Course Descriptions
Business Courses Computer Information Systems Courses Healthcare Informatics Concentration Courses Human Computer Interaction Concentration Courses Information Systems Management Concentration Courses Information Systems Security Concentration Courses Online Work and Communities Concentration Courses Web Systems Design and Usability Concentration Courses Portfolio Course Capstone Course
Business Courses
WLDN 1000 Dynamics of Walden Success: Learning Lab (1 cr.)
Walden University offers students a dynamic learning environment and a range of support services to ensure academic success. In this course, students immerse themselves in Walden University’s online learning environment and apply skills from the student readiness orientation. In addition, students discover and apply the tools and services that will support them throughout their degree program. Through classroom discussions and the application of key communication principles, students establish an online community of peers and explore their degree program with discipline-specific examples. This course helps students prepare for their Walden academic career and continues their orientation to the university.
ACCT 1003 Introduction to Accounting (5 cr.)
An introduction to accounting, this course takes a top-down approach to understanding introductory accounting documents and procedures by exploring a business’ financial statements including the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. The properties and characteristics of each of these statements is presented and students completing this course are expected to understand what information can be gleaned from these statements both separately and taken as a whole. The course also discusses regulations that need to be followed when preparing the financial statements as promulgated by Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP). In addition, the course presents changes to GAAP that will take place when the U.S. adopts International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002 and MATH 1030 or 1040)
BUSI 1002 Introduction to Management and Leadership (5 cr.)
This introductory course addresses the role and functions of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading and controlling organizations. Emphasized is the practical application of theory to reality. This course is structured so that students have the opportunity to see the interrelationships among the functions, components and disciplines that comprise the field of management and thereby gain a comprehensive perspective as a foundation for the further study of management. (Prerequisite: COMM 1001)
BUSI 3003 Dynamics of Change (5 cr.)
Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They learn methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization. (Prerequisite: BUSI 1002)
BUSI 3005 Critical Thinking (5 cr.)
Students become familiar with the importance of the scientific method as the basis for critical thinking and decision-making. Problem-solving and decision-making based on recognizing problems, gathering data, developing alternatives, and choosing a solution are critical skills for the professional manager. Throughout this course, students apply these skills to a variety of everyday business examples. (Prerequisite: BUSI 1002)
ECON 1002 Microeconomics (5 cr.)
The principles of microeconomics explain how in a market economy the price system answers the fundamental economic questions: What goods and services are produced and distributed, and how and for whom? The behaviors of households that supply factors of production—natural resources, labor, and capital—to firms, and that purchase consumer goods and services from firms, are examined. Also examined are firms that maximize profit through their decisions about acquiring factors of production, controlling costs of production, choosing the optimal level of output, competing with other firms under different market structures, and making investment decisions about entering new markets. (Prerequisite: MATH 1030 or 1040)
This course examines the fundamentals of probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Hypothesis testing, simple regression and correlation analysis are covered, with emphasis on the application of these techniques to business decision-making. The analysis and application of statistics in cases are stressed. (Prerequisite: MATH 1030 or 1040)
Computer Information Systems Courses
CMIS 1001 Introduction to Information Systems (5 cr.)
This course presents a broad overview of the field of information systems, covering technology, application and career issues. Students gain an appreciation of the role that information systems play in the lives of individuals, organizations and societies. (Prerequisite: COMM 1001)
CMIS 1002 Information Technology Infrastructure (5 cr.)
This course introduces some of the most important aspects of the technology infrastructure that underlies information systems. Students learn about both hardware (computers, networks, interface devices) and software (operating systems, middleware, applications, system software) elements. They also gain an appreciation of key issues of capacity, performance, reliability, scale, and obsolescence. (Prerequisite: COMM 1001)
CMIS 1003 Object-Oriented Programming I (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to fundamental notions of computer programming in an object-oriented language. Key concepts include the representation of real-world objects, actions and information in terms of data and algorithms; the translation and execution of computer programs; and the notion of an organized process of software development. Students gain hands-on practice in designing, creating, running and testing programs. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1040)
CMIS 2001 Internet Computing (5 cr.)
