Bachelor of Arts in Business Technology Administration Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Combined Bachelor of Science / Master of Science Decision Making Support Certificate (DMSC) Network Administration Certificate (NETC) Web Development Certificate (WEBC) Management Science Certificate Auditing for Information Systems Certificate MBA Preparatory Studies Program Study Abroad in Ireland Course Listing Undergraduate Catalog Academic Honors
Master of Science in Information Systems Master of Science in Human-Centered Computing (HCC) Online Master in Information Systems Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems Doctor of Philosophy in Human-Centered Computing (HCC) Course Listing
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Undergraduate Courses

Information Systems (IS) Courses

IS 101Introduction to Computer Based Systems (Credits: 3)
 An overview of computer information systems. This survey course introduces computer hardware, software, procedures, systems, and human resources and explores their integration and application in business and in other segments of society. The fundamentals of computer problem solving and programming in a higher-level programming language are discussed and demonstrated.
IS 125Information Systems Logic and Structured Design (Credits: 3)
 This course teaches the development of well-structured solutions to various programming applications as a preparation for programming languages courses. Concepts of data's representations, handling, and physical/logical interface are emphasized. A variety of logical and mathematical tools for problem solving are introduced.
IS 199Service Learning and Information Systems (Credits: 3)
 This service-learning experience is for all levels of students providing IS-related support for community organizations. The course has a co-requisite of Prac 096 which needs to be arranged through the Shriver Center prior to registering for IS 199. This service-learning experience is for all levels of students providing IS-related support for community organizations. The course has a co-requisite of Prac 096 which needs to be arranged through the Shriver Center prior to registering for IS 199. This service-learning experience is for all levels of students providing IS-related support for community organizations. The course has a co-requisite of Prac 096 which needs to be arranged through the Shriver Center prior to registering for IS 199. This service-learning experience is for all levels of students providing IS-related support for community organizations. The course has a co-requisite of Prac 096 which needs to be arranged through the Shriver Center prior to registering for IS 199.
IS 202Systems Analysis Methods (Credits: 3)
 An overview of the system development life cycle. Emphasis on current system documentation through the use of both classical and structured tools/techniques for describing process flows, data flows, data structures, file designs, input and output designs and program specifications. Discussion of the information gathering and reporting activities and of the transition from analysis to design. Prerequisite: IS 101.
IS 247Selected Topics in High-Level Programming Languages and Tools (Credits: 3)
 This course will introduce a high-level programming language or a development tool. The specific language or tool may vary from semester to semester, and more than one may be offered in a single semester (the letter suffix will be used to distinguish them). The course may be repeated when the language or tool is different. Prerequisite: One semester of programming.
IS 295Introduction to Applications Programming (Credits: 3)
 Introduces the development of business-oriented application programs, using case studies to stress the principles of good program design. Application software includes, but may not be limited to, Microsoft Office. Prerequisite: IS 101 and IS 125 or their equivalent or permission of the instructor. Note: Not intended for IS BS majors.
IS 298Special Topics in Information Systems (Credits: 1 - 3)
 A topic at the intermediate level which deals with the design, implementation or post- installation review of information processing systems. Note: Admission by permission of the instructor.
IS 300Management Information Systems (Credits: 3)
 An overview of Management Information Systems (MIS) including the development of transaction processing systems and their relationship to management reporting systems. The course objectives include developing an understanding of the purpose, functions, components, and applications of transaction processing systems and management reporting systems in private and public organizations; and describing and evaluating policies for information resource management. Prerequisite: One course in Information Systems or Computer Science.
IS 303Human Factors in Computer System Design (Credits: 3)
 This course provides a survey of human factors and human-centered computing relevant to the design and use of information systems. It describes the contributions of information systems, computer science, psychology, sociology, and engineering to human-centered computing. Emphasis is placed on human factors theories, human information processing concepts, interaction design approaches, and usability evaluation methods. Application areas and current research are also reviewed. Prerequisite: One course in Information Systems or Computer Science.
