B.S. in Computer Information Systems

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.

An introduction to accounting, students in this course take a top-down approach to understanding introductory accounting documents and procedures by exploring a business’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Students explore the practical uses for information that can be gleaned from these statements, individually and as a whole, through a detailed examination of the properties and characteristics of each statement. Students engage in application assignments and discussions on a variety of topics, such as regulations that should be followed when preparing financial statements as promulgated by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Students examine the U.S. use of GAAP in comparison to the use of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001 or 1002, and MATH 1001, 1002, 1030, or 1040.)

The role and functions of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations, are addressed in this introductory course. 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. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

All businesses experience change. Sometimes change is required to ensure stability; other times, the purpose of change is expansion for competitive advantage. In this course, students explore the responsibilities of managers and leaders to implement effective organizational change as well as to ensure that employees understand the function and benefits of change. Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They also examine methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002.)

Problem solving and decision making based on recognizing problems, gathering data, developing alternatives, and choosing solutions are critical skills for the professional manager. In this course, students apply these skills to a variety of business examples. Students become familiar with the importance of the scientific method as the basis for critical thinking and decision making. They gain practical experience identifying logical fallacies, analyzing research methodologies, and choosing appropriate problem-solving techniques. Students also reflect on content presented in the course to consider ways to become more effective critical and logical thinkers. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001, BUSI 1002, or COMM 1004.)

The principles of microeconomics explain how in a market economy the price system answers the following fundamental economic questions: What goods and services are produced and distributed as well as how and for whom? Students in this course examine 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. They also investigate 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. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or MATH 1040.)

In this course, students examine the fundamentals of probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn concepts of hypothesis testing, simple regression, and correlation analysis, focusing on the application of these techniques to business decision making. Applying these concepts to analyze hypothetical case scenarios, students learn practical ways that they can use statistics in their daily life. Students also have the opportunity to share insight and gain new perspectives on these topics through weekly discussions. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or 1040.)

A portfolio is a valuable tool for students to communicate and demonstrate their academic accomplishments as well as a means to advance their professional prospects. In this course, students learn about the tools for developing an electronic portfolio. They compose a high-level design and comprehensive outline through which they apply the structure and methods learned in the course. They also examine tools and techniques that lend to the management and maintenance of an electronic portfolio. Through peer discussion about portfolio challenges and solutions, students work toward building their communication and problem-solving skills, which they will use throughout their program. Note about required first courses: Students should review the program description section of the Walden University Catalog carefully to determine which first course is required.

The definition of information systems (IS) is broad and can encompass a large number of components. The most important aspect, however, is that IS are vital to the daily function of nearly all individuals and organizations. In this course, students have the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the role that information systems play in their lives as well as in different types of organizations and societies. Students obtain a broad overview of the field of information systems through the examination and discussion of technology, practical applications, and related career issues. They also use case studies that represent recent situations in actual organizations to gain real-world knowledge of how a business manages its data in conjunction with business processes to create an information system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Businesses whose systems are lacking or experience failure are at risk of significant loss of time, money, and customer faith. Therefore, information technology (IT) is essential to the function and success of nearly all businesses. Through this course, students prepare for a role in the field of IT as they learn fundamental concepts of the IT infrastructure that underlie information systems. Students examine both hardware (computers, networks, interface devices) and software (operating systems, middleware, applications, system software) elements. They also explore key issues of capacity, performance, reliability, scale, and obsolescence for a thorough understanding of all aspects of IT infrastructure. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Modern software design and programming requires techniques that simplify the development and maintenance process. Object-oriented programming (OPP) does just this by allowing programmers to develop objects that represent complex concepts in applications. This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of computer programming in an object-oriented language. Students learn about key concepts, including 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. They engage in hands-on practice in designing, creating, running, and testing programs and discuss related topics to share ideas and obtain different perspectives. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1040.)

The Internet stitches together many disparate devices and software components into a flexible fabric that supports an enormous variety of uses. Students in this course learn about the functions of these components through a comprehensive evaluation of internet computing. They examine 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 have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the application of concepts, such as performance, scale, and reliability, in the design of information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1002.)