Students learn how the Internet stitches together many disparate devices and software components into a flexible fabric that supports an enormous variety of uses. Topics include the design of the Internet protocol stack, the structure and function of some of the most important Internet services and applications, and Internet governance. Students learn how to apply concepts of performance, scale, and reliability in the design of information systems. (Prerequisite: CMIS 1002)
CMIS 2002 Object-Oriented Programming II (5 cr.)
This course elaborates on Object-Oriented Programming I by delving deeper into the key concepts of programming with objects. Design concepts covered, which will play out in later courses, include hierarchy, modularity and abstraction. In addition to furthering their hands-on programming experience, students will learn to use and create documentation in a web-based environment. (Prerequisite: CMIS 1003)
CMIS 3001 Computing and Society (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the interaction of information systems with core social concerns: privacy, democracy, equity, security, economic progress, intellectual property rights, etc. Students learn to consider the social, ethical and legal considerations inherent in the design and use of information systems. Issues are illustrated through real-world and hypothetical cases. (Prerequisite: CMIS 2001)
CMIS 3002 Database Management Systems (5 cr.)
This course focuses on the representation and manipulation of information in relational database management systems. Students learn how to map real-world concepts onto relational representations, and how to manipulate them through relational queries to implement data-intensive applications. Students learn to use a core subset of the Structured Query Language (SQL), and learn how relational databases fit into a wide variety of practical information systems. (Prerequisite: CMIS 1003)
CMIS 3003 Requirements Analysis (5 cr.)
A critical step in the development of information systems, and one in which the seeds of disaster often are sown, is the analysis and definition of system requirements, both functional and non-functional. In this course, students learn about the identification of stakeholders and techniques for requirement elicitation, representation (e.g. use cases), and life cycles (e.g. iterative methods, maintenance). Students carry out a small real-world analysis project solo or in teams. (Prerequisite: CMIS 3002)
CMIS 3004 Object-Oriented Design (5 cr.)
Students learn the discipline of reducing requirements to the structural and functional design of information systems. Topics include conceptual modeling, design patterns, and application frameworks. Students learn the basics of modeling, design representations, and the role of Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools. (Prerequisite: CMIS 3003)
CMIS 3005 Information Systems Project Management (5 cr.)
Students learn how information systems projects are organized and managed for efficiency and reliability. Topics include software process models, estimation, planning, and scheduling. Students examine case studies of successful and unsuccessful projects, and gain experience with some key elements of project management practice. (Prerequisite: CMIS 3004)
CMIS 1000 Developing Student Portfolios for CIS (1 cr.) OPTIONAL
This course provides students with a framework for developing a student portfolio. Students learn about the value of creating a student portfolio and how it is used to communicate and demonstrate their academic accomplishments. Students are introduced to tools and techniques that help them to develop, manage, and maintain their portfolios. They demonstrate the ability to apply the structure and methods presented in this course by composing a high-level design and comprehensive outline for a student portfolio.
Healthcare Informatics Concentration Courses
CMIS 4301 Structure of the Healthcare Industry (5 cr.)
Students examine the main elements of the healthcare industry in the United States and elsewhere, analyzing the interests and information needs of healthcare professionals, provider organizations, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies, regulators, insurers, individuals and others. Trends toward, and obstacles to, information exchange are considered. (Prerequisite: BUSI 1002)
CMIS 4101 Information Security and Privacy (5 cr.)
Students learn the key concepts and concerns of information security and privacy, including technical, social and policy issues. Fundamental notions of authentication, authorization, and encryption are examined in the context of everyday information systems activities. Students analyze case studies of security and privacy breaches to understand economic and human impact. (Prerequisite: CMIS 2001)
CMIS 4302 Patient Records Practice and Policy (5 cr.)
This course examines trends in the development of standardized patient records for a variety of health-related applications. Students apply their requirements analysis and design skills to the challenges found in this field. Issues covered include privacy, confidentiality, standardization, and anonymization. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4301 and CMIS 4101)
CMIS 4303 Healthcare Information Systems Applications (5 cr.)
