Department of Computer Information Systems
Chairperson: Dr. Ephrem Eyob
Location: Singleton Hall, Room 318
Contact Information: 804-504-7076 | eeyob@vsu.edu
Department Overview
The Department of Computer Information Systems provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the use, design, development, and management of information systems and information technology that leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Management Information Systems degree. Through a curriculum that emphasizes both theory and practical application, students gain the skills necessary to address business challenges using technological solutions. The department is committed to preparing students for careers in the dynamic and evolving field of Management Information Systems (MIS).
Mission Statement
The mission of the Computer Information Systems Department is to prepare students for professional careers in Management Information Systems by equipping them with foundational knowledge in quantitative analysis, systems thinking, programming, and up-to-date information technology. The department fosters ethical awareness and global perspectives while promoting experiential learning and innovative teaching practices.
Degree Highlight Information
The MIS curriculum is structured to give students the opportunity to develop and manage a variety of projects derived from real business settings. Students gain a strong foundation in analytical and modeling techniques, programming languages, systems orientation, and contemporary IT tools. Throughout the program, students engage with ethical and global considerations and enhance their communication skills.
Key learning outcomes include:
- Business problem-solving using analytical tools
- Integration of technology for business solutions
- Understanding of ethics and social responsibility
- Effective communication
- Knowledge of the global business environment
- Demonstrated proficiency in MIS disciplinary knowledge
Additionally, MIS majors are encouraged to participate in experiential learning activities such as internships, job shadowing, service learning projects, and international business experiences during their junior and senior years.
Accreditation Information
In December of 2006, the R. F. Lewis College of Business was granted accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AASCB). AACSB accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.
Department Goals
The Department of Computer Information Systems is committed to the following goals:
- Experiential Learning – Facilitate job shadowing, internships, service learning, and international business engagement for junior and senior MIS students.
- Employment Preparation – Ensure graduates are career-ready and able to pursue positions in management information systems.
- Faculty Scholarship – Promote continuous faculty engagement in scholarly research and academic contributions.
- Innovative Teaching – Integrate research-based instructional strategies to enhance classroom learning experiences.
Program Listings
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Management Information Systems
The MIS degree program covers a broad spectrum of IT topics, providing students with a solid foundation in computer science concepts, programming and web development, database management, networking, and systems analysis. Graduates with a MIS degree are well-equipped for various IT roles within organizations.
Course Requirements: Students are required to earn a grade of “C” or higher in all major specific courses.
Minors
Cybersecurity and Forensics
Information Systems
CISY 201 MICROCOMPUTER CONCEPTS - 3 semester hours
This course is for non-business majors. This course provides a hands-on computer experience through the use of microcomputers with an emphasis on a microcomputer operating system and an in-depth coverage of various computer application packages, such as, but not limited to, word processing, database, spreadsheet software, and presentation graphics.
Prerequisite: High School Algebra or equivalent
CISY 300 COMPUTER INTERNSHIP - 3 semester hours
Off campus (approved by the Department). Broad spectrum of “hands-on” work experience as an apprentice programmer/analyst in a computer environment for not less than 120 clock hours. Prerequisite: CISY 362, CISY 385 or permission of the instructor.
CISY 305 PROGRAMING LOGIC AND DESIGN – 3 semester hours
This course teaches skills for development of algorithms for problem solving. Students are taught how to use structured and other approaches to analyze problems and express their solutions. Through the introduction of programming concepts, this course enforces good style and outlines logical thinking. Prerequisite: COBU 155 or permission of the instructor
CISY 311 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE - 3 semester hours
This course is designed to introduce the student to current operating systems, computing networks, and data communication infrastructure. Students are expected to come away with an understanding of the functions of operating systems, data and voice communication concepts and terminology, modes of data transmissions, transmission media, different types of networks, mass storage and I/O technologies, file systems, and computing technology trends.
