

This track blends to inseparable topics that are relevant to all modern computer systems: networking and security. This track provides the student with the skills necessary to design and implement network systems including LAN, WLAN, and WAN. The track also equips the student to protect those networks and the systems on them with relevant computer security skills that are highly desirable in the computer industry. Several certifications and credentials are available to the student throughout the track including CEH, CSA, NSA, CCNA, and CCNP. This track prepares the student for a variety of employment opportunities in networking, telecommunications, computer security, and information security.

Programming & Design Track

This track provides training in various programming languages and design techniques. The student has the opportunity to gain a breadth of knowledge in these topics or focus more heavily on code and documentation or graphics and multimedia design. This track prepares the student for a variety of employment opportunities in programming, web design, web development, graphics design, or publishing.

Program Learning Outcomes

In addition to meeting the Bible/Theology outcomes, the student will:

  1. Analyze technology needs. Identify and analyze the information technology needs of a business or ministry and, using critical thinking skills, translate that analysis into a set of specifications that include items like capacities, access controls, user interfaces, data flows and repositories required to satisfy the needs identified.
  2. Design a specified IT environment. The environment will be based on specifications generated through the analysis of a business or ministry, and will consist of computer hardware, software, databases and networks.
  3. Communicate professionally. This would include commenting of programming code, presenting technical information clearly in an aural format, and documenting an information technology environment including software integration, database structures, computer and network security elements, configuration, directory services and other essential components of the environment.
  4. Implement a technology solution. Assemble, configure, and troubleshoot a typical secure business computing environment based on specific documentation of system requirements, including networking, hardware and software integration, database design, and overall systems administration.
Track-Specific Learning Outcomes
  1. System Management and Support Track: The student will demonstrate advanced understanding of systems integration, and an ability to maintain and support the system as a whole.
  2. Programming and Design Track: The student will demonstrate proficiency in developing software programs using appropriate tools and software development methodologies. The student will also demonstrate an ability to create an aesthetically appealing interface using advanced graphics design principles.
  3. Networking and Security Track: The student will demonstrate proficiency in network design, implementation, and security, including the ability to detect and mitigate security vulnerabilities.
Program Admission
  1. Complete the freshman year at Emmaus with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
  2. Successful completion of courses CS 101 Fundamental Computer Literacy and PHI 108 Logical Analysis.
  3. Declare intent to pursue a major in Computer Information Systems.
  4. At the beginning of the sophomore year, apply for entrance into the Computer Information Systems program.
  5. Payment of all applicable additional fees for this major as determined by the Business office and published in their annual statement of fees.
Program Requirements
  1. Complete a minimum of 125.5 semester credit hours.
  2. A 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a passing grade in all required courses.
  3. At least 60 semester credit hours must be earned at Emmaus.
  4. Complete the general graduation requirements listed in the Academic Life section of the catalog.
  5. Meet the course requirements in the following areas:
Bible/Theology (30.5 credits)
  • Old Testament Survey 1 (BT 102)
  • Old Testament Survey 2 (BT 104)
  • New Testament Survey (BT 106)
  • Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (BT 120)
  • Survey of Doctrine (BT 151)
  • Biblical Hermeneutics (BT 220)
  • Praxis of Interpretation (BT 320)
  • Biblical and Practical Theology of Transformation (BT 352)
  • Two of the following Theology Electives (6 credits):
    • God, Creation, and Sin (BT 221)
    • Christ, Holy Spirit, and Salvation (BT 321)
    • Church and Final Things (BT 331)
    • Servant Leader Training Seminar (CCS 115)
    • Servant Leader Training (CCS 120)
    • Chapel (CCS 110)
Computer Studies (45 credits)

Core Courses:

  • Modern Programming Techniques using Visual Basic (CS 151)
  • Introduction to Computer Hardware (CS 217)
  • Introduction to Networking and Security (CS 222)
  • Introduction to Operating Systems (CS 230)
  • System Troubleshooting (CS 316)
  • Systems Analysis & Design (CS 412)
  • Senior Project (CS 490)