Students examine some of the most important classes of healthcare information systems, ranging from patient care management to epidemiology to billing to research data analysis. Case studies provide students with the opportunity to exercise their information systems design and analysis skills, as well as to consider social and ethical issues. (Prerequisite: CMIS 4302)
Human Computer Interaction Concentration Courses
CMIS 4201 Human Factors (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to aspects of human perception and cognitive performance that inform the design of effective and usable information system interfaces. It also touches upon disabilities and appropriate adaptation thereto. Students learn rules of thumb that will help them to avoid some of the most common design gaffes. (Prerequisite: CMIS 1001 or EIDT 2001)
CMIS 4202 HCI Evaluation Methods (5 cr.)
Students learn empirical and heuristic methods for evaluating and improving human computer interfaces. Students learn to conduct and analyze user studies and how to measure interfaces against models of human performance. They also are introduced to ethical and regulatory issues in human studies. (Prerequisite: CMIS 4201)
CMIS 4203 User Interface Development (5 cr.)
Building on their knowledge of user interface evaluation, students learn to synthesize effective and usable interfaces. In this course, students apply their requirements analysis skills to develop user interface designs, and apply rapid prototyping tools to innovate and iterate. (Prerequisite: CMIS 4202)
CMIS 4204 Computer-Mediated Communications (5 cr.)
Students learn about the principal modes of computer-mediated communications among individuals and groups. The course incorporates a historical perspective, tracing the evolution of varying styles of communication, including the persistent recurrence of key concepts such as links and threads. Students learn how to select approaches and tools for specific applications. (Prerequisite: CMIS 2001)
Information Systems Management Concentration Courses
ISYS 3001 Information Systems in Enterprise (5 cr.)
An introduction to enterprise information systems, this course reviews their characteristics, their impact on the enterprise, their role in organizations, and their current architectures, enabling tools, and project cycles. (Prerequisite: BUSI 1002)
ISYS 4301 Business Process Design (5 cr.)
The concepts and methodology for business process design are presented in this course. Emphasis is placed on how information systems serve as enablers for business process design. Students learn how to analyze business processes and redesign them for dramatic results. This course includes case studies that provide practical application of the concepts and methodologies. (Prerequisite: ISYS 3001)
ISYS 4302 Management of Technology (5 cr.)
This course examines the key concepts in management of information technology and the role of technology managers. It presents management of technology from both a process and a system perspective, and investigates major technical issues involved in innovation and implementation. (Prerequisite: ISYS 4301)
CMIS 4601 Information Systems Service Management (5 cr.)
This course examines the conception of information systems as collections of services, aggregated in a supply chain that stretches across organizations and continents. Students investigate the concept of Service Oriented Architecture and the various disciplines of open interfaces, open source software, service level agreements, and client-vendor relationships that allow complex assemblies of services to work. Students analyze the business and organizational strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. (Prerequisite: ISYS 3001)
Information Systems Security Concentration Courses
CMIS 4101 Information Security and Privacy (5 cr.)
Students learn the key concepts and concerns of information security and privacy, including technical, social and policy issues. Fundamental notions of authentication, authorization, and encryption are examined in the context of everyday information systems activities. Students analyze case studies of security and privacy breaches to understand economic and human impact. (Prerequisite: CMIS 2001)
CMIS 4102 Information Security Techniques I (5 cr.)
Students examine information security attacks and defenses at the individual computer level. Physical and software intrusions and defenses are considered. Students learn best practices in configuring and maintaining systems to minimize the risk of compromise. Topics covered include viruses, Trojan horses, physical compromise, stolen credentials, and related protective measures. (Prerequisite: CMIS 4101)
CMIS 4103 Information Security Techniques II (5 cr.)
Students examine information security attacks and defenses in the network. Hardware and software vulnerabilities as well as denial of service attacks are considered, along with defensive measures. Students consider the social and technical aspects of anonymity in the network as they relate to network abuse and free speech. (Prerequisite: CMIS 4102)
CMIS 4104 Computer Forensics (5 cr.)
Students learn basic approaches to analyzing information systems for evidence of illegal or inappropriate activities. They consider the legal, ethical, and policy implications of monitoring and forensic techniques. (Prerequisite: CMIS 4103)
New Media Communication Technologies Concentration Courses
MEDC 4102 New Media and Global Communication (5 cr.)
