Computer Information Systems – Major/Minor/Certificate
For information, contact Norman Lippincott.
The computer information systems curriculum is designed to provide graduates
with the theoretical and practical foundations to pursue a rewarding career in
computing and information systems with a basis for continued career growth
and/or graduate study in computer science, information systems or information
technology. The program strives to develop in students a theoretical
understanding of computer science as well as expertise in applying software
engineering, system and network skills, and analysis and design techniques to
use computer resources for the betterment of humanity.
Program Objectives
• To help students to acquire those communication skills vital to success in the
computer and information systems field
• To explore the synergy of hardware and software components, examining how they
work together to serve the needs of individuals and organizations
• To involve the student in the analysis and synthesis required to develop
algorithms and evolve them into computer solutions
• To develop problem-solving skills, investigate the broad range of complex
real-world problems which can be resolved using the computer, and create
programs to implement these solutions
• To enhance the student’s knowledge of the areas of specialization within the computer and information
systems discipline and enable the student to determine her place in the field
• To provide the student with the skills necessary to pursue the future
self-directed learning which is essential to maintaining currency in this
rapidly changing field and a theoretical framework in which he/she can easily
assimilate new computer technologies
• To guide the student in the examination of the professional and ethical issues
which confront the computer and information systems field and in the
development of a foundation from which to make good decisions
• To help the student to develop an understanding of the social, business,
technical, and human context in which her CIS contributions will be utilized
Grade Requirements
A student must achieve a grade of C or better in all computer information
systems courses and cognate courses to be qualified for the degree in Computer
Information Systems. At least 21 credits of CIS courses must be taken at Cedar Crest.
College-wide Requirements
Students must fulfill the Oral Presentation requirement with the satisfactory
completion (C or better) of CST 110 or THS 105.
Students fulfill the Information Literacy requirement through satisfactory
completion of CIS 351.
Students fulfill the Technology requirement through the satisfactory completion
of CIS 117, CIS 135 and CIS 136.
Requirements for the Computer Information Systems Major (42 credits)
BUA 110 Principles of Management 3 credits
CIS 117 Foundations of Computing and Information Systems 3 credits
CIS 135 Introductory Programming in C++ 3 credits
CIS 136 Advanced Programming Using C++ 3 credits
CIS 220 User Interface Programming 3 credits
CIS 243 Computer and Communications Networks 3 credits
CIS 302 Relational Database Systems 3 credits
CIS 328 System Software and Hardware 3 credits
CIS 351 Systems Analysis and Design (capstone) 3 credits
MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 3 credits
Plus choose 4 courses from the following:
ACC 101 Integrative Financial Accounting 3 credits
CIS 215 Advanced Business Computing 3 credits
CIS 224 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science 3 credits
CIS 255 Programming the World Wide Web 3 credits
CIS 260 Special Topics 1-3 credits
CIS 319 Decision Support Technology 3 credits
CIS 340 Algorithms and Applications 3 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MGT 300 Writing for Management 3 credits
Requirements for optional concentration in Computer Science:
CIS 224 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science 3 credits
CIS 255 Programming the World Wide Web 3 credits
CIS 260 Special Topics 1-3 credits
CIS 340 Algorithms and Applications 3 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
Requirements for optional concentration in Information Systems:
ACC 101 Financial Accounting 3 credits
BUA 300 Writing for Management 3 credits
CIS 215 Advanced Business Computing 3 credits
CIS 260 Special Topics 1-3 credits
CIS 319 Decision Support Technology 3 credits
Requirements for the Computer Information Systems Minor: (18 credits)
CIS 117 and any 5 additional CIS courses above CIS 117 (not including CIS 190).
Requirements for the Computer Information Systems Certificate: (18 credits)
Any 6 CIS courses at or above CIS 117 (not including CIS 190).