Bachelor of Science in Information Systems

Lower-Division Requirements (90)

College Composition: 5 credits
College Mathematics: 5 credits
Humanities: 15 credits
Social Science: 15 credits
Natural Science/Mathematics: 15 credits

Program Requirements

Preparatory Courses

CS 131

Computer Science I: C++ (5)

This course provides an introduction to programming using the Standard C++ programming language. Students learn the basic concepts of assignment, iteration, and looping. The course includes extensive coverage of objects and the concepts of object-oriented programming. In addition, students will learn how to effectively structure a program.

CS 225

Introduction to Web Design (5)

The course develops a student’s understanding and skills in web development and script programming to create dynamic websites. The course is an introductory course and builds a fundamental working knowledge of web technology and the ability to create a website. Students will apply knowledge of computer operation and basic symbolic logic to the create a dynamic website. Students completing this course will have an understanding of the operation and construction of a dynamic website.

IS 201

Fundamentals of Computing (5)

This course is designed to provide an overview of the fundamentals of computing. Emphasis is placed on the five basic areas of Information Technology (IT): applications, platforms, development, data, and communication. Students will develop their understanding of basic IT concepts, and delve into Information Technology planning and analysis through practical application of current techniques and tools for building a website.

MATH 141

Precalculus (5)

This course covers a review of algebra and geometry; linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions and their graphs; exponential and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and inequalities; linear programming; and sequences, sets, counting, permutations, combinations, and probability. Emphasis is placed on the development of necessary mathematical skills needed for upper division coursework. Students needing math for GE purposes only should consider MATH 107 or MATH 138 instead of MATH 141. Prerequisites: MATH 138.

MATH 146

Foundational Statistics (5)

This course introduces students to the study of basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, and decision making. Through various learning activities, students will explore concepts such as measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation, regression, discrete and continuous probability distributions, and hypothesis testing. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to describe important characteristics of a set of data and draw inferences about a population from sample data.

MATH 151

Calculus (5)

This course covers the basic concepts and theory of differential and integral calculus of one variable, with emphasis on applications to business and economics. Additional applications are drawn from the natural and social sciences.

MG 201

Introduction to Functions of Management (5)

Introduction to planning, organizing, coordinating, staffing, directing, budgeting, controlling, and evaluating functions of management; leadership roles and styles, and development of individual and group effectiveness; managing conflict and change; and the human aspects of management.

MK 205

Introduction to Marketing (5)

Students are introduced to fundamental concepts involved in marketing an organization. They will learn the following strategies: target marketing, marketing mix, new product development, competition, pricing, positioning strategy, SWOT analysis, and market research. Students practice applying marketing strategies that support and drive strong businesses.

Business Core

BC 301

Critical Thinking (5)

This course introduces the student to critical-thinking processes used to analyze today's business issues and aid identifying rational solutions. This course focuses on building and analyzing arguments; forms and standards of critical thinking; and evaluating sources of information. Students learn foundational skills that will serve them throughout the program and their business careers.

BSC 401

Interpretation of Financial Statements (5)

Interpretation of Financial Statements focuses on the analysis of publicly issued financial statements for decision making, and is taught from a user perspective. Students will learn to read, understand, and analyze a set of financial statements in a broad, decision-making context. Emphasis is placed on the consequences of recording accounting transactions on financial statements and the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). A basic knowledge of math, algebra, and general business principles is needed to succeed in this class.

BSM 405

Operations Management (5)

This course explores operations management in the manufacturing and service environments. Topics include: cost accounting information for improving efficiency, product and service quality, total quality management, project management, materials resource planning, value creation, supply chain management, and economic value. Students will focus on how to apply these concepts to real world operation functions of both manufacturing and services. It is strongly recommended that College Math and Quantitative Methods be taken prior to this course.

BSM 407

Business Economics (5)

This course applies micro and macro-economic theories to the real world. Topics include: supply and demand; market structure; policy issues such as income distribution, government regulation, and the environment; business cycles; money and monetary policy; and the international economy. Students will learn how to examine economic issues in their personal and professional lives.

IS 330

Information Systems (5)

This course will cover information systems taxonomies and general applications such as CRM, SCM, eCommerce, ERP, business intelligence, knowledge management, finance and accounting, personal productivity, computer supported cooperative work (groupware), and global systems. Future trends and directions of information systems will conclude this course.

PM 401

Introduction to Project Management (5)

Introduction to Project Management utilizes a real team project to manage a project’s life cycle. Emphasis is placed on activity networks, managing resources, and creating control mechanisms that minimize risk. Project leadership is explored in the context of building effective project teams, and maintaining stakeholder relationships. Students will learn and apply basic project management concepts, including time and resource constraints, planning, scheduling, work breakdown structure, Gantt Charts, network diagrams, and project control.

Technology Core

IS 306

Data Management Communications and Networking (5)

This course develops student understanding of a model of Information Systems composed of data acquisition, data transport, data manipulation, data storage, and data display. The use of data to develop business intelligence, competitive advantage, and support business operations through lean supply chains, delivery, and oversight has become an increasingly critical component in business success. Students will learn how modern computer systems work with data across multiple systems to deliver relevant time critical information to managers and workers. Students will gain an insight into networked communications in support of business operations. This course prepares the student for working with data in a modern, highly connected organization anywhere in the world.