System Management and Support Track Electives (choose 6):

  • Introduction to UNIX (CS 232)
  • Microcomputer Hardware (CS 317)
  • Microsoft Windows Architecture (CS 335)
  • MCSE-1: Managing a Windows Server Environment (CS 351)
  • MCSE-2: Implementing a Windows Server Network Infrastructure (CS 352)
  • MCSE-3: Planning a Windows Server Network Infrastructure (CS 353)
  • MCSE-4: Planning a Windows Server Active Directory Infrastructure (CS 454)
  • Advanced Linux (CS 410)
  • Systems Administration (CS 422)
  • Multimedia Systems (CS 435)
  • MCSE-5: Microsoft Windows (CS 455)
  • MCSE-6: Designing Security for a Server Environment (CS 456)

Programing and Design Track Electives (choose 6):

  • Modern Office Automation Applications (CS 205)
  • Principles of Object-Oriented Programming (CS 212)
  • Database Management and Design (CS 312)
  • Computer Graphics (CS 315)
  • Leveraging the World Wide Web (CS 325)
  • C++ (CS 330)
  • Introduction to Robotics (CS 340)
  • MySQL Administration (CS 345)
  • Introduction to Computer-Aided Design/CAD (CS 355)
  • Publications (CS 380)
  • Programming in PHP (CS 420)
  • Scripting Languages (CS 430)
  • Student-Selected Programming Language (CS 440)
  • Advanced Web/e-Commerce Technology (CS 445)
  • Java/JavaScript Programming (CS 460)

Networking and Security Track Electives (choose 6):

  • Certified Ethical Hacking (CS 300)
  • Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CS 302)
  • Certified Security Analyst (CS 304)
  • Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CS 320)
  • CCNP 1: Implementing Cisco IP Routing (CS 324)
  • CCNP 2: Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (CS 326)
  • Network Security Administrator (CS 400)
  • Penetration Testing Techniques (CS 402)
  • System Security Certified Practitioner (CS 404)
  • CCNP 3: Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (CS 414)
  • Computer Networking Internship (CS 416)
  • Advanced Networking (CS 425)
  • Computer Security (CS 432)

Computer Electives:

  • Computer Assisted Bible Study (CS 225)
  • Numerical Computation (CS 270)
  • Discrete Mathematics (CS/MAT 360220)
  • Numerical Analysis (CS/MAT 365)
  • Specialty Studies in Computer Technology (CS 450)
  • Systems Simulation (CS/MAT 470)
  • Ministry Internship (CS 475)
  • Ministry Project in CIS (CS 480)
  • Non-Track-Specific Electives (choose 2 from track electives or computer electives)
General Studies (38 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Speech (COM 112)
  • Fundamental Computer Literacy (CS 101)
  • English Composition (ENG 101)
  • Introduction to Literature (ENG 102)
  • Transitions Seminar (FND 101)
  • Senior Seminar (FND 410)
  • Western Civilization 1 or 2 (HIS 131/132) or American History 1 or 2 (HIS 235/236)
  • Christian Life and Worldview* (HUM 111)
  • College Mathematics (MAT 140)
  • Logical Analysis (PHI 108)
  • Introduction to Human Biology and Lab (SCI 241/242) or Introduction to Earth Science and Lab (SCI 230/231)
  • Social Science Elective
  • General Studies Electives (6 credits)

*meets Bible-Related requirement

The Lord guided me to study at Emmaus and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. The Biblical and computer education that I received at Emmaus has proven to be foundational and invaluable to my career and my life. It equipped me for a career in ministry where my faith and computer skills go hand in hand. The quality of education, to this day, has been some of the best I’ve experienced, and is a direct reflection of the amazing professors and staff at Emmaus. I will always cherish my time at Emmaus and the relationships I was able to form!
Spencer Schuett
Database Administrator at Compassion International

Program Planner

Get a detailed look at the 4 year course plan for the Computer Information Systems major