Students in this course elaborate their study of object-oriented programming by delving deeper into the key concepts of programming with objects, including complex data structures. Students examine and discuss hierarchy, modularity, and abstraction—concepts that they will use in subsequent courses in the program. Students supplement their hands-on programming practice by engaging in assignments designed to provide practical application of context, including the use and development of documentation in a Web-based environment. Through this course, students learn to write more elaborate code and solve real-world problems they will encounter in the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

There are invariable challenges in the aggressive world of information technology (IT) requiring those in the field to understand and adhere to a professional code of ethics. This course introduces students to the interaction of information systems with core social concerns, including privacy, democracy, equity, security, economic progress, and intellectual property rights. Students learn to consider the social, ethical, and legal considerations inherent in the design and use of information systems. They also examine real-world and hypothetical case studies for a practical approach to applying the professional code of ethics to the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

All types of businesses rely on systems to manage their data and to keep that data secure, accurate, and reliable. A database is a system designed to do just this as well as to simplify the processes of data entry, search, and retrieval. Students in this course focus 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 also learn to use a core subset of the structured query language (SQL) and how relational databases fit into a wide variety of practical information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

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. This course provides students with an introduction to systems analysis and the responsibilities of a systems analyst. Students learn about the identification of stakeholders and techniques for requirement elicitation, representation (e.g., use cases), and life cycles (e.g., iterative methods, and maintenance). Students complete a comprehensive analysis project through which they work toward gaining hands-on experience meeting the responsibilities of a systems analyst. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3002.)

In this course, students learn the discipline of reducing requirements to the structural and functional design of information systems through the application of object-oriented principles to the design phase of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). They engage in discussions and assignments on a variety of topics, including conceptual modeling, design patterns, and application frameworks. They learn the basics of modeling, design representations, and the role of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools. Students have the opportunity to gain insight on contemporary methodologies employed in systems development, such as agile development, the Unified Process (UP), eXtreme Programming (XP), Model-Driven Architecture (MDA), and frameworks. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3003.)

The process of creation, from conception through completion, is complex and requires a diverse set of management skills. This course introduces students to the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to manage information systems projects effectively throughout a project life cycle. Students learn how information systems projects are organized and managed for efficiency and reliability. They explore topics including software process models, estimation, planning, and scheduling. Students examine case studies of successful and unsuccessful projects and gain experience with key elements of project management practice. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3004.)

In the capstone course, students complete an integrative independent study that combines multiple aspects of their computer information systems program. They review the work they have collected in their portfolio and reflect on their educational experience. Students 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 for continued learning and career development, in the context of their personal goals and priorities. (Prerequisites: All required core and upper-division business and computer information systems courses.)

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.

An introduction to accounting, students in this course take a top-down approach to understanding introductory accounting documents and procedures by exploring a business’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Students explore the practical uses for information that can be gleaned from these statements, individually and as a whole, through a detailed examination of the properties and characteristics of each statement. Students engage in application assignments and discussions on a variety of topics, such as regulations that should be followed when preparing financial statements as promulgated by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Students examine the U.S. use of GAAP in comparison to the use of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001 or 1002, and MATH 1001, 1002, 1030, or 1040.)

The role and functions of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations, are addressed in this introductory course. 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. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

All businesses experience change. Sometimes change is required to ensure stability; other times, the purpose of change is expansion for competitive advantage. In this course, students explore the responsibilities of managers and leaders to implement effective organizational change as well as to ensure that employees understand the function and benefits of change. Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They also examine methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002.)

Problem solving and decision making based on recognizing problems, gathering data, developing alternatives, and choosing solutions are critical skills for the professional manager. In this course, students apply these skills to a variety of business examples. Students become familiar with the importance of the scientific method as the basis for critical thinking and decision making. They gain practical experience identifying logical fallacies, analyzing research methodologies, and choosing appropriate problem-solving techniques. Students also reflect on content presented in the course to consider ways to become more effective critical and logical thinkers. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001, BUSI 1002, or COMM 1004.)

The principles of microeconomics explain how in a market economy the price system answers the following fundamental economic questions: What goods and services are produced and distributed as well as how and for whom? Students in this course examine 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. They also investigate 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. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or MATH 1040.)

In this course, students examine the fundamentals of probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn concepts of hypothesis testing, simple regression, and correlation analysis, focusing on the application of these techniques to business decision making. Applying these concepts to analyze hypothetical case scenarios, students learn practical ways that they can use statistics in their daily life. Students also have the opportunity to share insight and gain new perspectives on these topics through weekly discussions. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or 1040.)