IS 304Ethical Issues in Information Systems (AH) (Credits: 3)
 A survey course that reviews the ethical impact of information systems and related technology throughout the world. The course examines the policy issues that relate to the use of information systems, such as persona, privacy, rights of access, security, trans-border data flow and confidentiality. Prerequisite: Any 300 level IS course. Note: Credit will not be given for both IS 304 and PHIL 252.
IS 310Software and Hardware Concepts (Credits: 3)
 A survey of technical topics related to computer systems with emphasis on the relationships between hardware architecture, system software, and applications software. The architecture of processors and storage systems are explored and the implications for systems software design are covered along with the impact of hardware and system software design on the development of application programs in a business environment. Prerequisite: One semester of programming and Calculus placement.
IS 325Introduction to Management Science (Credits: 3)
 A survey of the concepts and techniques of management science, including decision making tools, mathematical programming, networks, and operations management and simulation. Prerequisite: IS 300 and Calculus or permission of the instructor.
IS 350Business Communications Systems (Credits: 3)
 A survey of business data communications for end users of computer networks. Students will gain a basic understanding of the features, operations and limitations of different types of communications and network systems. Topics covered include: fundamentals of data and signals, telecommunications systems, wired and wireless media, error control, local area networks, wide area networks, the internet and network security. This course will provide the student the knowledge and ability to interact with the system professional administering these areas. Prerequisite: IS 300.
IS 352Women, Gender, and Information Technology (Credits: 3)
 This course examines important issues concerning women, gender, and information technology (IT). Students will consider topics as history of women’s involvement with IT; how women are impacted by technology; how women and girls fare in the educational setting as well as online; and the way that gender intersects with IT in relation to other dimensions of women’s experience such as race, class, and age. Students will connect issues relevant to women and IT to their own career choices, interact with women in the IT field, and utilize technology for research and presentation. Note: A prior course in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Women’s Studies. Cross-listed with WMST 352 and CMSC 352.
IS 387Web Content Development (Credits: 3)
 This course focuses on the creation and organization of web content that meets the information needs of end-users and serves the communication purposes of the site’s sponsors or creators. Students will learn how to analyze information architecture, navigation, audience and usability of good and bad Websites; conduct online research about best practices; talk with Web content developers from a variety of fields; and develop the Web content plan for a site. Prerequisite: ENGL 391, ENGL 393, or permission of the instructor. Note: This course does not fulfill the requirement for a third semester of programming for the IS B.S.
IS 399Cooperative Education in Information Systems (Credits: 3)
 This course provides the opportunity for IS majors to earn academic credit while employed in a professional position under the Cooperative Education Program. The course is repeatable to a maximum of six credits for a second co-op assignment. Course grading is Pass/Fail only, based on the students meeting the requirements of the Office of Professional Practice, and an acceptable performance evaluation from the employer. Note-. This course cannot be used to fulfill the major requirement for an upper-level IS elective. Prerequisite: Admission to the Cooperative Education program.
IS 400Individual Study in Information Systems (Credits: 1 - 3)
 Course open to IS majors only. Students considering enrolling in this course are encouraged to meet with the faculty member coordinating the individual study to determine the course requirements, and there is advisor to determine if the course fits their needs. Note: Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits.
IS 403User Interface Design (Credits: 3)
 A second semester human-centered computing course in which the student will have the opportunity to apply the user interface theories, guidelines and principles presented in the introductory course. The goal of the course is for the student to follow the complete systems development life cycle in analyzing, designing, developing, implementing and evaluating an interactive user interface. Course activities include producing project milestone deliverables, developing a design report, coding an interactive interface and conducting a formal interface evaluation. Prerequisite: IS 303.