Prerequisites: CISY 305 or permission of the instructor
CISY 312 OPERATING SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION - 3 semester hours This course provides students with basic knowledge and practical skills in the important activities of operating systems administration mainly in Linux and Windows systems. It deals with users, file systems, process and software administration, setting permissions, device configuration, setting up disks, operating system installation and controlling the booting process, managing backup and recovery, security problems, and configuring some network services. Students will also learn techniques to develop shell scripts to perform complex tasks such as automating user account management, backups, and routine system monitoring activities. Numerous illustrations and hands-on activities in the course will provide students the foundation that will enable them to handle different troubleshooting situations.
Prerequisite: COBU 155
CISY 330 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING I - 3 semester hours
This course provides an introduction to Object-oriented programming. Students will learn how to develop small to medium sized applications. Special topics include programming concepts, Object-Oriented design, Application Programming Interface (API), Graphical User Interface (GUI) components, event handling, exceptions, graphics, input/output, and inheritance.
Prerequisites: COBU 155 or permission of the instructor
CISY 344 INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL BASIC PROGRAM - 3 semester hours
The course introduces the student to programming using and Object-oriented programming language. The course focuses on the principles of user interface design, general software engineering principles and business application development.
Prerequisites: CISY 305 or permission of the instructor
CISY 350 MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS – 3 semester hours
An informative course designed to provide students with an understanding of the importance and the role of Business Information Systems in making decisions affecting the success of an organization, and the types of information systems that support business functions. Emphasis will be placed on the planning, development, installation and maintenance of business computer applications that are utilized in the typical business environment.
Prerequisite: COBU 155 or equivalent
CISY 362 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN – 3 semester hours
This course focuses on the application of information technologies (IT) to systems analysis, systems design, and systems implementation practices. Methodologies related to identification of information requirement's function, feasibility (economic, legal and contractual, operational, political, technical and schedule) and related issues are covered. Development of data dictionary and the application of computer aided system engineering (CASE) tools for diagramming information flow and procedures in system development process is covered.
Prerequisites: COBU 302, COBU 303 and an introductory level computer programming language or permission of the instructor.
CISY 367 COMPUTER NETWORKS I – 3 semester hours
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of computer communications networks. The course focuses on the network concepts, media, topologies, components, protocols and standards; and issues involved in the design, implementation and management of computer networks. Also, analog and digital 473 transmission of data, transmission media and devices, LANS and WANS, TCP/IP fundamentals and message switching will be discussed.
Prerequisite: COBU 303 or permission of the instructor
CISY 368 INFO. SECURITY AND ASSURANCE I - 3 semester hours
The purpose of this course is to introduce the business student to the rapidly evolving and critical arenas of information security. Students will learn principles and methods of information security, various security models, architectures, firewalls and internet security. Students will also learn how to plan and manage security, security policies, business continuity plans, disaster recovery planning, and to build an understanding of the social and legal issues of information security.
Prerequisite(s): CISY 367 or permission of the instructor
CISY 385 WEB DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION I - 3 semester hours
This course provides students with basic knowledge and practical skills in designing and developing World Wide Web pages using HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). The course will cover HTML tags for text, images, links, lists, simple layouts, complex layouts, tables, frames, style, internal style sheets, and external style sheets. Basic issues in using graphics on the Web will also be covered.
Prerequisite: COBU 155 or permission of the instructor
CISY 430 ADVANCED JAVA PROGRAMMING – 3 semester hours
This course is the second part of a two semester JAVA programming course sequence. Students will learn how to write small to medium sized JAVA applications and JAVA applets. Special topics include key issues related to software engineering, object-oriented design, Java Application Programming Interface (API), graphical user interface components, event handling, exceptions, input/output, and inheritance, data structures, and multithreading and animation.
Prerequisite: CISY 330 or permission of the instructor
CISY 431 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING II - 3 semester hours
This is a second course on Object-oriented programming. Students will learn how to develop medium sized applications and applets. Special topics include key issues related to software engineering, object-oriented design, Application Programming Interface (API), graphical user interface components, event handling, exceptions, input/output, and inheritance, data structures, and multithreading and animation.