A portfolio is a valuable tool for students to communicate and demonstrate their academic accomplishments as well as a means to advance their professional prospects. In this course, students learn about the tools for developing an electronic portfolio. They compose a high-level design and comprehensive outline through which they apply the structure and methods learned in the course. They also examine tools and techniques that lend to the management and maintenance of an electronic portfolio. Through peer discussion about portfolio challenges and solutions, students work toward building their communication and problem-solving skills, which they will use throughout their program. Note about required first courses: Students should review the program description section of the Walden University Catalog carefully to determine which first course is required.

The definition of information systems (IS) is broad and can encompass a large number of components. The most important aspect, however, is that IS are vital to the daily function of nearly all individuals and organizations. In this course, students have the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the role that information systems play in their lives as well as in different types of organizations and societies. Students obtain a broad overview of the field of information systems through the examination and discussion of technology, practical applications, and related career issues. They also use case studies that represent recent situations in actual organizations to gain real-world knowledge of how a business manages its data in conjunction with business processes to create an information system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Businesses whose systems are lacking or experience failure are at risk of significant loss of time, money, and customer faith. Therefore, information technology (IT) is essential to the function and success of nearly all businesses. Through this course, students prepare for a role in the field of IT as they learn fundamental concepts of the IT infrastructure that underlie information systems. Students examine both hardware (computers, networks, interface devices) and software (operating systems, middleware, applications, system software) elements. They also explore key issues of capacity, performance, reliability, scale, and obsolescence for a thorough understanding of all aspects of IT infrastructure. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Modern software design and programming requires techniques that simplify the development and maintenance process. Object-oriented programming (OPP) does just this by allowing programmers to develop objects that represent complex concepts in applications. This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of computer programming in an object-oriented language. Students learn about key concepts, including 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. They engage in hands-on practice in designing, creating, running, and testing programs and discuss related topics to share ideas and obtain different perspectives. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1040.)

The Internet stitches together many disparate devices and software components into a flexible fabric that supports an enormous variety of uses. Students in this course learn about the functions of these components through a comprehensive evaluation of internet computing. They examine 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 have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the application of concepts, such as performance, scale, and reliability, in the design of information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1002.)

Students in this course elaborate their study of object-oriented programming by delving deeper into the key concepts of programming with objects, including complex data structures. Students examine and discuss hierarchy, modularity, and abstraction—concepts that they will use in subsequent courses in the program. Students supplement their hands-on programming practice by engaging in assignments designed to provide practical application of context, including the use and development of documentation in a Web-based environment. Through this course, students learn to write more elaborate code and solve real-world problems they will encounter in the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

There are invariable challenges in the aggressive world of information technology (IT) requiring those in the field to understand and adhere to a professional code of ethics. This course introduces students to the interaction of information systems with core social concerns, including privacy, democracy, equity, security, economic progress, and intellectual property rights. Students learn to consider the social, ethical, and legal considerations inherent in the design and use of information systems. They also examine real-world and hypothetical case studies for a practical approach to applying the professional code of ethics to the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

All types of businesses rely on systems to manage their data and to keep that data secure, accurate, and reliable. A database is a system designed to do just this as well as to simplify the processes of data entry, search, and retrieval. Students in this course focus 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 also learn to use a core subset of the structured query language (SQL) and how relational databases fit into a wide variety of practical information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

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. This course provides students with an introduction to systems analysis and the responsibilities of a systems analyst. Students learn about the identification of stakeholders and techniques for requirement elicitation, representation (e.g., use cases), and life cycles (e.g., iterative methods, and maintenance). Students complete a comprehensive analysis project through which they work toward gaining hands-on experience meeting the responsibilities of a systems analyst. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3002.)

In this course, students learn the discipline of reducing requirements to the structural and functional design of information systems through the application of object-oriented principles to the design phase of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). They engage in discussions and assignments on a variety of topics, including conceptual modeling, design patterns, and application frameworks. They learn the basics of modeling, design representations, and the role of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools. Students have the opportunity to gain insight on contemporary methodologies employed in systems development, such as agile development, the Unified Process (UP), eXtreme Programming (XP), Model-Driven Architecture (MDA), and frameworks. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3003.)

The process of creation, from conception through completion, is complex and requires a diverse set of management skills. This course introduces students to the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to manage information systems projects effectively throughout a project life cycle. Students learn how information systems projects are organized and managed for efficiency and reliability. They explore topics including software process models, estimation, planning, and scheduling. Students examine case studies of successful and unsuccessful projects and gain experience with key elements of project management practice. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3004.)

