Management Sciences

MIS Courses

The following courses are required to complete a major in MIS. In addition, a student majoring in MIS must select at least one elective but is encouraged to select as many as possible in order to be better prepared to work in the IT industry.

Prerequisites

6K:070 Computer Analysis
This course presents an overview of computing concepts, network technology, information systems processes, and applications in organizations. The course also provides hands-on learning of common business software, such as word processing (Word), spreadsheet (Excel), and database applications (Access). Students learn the basics of web page editing as well as gain useful Internet skills. (This is a required course for all students in the Tippie College of Business.)

Major Courses

6K:126 Visual Basic
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of professional programming, and as such programming assignments account for a substantial portion of the course work. Upon completion of this course, students should be comfortable with these concepts: computer memory, basic algorithms, flow control, looping, functions and subroutines, references, arrays and other simple data structures, basic object-oriented programming, and basic web scripting, including access to databases. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared for more advanced programming courses such as 22C:016.

6K:182 Applications Database Management Systems
Database management systems are at the heart of today’s business information systems. Introduction to the fundamentals of database design and implementation. Topics covered include: conceptual design of databases using the entity relationship model, relational design and normalization, SQL, database implementation using the Oracle database management system (DBMS), and web-based database design using ASP.NET. You will acquire hands-on-experience with a DBMS and engage in a semester-long development project with a team of fellow students to develop a database from start (requirements analysis) to finish (a web-based front-end). The goal is to help prepare you for the job market and other courses in your academic future.

6K:183 Systems Analysis and Design
This course exposes students to the theory and practice of systems analysis and design to give them a solid understanding of the issues involved in designing an information system to successfully support a business operation. The course provides hands-on experiential learning in designing a system using today’s software tools. Students also acquire a basic understanding of how key business processes work. Key topics include requirements gathering and analysis, system design, and documentation using UML use cases, class diagrams, and sequence diagrams. The course work includes development with current technology such as ASP.NET and Linq to SQL.

6K:184 Introduction to Data Communications
This course builds a solid framework of knowledge about technologies used in local and wide area networks. Strong emphasis is placed on technical details of network communication combined with the practical considerations of network design, installation, configuration, security, and troubleshooting. The course also focuses on the role of data networking, network applications, and telecommunications in securely supporting business functions.

6K:185 MIS Capstone Project
Students work as part of a team of colleagues to develop a software application for a real-world case. Students use the skills acquired in the MIS major to develop the project charter, plan, supporting database, and relevant code to complete a workable application. Team presents working prototype to the client.

22:C16 Computer Science I
First of a three-course sequence (22C:016, 22C:020, and 22C:030) intended for students who wish to develop considerable competence in computer programming. The sequence emphasizes programming style and methodology using the Java programming language. The course is taught in a lecture of 300-350 students three times a week. The 50-minute discussion periods, which meet twice a week, are used to explore in more depth selected topics from lectures, to study sample programs, and to answer questions (especially about assignments). This is the introductory course in the computer science major and minor curriculum, but it is taken by many non-majors. Prior programming experience is not required, although most students have had some previous exposure to programming. Six or seven programming projects, 14 short quizzes, and four exams are required. The course is considered by students to be very time-consuming. Lectures are taught by a faculty member; discussion sections are led by TAs.