IS 404The History of Computers and Computing (Credits: 3)
 This course is an historical account of the pioneers of computing and the rise of the computer and related industries. Although technical and institutional developments are the focus of the class, such developments are explained in a broad historical context- one including such factors as the state of scientific knowledge, economic conditions, defense requirements, the nature of business and financial systems, and governmental policies. Prerequisite: Junior status or permission of instructor. Note: Also listed as HIST 404 and CMSC 404.
IS 410Introduction to Database Design (Credits: 3)
 The course introduces the student to the process of database development, including data modeling, database design, and database implementation. Students learn basic interactive SQL for both data definition and queries. Students practice design skills by developing a small database project. Note: Completion of the IS B.S. gateway.
IS 413GUI Systems Using Java (Credits: 3)
 This course has the objective of introducing the student to graphical user interface systems using the most current version of Java. Students will learn to implement a series of interactive stand-alone or web-based interfaces. Event handling and multi-threaded Java programs will be studied. Image and data transmission via the internet will be presented. Students will read articles from the current research literature that offer guidelines in interface design. Familiarity with UNIX file and directory manipulation is recommended. Prerequisite: IS 247 or CMSC 201. Note: Permission of the department is required.
IS 420Database Application Development (Credits: 3)
 The course offers hands-on experience for developing client/server database applications using a major database management system. Students learn how to create and manipulate database objects including tables, views, and sequences; develop program units using SQL; and implement client applications such as forms and reports. The course provides students with first-hand experience developing prototype client/server applications. Prerequisite: IS 410.
IS 425Decision Support Systems (Credits: 3)
 This course provides an overview of the theoretical and organizational aspects of decision support systems (DSS), including descriptive and prescriptive decision making concepts, individual and group decision support systems, and executive information systems. Management of DSS within the end-user environment also is discussed. Projects using DSS software are required, and case examples are discussed. Prerequisite: IS 410 and ECAD 210. IS 325 is strongly recommended.
IS 427Artificial Intelligence (Credits: 3)
 This course will provide an introduction to, and hands-on experience with, several Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques. It will begin with the concepts and design of knowledge-based systems; the students will identify the issues arising in the design of rule-based systems. Machine learning, particularly neural network topologies will be introduced. The class will also include a discussion of recent advances in AI, including intelligent agents, natural language processing, evolutionary computing and case based reasoning. Prerequisite: IS 425.
IS 428Data Mining Techniques and Applications (Credits: 3)
 ata mining is the exploration and analysis of large quantities of data in discover hidden and meaningful patterns. Students will learn both how data mining techniques work and how to apply data mining to various business and organizational contexts in this course. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of how data mining is changing the way businesses understand their customers and make decisions. Prerequisite: IS 410 and STAT 351.
IS 430Information Systems & Security (Credits: 3)
 A survey course relating to the establishment and maintenance of a practical information security program. The security implications of databases, telecommunications systems and software are examined, as are techniques to assess risks and to discover abuses of systems. Prerequisite: IS 300 and IS 310.
IS 432Computer Viruses (Credits: 3)
 Through a review of the current literature, a survey of state-of-the-art software tools, and an examination of actual microcomputer based viruses, the course is intended to prepare students for the eventuality of having to protect their machines and data against the increasingly common threat of viruses. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.
IS 434The Development of Modern Information Systems (Credits: 3)
 This course examines the impact of information systems on nearly every aspect of life in the United States and other countries. It traces the developments that have made this situation possible; especially those changes following the release of the personal computer and the rise of networking. Included are topics related to increasing reliance on information systems within the economic and social context of the "computer revolution". Prerequisite: Any upper level IS course or permission of the instructor.
IS 436Structured Systems Analysis and Design (Credits: 3)
 A capstone course involving advanced study and application of structured analysis and design methods through the system life cycle. Emphasis is given to the common approaches for gathering requirements, modeling, analyzing, and designing information systems. Managing the complexity of system development projects is also addressed. These skills are applied via a semester-long team-based field research. Prerequisite: IS 410.