The responsibility of an information security specialist is to supervise operations that follow industry best practices for security and data integrity. This role helps to ensure that systems are free from external threats and risks that may jeopardize or harm an organization. In this course, students examine the role of a security specialist and learn the key concepts and concerns of information security and privacy, including technical, social, and policy issues. Students examine fundamental notions of authentication, authorization, and encryption in the context of everyday information systems activities. Students analyze and discuss case studies of security and privacy breaches to understand economic and human impact. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

What determines patients’ plan of care and what role does technology play in their diagnosis and treatment? Through this course, students have the opportunity to answer questions such as these as well as to gain a broad understanding of healthcare as a complex business system. 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. They examine classic literature and current articles in the field to gain an appreciation of the trends toward and obstacles to information exchange. Though this course, students also have the opportunity to survey the various professional careers available in healthcare and consider their goals and interests in relation to these opportunities. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001 or BUSI 1002.)

As in most industries, healthcare relies heavily on information technology to provide the infrastructure for healthcare delivery in the global marketplace. Through this course, students have the opportunity to gain the necessary skills to understand the complexities of healthcare information systems components. Students examine the trends in the development of standardized patient records for a variety of health-related applications. They use requisite skills in requirements analysis and design to address the challenges in the field and engage in coursework on topics including privacy, confidentiality, and standardization. Students assess and discuss a variety of topics, such as medical devices, guidelines, and standards as well as the differences among electronic health records, electronic medical records, and personal health records. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4301 and CMIS 4101 OR HLTH 1005 [for B.S. in Health Studies or B.S. in Public Health students]).

The cost of delivering healthcare in the United States continues to grow exponentially; therefore, the industry is in need of ways to optimize the financial components associated with delivery while focusing on better quality of care. Through this course, students learn about healthcare information systems applications designed to add value to the delivery of healthcare from a financial and clinical outcomes-based perspective. 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 a practical opportunity to exercise their information systems design and analysis skills as well as to consider social and ethical issues related to the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4302.)

In the capstone course, students complete an integrative independent study that combines multiple aspects of their computer information systems program. They review the work they have collected in their portfolio and reflect on their educational experience. Students 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 for continued learning and career development, in the context of their personal goals and priorities. (Prerequisites: All required core and upper-division business and computer information systems courses.)

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.

An introduction to accounting, students in this course take a top-down approach to understanding introductory accounting documents and procedures by exploring a business’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Students explore the practical uses for information that can be gleaned from these statements, individually and as a whole, through a detailed examination of the properties and characteristics of each statement. Students engage in application assignments and discussions on a variety of topics, such as regulations that should be followed when preparing financial statements as promulgated by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Students examine the U.S. use of GAAP in comparison to the use of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001 or 1002, and MATH 1001, 1002, 1030, or 1040.)

The role and functions of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations, are addressed in this introductory course. 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. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

All businesses experience change. Sometimes change is required to ensure stability; other times, the purpose of change is expansion for competitive advantage. In this course, students explore the responsibilities of managers and leaders to implement effective organizational change as well as to ensure that employees understand the function and benefits of change. Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They also examine methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002.)

Problem solving and decision making based on recognizing problems, gathering data, developing alternatives, and choosing solutions are critical skills for the professional manager. In this course, students apply these skills to a variety of business examples. Students become familiar with the importance of the scientific method as the basis for critical thinking and decision making. They gain practical experience identifying logical fallacies, analyzing research methodologies, and choosing appropriate problem-solving techniques. Students also reflect on content presented in the course to consider ways to become more effective critical and logical thinkers. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001, BUSI 1002, or COMM 1004.)

The principles of microeconomics explain how in a market economy the price system answers the following fundamental economic questions: What goods and services are produced and distributed as well as how and for whom? Students in this course examine 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. They also investigate 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. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or MATH 1040.)

In this course, students examine the fundamentals of probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn concepts of hypothesis testing, simple regression, and correlation analysis, focusing on the application of these techniques to business decision making. Applying these concepts to analyze hypothetical case scenarios, students learn practical ways that they can use statistics in their daily life. Students also have the opportunity to share insight and gain new perspectives on these topics through weekly discussions. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or 1040.)

