Management Sciences

MIS Electives

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.

Elective Courses

6K:101 Directed Readings
This is a flexible arrangement between a student and a faculty member. The student should identify an area that they would like to learn more about. Then the student contacts a professor with an interest in that area or might have an interest in that area and ask if they can help design a readings course that will provide more information in the area. A student’s interest in a course topic about which they want to learn more is usually the reason for a directed readings course. We don’t usually use an independent study course just to facilitate a student’s schedule, although that can be a consideration. We also don’t offer Directed Readings if the area a student wants to study is covered in a course we are offering. Sometimes a directed readings course is done to allow a student to do independent research in an area. The hours for this course are flexible depending on the amount of work the student wants to do (usually 1-3 s.h.).

6K:128 Web & Multimedia
This course is an introduction to how multimedia technologies are used in web page development—images, animation, sound, and video work. Students will gain an understanding of their attributes, limitations, considerations, procedures for their use, as well as hands-on experience using common applications for media creation and editing. Students will complete projects that culminate in a web site.

6K:176 Managerial Decision Models
Mathematical programming, including linear, nonlinear, dynamic programming, with application in economics, management; classical optimization techniques, transportation, network flow problems.

6K:180 Applied Information Systems
Framework of accounting information systems by combining knowledge about the accounting transaction cycles, information technology, and business process design. Specific topics include identifying, modeling, and describing business processes using the REA methodology; applying concepts of relational database management systems to business/accounting issues; identifying and evaluating appropriate uses of technology for a business; and identifying and evaluating appropriate uses of technology for a business process.

6K:186 Advanced Database Methods
Recruiters have indicated that a second-level database course is very favorably viewed, and we design this course to complement what is taught in 6K:182. Review of topics in 6K:182 then proceeds to a more detailed discussion of advanced topics from conceptual and logical database design. Topics include advanced SQL, introduction to triggers and procedures (implemented using PL/SQL programming for Oracle), database administration, concurrency control, indexing and database performance issues, database security (access control) and multiple web technologies to access data including ASP.NET, PHP, and JSP. Individual and team project work are emphasized.

6K:188 Network and Computer Security
Introductory course on data and network security and techniques to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and assets; information assurance including introductory concepts, physical security, access controls, attacks, and defenses; management issues surrounding information security as well as current topics and ethical scenarios. Throughout the class we frequently change perspectives from the IT administrator, to the CEO, to the casual home user, to the hacker.

6K:189 E-Commerce Technology
Introduction to the basic technical techniques for designing and developing dynamic web-based e-business systems. Key technologies covered include VB.NET programming language, ASP.NET platform for developing web forms and web services, Linq to SQL, ADO.net for data access, Microsoft SQL Server, and XML. Students will build a prototype version of an E-commerce site.

6K:190 Network Design and Performance
This course is an exploration of LAN connectivity alternatives, and the decision-making process for designing cost-effective local area networking solutions for a given application. Emphasis is placed on the use of local area networking solutions in client/server architectures. Topics include an in-depth exploration of the OSI model, TCP/IP, basic routing protocols, VLANs, switch loop avoidance, router access lists, and data-center design and management.