IS 345

Information Security (5)

Information security is an increasingly vital concern in today's highly networked digital world. This course provides an overview of the field including the objectives of information security - Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) and the inherent conflicts in these objectives. Students will look at common threats and vulnerabilities and examine the risk management techniques and controls used to address them. Upon completing this course, students will have a solid foundation to study information security in more depth, and include an awareness of the demands of information security consideration in all technology efforts.

IS 350

Systems Analysis and Design (5)

This course covers systems analysis and design using the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK) as a foundation. Data, process, and network modeling are covered along with frameworks such as the Zachman Framework and The Open Group Architectural Framework (TOGAF). Object technologies will be built into the program along with design patterns. Students will complete the design of a system by the end of this course.

IS 375

C++ - Intermediate (5)

In this course students further their understanding of the C++ programming language, applying it to the managed code environment, databases, and Windows programming. In the first part of the course students use C++/CLI to create managed code. The course then covers designing, implementing, and accessing databases to store large data sets. Students then implement Windows-based programs using the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC). Students will learn the concepts of event-driven programming, message processing, and Windows program structure. Prerequisite: CS 131

IS 470

IT Service Management (5)

This course focuses on Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) best practices as defined by Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management (TQM). Emphasis is placed on ITSM drivers of processes and strategies to create a viable Information Technology (IT) organization. Students will learn the foundation, values, strategies, and operations of ITSM. Several exercises and hands-on activities will focus on service support and service delivery.

IS 471

IT Ethics (5)

IS 471 Information Technology Ethics introduces students to the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of technology in organizations, schools and society. This course examines access and equity issues, censorship, privacy, piracy, hacking, commercialization, literacy, online communication, Intellectual Property, crime, Civil Liberties, Social Media, and developing a "global community" through the Internet. Understanding of Professional and Ethical Responsibilities and awareness of ethical issues facing IT professionals is emphasized. Analysis of situations involving ethical conflicts and the ability to make decisions based on professional codes of ethics and conduct is explored.

Depth of Study in Systems Development and Management

IS 308

Internet Technologies (5)

This course covers Internet technology including: physical devices and networks, protocols and services, and common network operating systems. The course focuses on a broad understanding of how to use and implement networks, including an introduction to physical and logical network design. This course will provide students with an understanding of networking and Internet Protocols (IP) they will use to design small- to mid-sized business networks or expand their knowledge in network-based application programming or network security. Prerequisite: CS 225

IS 360

Database Technologies (5)

This course covers data modeling, design, normalization, change control, backup/recovery, data dictionaries, client server architecture, SQL, Relational and Object Databases, MS SQL Server 2008, Oracle, and mySQL (open source). The emphasis is on understanding why information resources are of critical importance and how to manage them. The course concludes with a discussion of the future directions of database technologies.

IS 430

Web Programming (5)

The course brings together student skills in web development, programming, and databases to create dynamic websites, which incorporate the use of databases, web services, and mash-ups. The course builds on programming concepts learned in IS 410 using PHP, Javascript, Ajax, MySql, APIs, and other tools to teach techniques for web programming. Students will apply development paradigms learned in previous courses to a team project. Students completing this course will have an understanding of how to create effective web-based applications. Prerequisite: CS 225

IS 440

Quality Assurance (5)

This course covers software testing throughout the entire lifecycle of systems development. In addition, peer reviews, AARs, lessons learned, and audits will be covered. Students will develop a QA Plan for their organization as a deliverable of this course.

IS 450

Software Process Management (5)

This course covers software process improvement concepts including CQI, CMMI, and PCMM. These concepts illustrate how to assess the current state of software development and provide practice in how to systematically improve and manage the software development process using national and international standards. Both the improvement of the software development process as well as the improvement of the capability of software professionals are covered. Students will create a software process improvement plan by the end of this class.

Capstone

CS 497

Technology Capstone (5)

This cumulative capstone course provides students an opportunity to apply, integrate, and demonstrate knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their undergraduate technology education. This course is designed to be taken at the completion, or near the completion, of a student's undergraduate technology program. The course assesses the student's ability to show mastery through practical examinations, oral presentation, and written work. Students must take this course in the last quarter of enrollment. May take another program requirement concurrently. Prerequisite: Must be in BSIT or BSAPC or BSIS and in last term of study.

A bachelor’s in information systems will give you a solid technical foundation that can be applied to a wide range of professions. In today’s technology-driven world, the need for knowledgeable professionals in this line of study will always be in demand.

Upon completion of the BS in Information Systems program, you’ll be prepared to pursue a career as a:

• Business analyst
• Computer programmer
• Web designer or developer
• Database specialist
• Systems developer, integrator, or analyst
• Quality assurance manager

Networking Opportunities

At CityU, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional network by connecting with faculty working in your field, students from around the globe, and alumni employed at Seattle’s top companies. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive community that’s dedicated to helping you reach your career goals.

Tuition Cost

Learn more about tuition and fees for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

Financial Aid Opportunities

At CityU, we’re committed to helping students achieve their academic goals no matter their economic situations. Our financial aid counselors are here to find the resources you need to pay for your education, including grants, loans, work study, and scholarships.

Learn more about financial aid opportunities at CityU, or contact our Financial Aid Team at 800.426.5596, 206.239.4540, or finaid@cityu.edu.

Military Tuition Benefits

As a Yellow Ribbon school, CityU is proud to serve those who have served in the military. We offer military tuition discounts for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and accept military benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Tuition Assistance.

Learn more about military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs designed to help you reach your military and career goals.