Prerequisite: CISY 330 or Permission of the instructor
CISY 444 PROGRAMMING II USING AN OBJECT-ORIENTED LANGUAGE – 3 semester hours
This course is a continuation of MISY 344. Topics include event-driven programming techniques, scripting, business computing, and integration with databases.
Prerequisite: MISY 344 or permission of the instructor
CISY 467 ADVANCED COMPUTER NETWORKS TECHNOLOGY - 3 semester hours
This course focuses on computer networking technologies for individual workstations, LANS, WANS, and the Internet. Topics include network support; storage area networks; virtual servers; managed switches, and routers, and firewalls. This course also prepares the student for the industry's Network+ certification examination.
Prerequisite: CISY 367
CISY 478 MANAGING ORGANIZATIONAL IT SECURITY RISKS – 3 semester hours
This course takes a multi-disciplinary perspective of risk assessment, modeling, and management. Topics discussed include concepts of personal accountability versus governance and policy, how organizations define and measure risk and loss, and planning for contingencies.
Prerequisite: CISY 368 or permission of the instructor
CISY 468 ADVANCED INFORMATION SECURITYAND ASSURANCE – 3 semester hours
This is an advanced level information security course. The student will learn contemporary security issues; infrastructure security management processes, architecture and model; risk analysis and management; security planning, analysis and safeguards; security policies development and administration; contingency planning, incidence handling and response; and security standards. This course prepares the student for the Security+ certification
Prerequisite(s): CISY 368
CISY 480 DATABASE DESIGN AND APPLICATIONS - 3 semester hours
A study of the principles of database systems with emphasis on the relational model of data and covering both the user and the system perspectives. User issues include data modeling, informal and commercial query languages and the theory of database design. System issues include file structures, query formulation, form design, and report generation using different database management systems (DBMSs).
Prerequisites: COBU 303, CISY 362, and an introductory level programming language or permission of the instructor
CISY 485 ADVANCED WEB DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATIONS – 3 semester hours
This course provides students with the understanding and practical experience in web-enabled database and e-commerce business application development. Topics include scripting business rules and application logic on a web server, client and server-side technologies, and techniques to develop fully functional business applications. Application design uses current application software. E-commerce business issues and security implementations are also covered.
Prerequisite: CISY 385 or permission of the instructor
CISY 487 SYSTEMS CONFIGURATION - 3 semester hours
The goal of the course is to customize ERP for a typical modern organization. Students will learn about business processes, managing changes to those processes, and configuring an Enterprise Resource 474 Planning system to implement business process changes. Students will setup Financial Accounting (FI), Controlling (CO), Material Management (MM), and Sales Distribution (SD), Production Planning (PP) modules to configure the company structure, business processes and master data. Students will learn to implement ERP from the ground up and test the configured system with transactions for the various modules.
Prerequisite: COBU 303, COBU 305
CISY 488 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITYAND FORENSICS– 3 semester hours
This course will introduce students to how forensic science, management information systems, and information security all blend into digital forensics. The students will learn the fundamentals of the forensic process, evidence handling, and quality assurance as they apply to digital forensics.
Prerequisite: CISY 368 or permission of the instructor
CISY 491 SPECIAL TOPICS IN IT - 1 semester hours
In-depth treatment within a seminar format of timely topics in Information Systems and Technology.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
CISY 492 SPECIAL TOPICS IN IT - 2 semester hours
In-depth treatment within a seminar format of timely topics in Information Systems and Technology.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
CISY 493 SPECIAL TOPICS IN IT - 3 semester hours
In-depth treatment within a seminar format of timely topics in Information Systems and Technology
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
CISY 495 SPECIAL TOPICS IN IT - 3 semester hours
In-depth treatment within a seminar format of a timely topic in Information Systems and Decision Sciences.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
CISY 499 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION PATH - 3 semester hours
This is the capstone course for students pursing a major in Computer Information Systems. The department enrolls each student in an entry-level professional certification preparation course from the current list approved by the department’s Curriculum Committee and the Chair
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
