Bachelor’s Degree Programs​

The Computer Information Systems (CIS) department offers degree programs that prepare students for careers in information technology, encompassing a range of topics from fundamental information technology concepts to specialized areas like cybersecurity and digital forensics. Here's an overview of what the CIS department is offering:

Management Information Systems (MIS) Degree

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.

Core Courses: These would cover fundamental information technology topics, database management, systems analysis, networking, and software development.

Career Paths: Graduates can pursue careers as systems analysts, database administrators, network administrators, IT consultants, or data analysts.

MIS with Concentration in Cybersecurity and Forensics Degree

This specialized degree program combines aspects of both cybersecurity and digital forensics, preparing students to handle cybercrimes, investigate security incidents, assess cybersecurity and IT risks, and implement preventive measures to protect digital assets. A degree in cybersecurity focuses on securing digital systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. It involves learning about various security measures, encryption techniques, forensics techniques, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity policies and procedures.

Core Courses: Cybersecurity principles, network security, digital forensics, incident response, legal and ethical issues in cybersecurity.

Career Paths: Graduates can pursue roles as digital forensics investigators, cybersecurity analysts focusing on forensics, cybercrime analysts, or digital evidence analysts.

Major and Minor Studies

To complete any major’s degree in Management Information Systems, students must take 120 credit hours. The breakdown is as follows:​

Degree Requirements Credits
General Education 37
Business Foundation Courses(required by all students) 53
Computer Information Systems Core Courses 21
CIS Track / Cybersecurity and Forensics Track 9
120

 

The MIS Bachelor’s degree program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in information technology and its applications in businesses and organizations. It combines technical knowledge with practical skills related to information technology and its applications in various organizational settings.

Degree Requirements Credits
General Education 37
Business Foundation Courses(required by all students) 53
Computer Information Systems Core Courses 21
CIS Track / Cybersecurity and Forensics Track 9
120

Relevant Core Coursework

Information Application Fundamentals: Basic programming and data structures.

Database Management Systems: Design, implementation, and management of databases.

Computer Networks: Understanding network protocols, data transmission, and network security.

Systems Analysis and Design: Techniques for analyzing business requirements and designing information systems to meet organizational needs.

Web Development: Creating websites and web applications using programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and web development frameworks.

Operating Systems: Understanding different operating systems, their functionalities, and administration.

Business and Management Courses: Basic business concepts, management principles, and organizational behavior.

Specializations (Optional)

Some MIS programs offer specializations or elective courses in areas such as:

Cybersecurity: Securing computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.

Data Analytics: Analyze large data sets to extract meaningful insights and support decision-making.

Enterprise Systems: Integrating and optimizing various business processes using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Web Development: In-depth knowledge of web technologies, frameworks, and advanced web application development.

Hands-On Experience

The MIS programs emphasize hands-on experience through:

Internships: Opportunities to work in real-world IT environments, gaining practical skills and industry insights.

Capstone Projects: Collaborative projects that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems.

Lab Work: Practical exercises and lab sessions to reinforce theoretical concepts and technical skills.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a degree in MIS can pursue careers in IT departments, consulting firms, software companies, and other organizations. Potential job roles include:

  • Systems Analyst
  • Database Administrator / Network Administrator
  • Web Developer
  • IT Consultant
  • Business Analyst / Data Analyst
  • Project Manager (in IT projects)

The MIS, with a concentration in Cybersecurity and Forensics, is designed to prepare students for information technology careers focusing on cybersecurity and digital forensics. The program combines core concepts from computer information systems with specialized courses related to cybersecurity, digital forensics, and information security management.​

Degree Requirements Credits
General Education 37
Business Foundation Courses(required by all students) 53
Computer Information Systems Core Courses 21
CIS Track / Cybersecurity and Forensics Track 9
120

Relevant Core Coursework

Information Application Fundamentals: Basic programming and data structures.

Database Management Systems: Design, implementation, and management of databases.

Computer Networks: Understanding network protocols, data transmission, and network security.

Operating Systems: Understanding different operating systems, their functionalities, and administration.

Information Security and Forensics: Basic information security concepts and security policies. Forensics operations and tools.