As with tools of new-age media in familiar markets, expanded markets benefit equally well—especially global markets. These new tools can be used to establish a type of universal “language” that cannot be established in other ways. Learners will draw upon tools already acquired to expand their ability to effectively reach a global arena, enhancing their own capacity and marketability. (Prerequisite: MEDC 3001)
CMIS 4204 Computer-Mediated Communications (5 cr.)
Students learn about the principal modes of computer-mediated communications among individuals and groups. The course incorporates a historical perspective, tracing the evolution of varying styles of communication, including the persistent recurrence of key concepts, such as links and threads. Students learn select approaches and tools for specific applications. (Prerequisite: CMIS 2001)
CMIS 4502 Web 2.0 Systems and Applications (5 cr.)
This course examines the phenomenon of “Web 2.0,” a cluster of technologies and applications centered around collaboration among users and their collective ability to add content and value to a community. Topics include social networks, special interest communities, volunteer collaborative efforts, and innovative incentive systems. Students analyze the technical and commercial properties of different approaches. (Prerequisite: CMIS 4204)
MEDC 4103 New Media Design (5 cr.)
Technology and new media continue to evolve, primarily due to interest coupled with newfound abilities derived from 21stcentury know-how. With this invitation to create, the learner is asked to apply their understanding of new media as a set of effective tools in the practice of communications and to design in concept a prototype appropriate to enhancing mass communications. (Prerequisite: MEDC 3001)
Online Work and Communities Concentration Courses
CMIS 4204 Computer-Mediated Communications (5 cr.)
Students learn about the principal modes of computer-mediated communications among individuals and groups. The course incorporates a historical perspective, tracing the evolution of varying styles of communication, including the persistent recurrence of key concepts such as links and threads. Students learn how to select approaches and tools for specific applications. (Prerequisite: CMIS 2001)
CMIS 4501 Computer-Supported Collaborative Work (5 cr.)
Students examine existing systems and proposals for information support for collaboration in formal and informal settings, along with their organizational and cultural contexts. Drawing upon their own experience in online collaboration and their expertise in information systems analysis and design, they carry out case studies of new and improved collaboration capabilities. (Prerequisite: CMIS 4204)
CMIS 4502 Web 2.0 Systems and Applications (5 cr.)
This course examines the phenomenon of “Web 2.0,” a cluster of technologies and applications centered around collaboration among users and their collective ability to add content and value to a community. Topics include social networks, special interest communities, volunteer collaborative efforts, and innovative incentive systems. Students analyze the technical and commercial properties of different approaches. (Prerequisite: CMIS 4204)
CMIS 4402 E-Learning Concepts and Systems (5 cr.)
Students examine key structural and functional elements of e-learning systems. Drawing upon both their experience as e-learners and their information systems expertise, they carry out group or individual projects focused on specific aspects of the learner experience, management functionality, and other properties of e-learning systems. (Prerequisite: CMIS 2001)
Web Systems Design and Usability Concentration Courses
ITEC 2070 Human-Computer Interaction (5 cr.)
This course is an overview of human perception and cognitive performance, computer processes, and system design approaches for successful human-computer interaction. Topics include human factors, usability evaluation, and principles of interface design.
ITEC 2080 Web Programming (5 cr.)
This course is an introduction to tools and techniques to develop and manage Web applications. Topics include static and dynamic Web page implementations, elements of client-server and server-side processing, data validation, and concurrency issues.
ITEC 3501 Web Development Life Cycle (5 cr.)
Web designers must keep usability, accessibility, and cross-device compatibility in mind when architecting interfaces for multiple platforms. This course examines the development life cycle of Web-based applications, including visual design, information architecture design, and interaction design, as well as the artifacts such as design documents and prototypes that are produced at each stage.
ITEC 4501 User Experience Design (5 cr.)
Web designers strive to optimize the interaction between the user and the system to create a smooth and productive user experience. This course focuses on the particular challenges of designing user interactions for Web-based applications. It also investigates design products such as process flows and wireframes used to communicate with clients, technical leads, and other stakeholders.
Capstone Course
CMIS 4001 CIS Capstone Course
In the capstone course, students review the work they have collected in their portfolio, carrying out a thoughtful reflection on the field and their educational experience. They revisit the career priorities they expressed upon entry into the program and consider their professional goals in the context of their education. They develop plans and goals for continued learning and career development in the context of their personal goals and priorities.