IS 437Applied Systems Design (Credits: 3)
 Applied Systems Design extends material from IS 436 and allows students to apply the material from IS 436 in project teams to create a working Information System. Emphasis is on real-world requirements and constraints. Students may be have to sign non-disclosure forms if involved on projects sponsored by organizations providing design opportunities. Note: IS 438 Project Management is a suggested pre- or co- requisite.
IS 438Project Management (Credits: 3)
 A course covering the manner in which a system project is planned, scheduled and controlled during the project's life, The use of project management techniques such as PERT (Project Evaluation and Review Technique) and Gantt charts will be examined in depth as will be other techniques of planning, scheduling and controlling projects. Prerequisite: IS 300.
IS 439Advanced Project Management (Credits: 3)
 Advanced Project Management is a seminar style course that focuses on extending students’ project management skills by actively engaging in existing and proposed projects through a case studies approach. Students will take a critical approach to creating and evaluating modern Information Systems projects with the goal of bringing current practice in line with recent research in the field.
IS 440Office Automation (Credits: 3)
 Office information and decision support systems are examined as emerging and critical elements in business data and information systems. Emphasis is given to information processing considerations at the systems level, including analysis and management of support activities such as data and records management, electronic filing and retrieving systems, word processing, micro and reprographics, and (tele) communications. The course includes discussion of person/machine interfaces and appraisals of current and future technological trends and their impacts on data processing and office equipment. Prerequisite: IS 350. Note: IS 350 can be taken as a corequisite.
IS 448Markup and Scripting Languages (Credits: 3)
 This course covers the history, theory, and practice of markup languages and their associated scripting languages. The markup languages of SGML, XML, and HTML along with the standard scripting language ECMAScript (JavaScript) are included along with the Document Object Model. Prerequisite: CMSC 201 or equivalent.
IS 450Data Communications and Networks (Credits: 3)
 This is an introductory survey course in data communications and networking. It surveys basic theory and technology of computer networking. A single networking protocol stack is also covered in depth. Prerequisite: Completion of the IS B.S. gateway.
IS 451Network Design and Management (Credits: 3)
 This course covers implementation and administration of enterprise networking and distributed applications. It includes readings and case studies on middleware, network architecture for distributed applications, and selected technologies to support enterprise systems. Prerequisite: IS 450.
IS 451MLAN Management Using Microsoft Windows (Credits: 3)
 A hands-on course using the latest version of the Microsoft Server which covers the design, building, management, security and technical issues involved in a local area network. Prerequisite: IS 451. Note: IS 451 can be taken as a corequisite.
IS 451ULAN Management Using UNIX (Credits: 3)
 A hands-on course taught in a computer classroom in Unix operating system management and networking. The design, building, management, security and technical issues involved in a local area network will be covered. Prerequisite: IS 450. Note: IS 451 can be taken as a corequisite.
IS 451WServer-Side Web Systems (Credits: 3)
 A hands-on course taught in a computer classroom utilizing the World Wide Web covering the design, building, management, security and technical issues involved in a local area network. Prerequisite: IS 450. Note: IS 451 can be taken as a corequisite.
IS 452Internetworking (Credits: 3)
 This course covers network routing and other topics in internetworking. This will be a project-oriented course that will consist of lectures and hands-on laboratory experience creating projects that simulate real-world networks. Prerequisite: IS 450.
IS 454Survey of Telecommunications (Credits: 3)
 This course examines the design and management issues in communications beyond the local area, including wide-area networks, high speed data transfer, integrated voice and data communications, distributed processing and internetworking. Prerequisite: IS 450.
IS 456Telecommunications Policy (Credits: 3)
 This course presents and discusses current telecommunications policy issues based on technological advances and both national and international regulatory developments. The course provides a background in the development and progression of telecommunications regulation and discusses the impact of such policies on various segments of the telecommunications industry. Prerequisite: IS 450.
IS 460Health Care Informatics I (Credits: 3)
 The focus of this course is on health care information systems. Examples of topics covered include: requirements and design, providers and payers, regulations, ecommerce, privacy and security, personnel and vendors, knowledge and diffusion. Prerequisite: IS 300.