Cybersecurity/IT Risk Management: Risk assessment and control, modeling and management. Governance and Policy concepts.

Business and Management Courses: Basic business concepts, management principles, and organizational behavior.

Cybersecurity and Forensics - Specializations

Cybersecurity Principles: Understanding cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, and security measures.

Network Security: Studying techniques to secure networks, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols.

Digital Forensics: Learning to investigate cybercrimes, recover lost data, and analyze digital evidence.

Incident Response: Developing skills to respond to cybersecurity incidents, including incident detection, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned.

Ethical Hacking: Understanding how ethical hackers assess system vulnerabilities to improve security.

Security Policies and Compliance: Exploring legal and ethical aspects of cybersecurity, compliance standards, and best practices.

Cybersecurity Tools and Technologies: Hands-on experience with various cybersecurity tools, software, and technologies used in the industry.

Hands-On Experience

The MIS programs emphasize hands-on experience through:

Internships: Opportunities to work in real-world IT environments, gaining practical skills and industry insights.

Capstone Projects: Collaborative projects that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems.

Lab Work: Practical exercises and lab sessions to reinforce theoretical concepts and technical skills.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a degree in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity and Forensics can pursue various career paths, including:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Information Security Specialist
  • Digital Forensics Investigator
  • Security Consultant
  • Incident Responder
  • Security Architect
  • Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)

These professionals are in high demand in sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and technology companies, where securing sensitive data and protecting against cyber threats are paramount.

The CIS minor degree in cybersecurity and forensics is an academic program that allows students to complement their primary field of study with a focused education in cybersecurity and digital forensics. This minor is an excellent option for individuals who want to gain knowledge and skills in these critical areas while majoring in a related discipline. Furthermore, it is designed and intended for working professionals seeking to enrich their IT skills and students from various backgrounds who will enjoy learning about key aspects of cybersecurity and forensics.

Core Courses:

Cybersecurity Fundamentals: An introduction to cybersecurity principles, including threat detection, prevention, and mitigation strategies.

Digital Forensics Basics: Exploring the techniques and tools used in digital forensics to investigate cybercrimes and recover digital evidence.

Degree Requirements Credits
CISY 362/462 Systems Analysis & Design 3
Computer Networks I 3
Information Security & Assurance I 3
Advanced Information Security and Assurance  3
Cybersecurity and IT Risks Management 3
Electives: 
Students will select 3 credit hours
Operating Systems Administration and Cloud Computing  3
Computer Programming 3
Total Credit Hours: 18

Benefits of the CIS Minor Degree in Cybersecurity and Forensics:

Complementing Your Major: A minor degree allows you to enhance your primary field of study with valuable cybersecurity and digital forensics knowledge, which can be particularly useful in today's interconnected world.

Career Advancement: A minor in cybersecurity and forensics can make you a more competitive candidate for jobs that require a combination of skills in your major field and cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity Awareness: In an age of increasing cyber threats, having a basic understanding of cybersecurity is beneficial for individuals in various professions and roles.

Preparation for Certifications: The coursework from the minor in cybersecurity and forensics can be an excellent foundation for pursuing industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security+, or Certified Digital Forensics Examiner (CDFE).

Flexibility: Our minor degree allows you to explore your interests in cybersecurity and digital forensics without committing to a complete major program, providing flexibility in your academic journey.

Hands-On Experience:

The CIS department emphasizes hands-on experience through:

Lab Work: Practical exercises and lab sessions to reinforce theoretical concepts and technical skills.

Capstone Projects: Collaborative projects that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems.

Internships: Opportunities to work in real-world IT environments, gaining practical skills and industry insights.

Specialized Training in the Program:

Cybersecurity Principles: Understanding cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, and security measures.

Network Security: Understanding how to secure computer networks and protect them from cyber threats.

Incident Response: Learning to respond to cybersecurity incidents, including detection, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned.

Ethical Hacking: Exploring the techniques ethical hackers use to assess and improve security.

Legal and Ethical Issues: Examining the legal and ethical aspects of cybersecurity, cybercrimes, and privacy. Governance, Risk and Compliances.

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