IS 461Health Care Informatics II (Credits: 3)
 The focus of this course is on health care information systems. Examples of topics include E-commerce standards, government regulation of privacy and security, and cancer information systems. Prerequisite: IS 460.
IS 464Telemedicine in Trauma Care (Credits: 3)
 This course addresses topical issues of telemedicine in pre-hospital and trauma care. It covers issues in designing, developing, deploying and evaluating telemedicine systems, research methodologies including field and laboratory experimentation and the role of information technologies in supporting team coordination in trauma care from the accident scene to the emergency room. Students will be exposed to the ongoing telemedicine research projects and state of the art telemedicine systems at the Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Prerequisite: IS 461.
IS 469Senior Project in Information Systems (Credits: 3)
 This course is designed to help a student synthesize material learned in other courses by applying it to a project in the student’s area of interest. It is open to IS majors by permission of the department. It will consist of an independent study/research project directed by a faculty member or a work-related internship experience focused on computer systems in a setting appropriate to the student's interests under the supervision of a faculty member. Note: Repeatable to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: Senior standing, two or more IS courses at the 400-level or permission of the department.
IS 474Legal Aspects of Information Systems (Credits: 3)
 This course focuses on the legal issues surrounding the use and misuse of computer- stored information, and copyrights and piracy of computer software. Prerequisite: IS 300.
IS 498Special Topics in Information Systems (Credits: 1 - 6)
 Topics in the design and implementation of information processing systems. Repeatable when topics differ. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Management (ECAD) Courses

ECAD 210The Practice of Management (Credits: 3)
 The study of the role of the manager in leading and controlling organizations ranging from small entrepreneurships to large corporate environments. Topics will include management theories, corporate culture, goal-setting and measuring performance.
ECAD 310Human Resource Management (Credits: 3)
 Examination and review of human resource management and of resource materials in the field. Examination of human resource policies as dictated by legal and cultural constraints and traditions within the organization. May include extensive use of case studies. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
ECAD 360Business Law (Credits: 3)
 A study of legal principles and laws that affect business activities. Topics include foundations of law and organization of the legal system. Additionally, the course will focus on legal issues involving business organizations, business torts and crimes, as well as the common law topics of contracts, property law, warranty, liability and intellectual property issues. The course also will include legal issues involved in competition, marketing and employment. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
ECAD 385Business Ethics and Society (Credits: 3)
 Study of the standards of business conduct and the role of business in society with consideration of the sometimes conflicting interests of the firm and society. The course will survey applied topics relating to business ethics, including corporate social responsibility, the relationship of law and ethics, and the ethical decision-making process. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
ECAD 399Administrative Internship (Credits: 3)
 This course provides the student with an opportunity to obtain training and experience in positions related to management or administration. The course may include on-the-job training, as well as directed reading and research. The course grade will depend on reports that demonstrate the student’s professional development and on the instructor’s evaluation (which may be based in part on information provided by the supervisor) of the student’s internship performance. Course is offered P/F only. Prerequisite: ECAD 210 and junior standing.
ECAD 410Production Management (Credits: 1 - 3)
 Study of operation of a manufacturing enterprise and the analysis of production system design. Techniques developed include linear programming, simulation and statistical forecasting. Topics include resource allocation, production scheduling, inventory management and quality control. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
ECAD 425Marketing (Credits: 3)
 An inquiry into the theory and practice of marketing. Consideration is given to methods of analysis and prediction of demand and marketing costs. Prerequisite: ECON 101, 102, 121 and 122.
ECAD 489Seminar in Management and Administration (Credits: 3)
 The purpose of this seminar is to synthesize the analytical and applied experiences of the student in managerial and administrative sciences through simulation, case studies and related activities. Prerequisite: The purpose of this seminar is to synthesize the analytical and applied experiences of the student in managerial and administrative sciences through simulation, case studies and related activities.