A portfolio is a valuable tool for students to communicate and demonstrate their academic accomplishments as well as a means to advance their professional prospects. In this course, students learn about the tools for developing an electronic portfolio. They compose a high-level design and comprehensive outline through which they apply the structure and methods learned in the course. They also examine tools and techniques that lend to the management and maintenance of an electronic portfolio. Through peer discussion about portfolio challenges and solutions, students work toward building their communication and problem-solving skills, which they will use throughout their program. Note about required first courses: Students should review the program description section of the Walden University Catalog carefully to determine which first course is required.

The definition of information systems (IS) is broad and can encompass a large number of components. The most important aspect, however, is that IS are vital to the daily function of nearly all individuals and organizations. In this course, students have the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the role that information systems play in their lives as well as in different types of organizations and societies. Students obtain a broad overview of the field of information systems through the examination and discussion of technology, practical applications, and related career issues. They also use case studies that represent recent situations in actual organizations to gain real-world knowledge of how a business manages its data in conjunction with business processes to create an information system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Businesses whose systems are lacking or experience failure are at risk of significant loss of time, money, and customer faith. Therefore, information technology (IT) is essential to the function and success of nearly all businesses. Through this course, students prepare for a role in the field of IT as they learn fundamental concepts of the IT infrastructure that underlie information systems. Students examine both hardware (computers, networks, interface devices) and software (operating systems, middleware, applications, system software) elements. They also explore key issues of capacity, performance, reliability, scale, and obsolescence for a thorough understanding of all aspects of IT infrastructure. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Modern software design and programming requires techniques that simplify the development and maintenance process. Object-oriented programming (OPP) does just this by allowing programmers to develop objects that represent complex concepts in applications. This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of computer programming in an object-oriented language. Students learn about key concepts, including 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. They engage in hands-on practice in designing, creating, running, and testing programs and discuss related topics to share ideas and obtain different perspectives. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1040.)

The Internet stitches together many disparate devices and software components into a flexible fabric that supports an enormous variety of uses. Students in this course learn about the functions of these components through a comprehensive evaluation of internet computing. They examine 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 have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the application of concepts, such as performance, scale, and reliability, in the design of information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1002.)

Students in this course elaborate their study of object-oriented programming by delving deeper into the key concepts of programming with objects, including complex data structures. Students examine and discuss hierarchy, modularity, and abstraction—concepts that they will use in subsequent courses in the program. Students supplement their hands-on programming practice by engaging in assignments designed to provide practical application of context, including the use and development of documentation in a Web-based environment. Through this course, students learn to write more elaborate code and solve real-world problems they will encounter in the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

There are invariable challenges in the aggressive world of information technology (IT) requiring those in the field to understand and adhere to a professional code of ethics. This course introduces students to the interaction of information systems with core social concerns, including privacy, democracy, equity, security, economic progress, and intellectual property rights. Students learn to consider the social, ethical, and legal considerations inherent in the design and use of information systems. They also examine real-world and hypothetical case studies for a practical approach to applying the professional code of ethics to the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

All types of businesses rely on systems to manage their data and to keep that data secure, accurate, and reliable. A database is a system designed to do just this as well as to simplify the processes of data entry, search, and retrieval. Students in this course focus 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 also learn to use a core subset of the structured query language (SQL) and how relational databases fit into a wide variety of practical information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

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. This course provides students with an introduction to systems analysis and the responsibilities of a systems analyst. Students learn about the identification of stakeholders and techniques for requirement elicitation, representation (e.g., use cases), and life cycles (e.g., iterative methods, and maintenance). Students complete a comprehensive analysis project through which they work toward gaining hands-on experience meeting the responsibilities of a systems analyst. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3002.)

In this course, students learn the discipline of reducing requirements to the structural and functional design of information systems through the application of object-oriented principles to the design phase of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). They engage in discussions and assignments on a variety of topics, including conceptual modeling, design patterns, and application frameworks. They learn the basics of modeling, design representations, and the role of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools. Students have the opportunity to gain insight on contemporary methodologies employed in systems development, such as agile development, the Unified Process (UP), eXtreme Programming (XP), Model-Driven Architecture (MDA), and frameworks. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3003.)

The process of creation, from conception through completion, is complex and requires a diverse set of management skills. This course introduces students to the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to manage information systems projects effectively throughout a project life cycle. Students learn how information systems projects are organized and managed for efficiency and reliability. They explore topics including software process models, estimation, planning, and scheduling. Students examine case studies of successful and unsuccessful projects and gain experience with key elements of project management practice. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3004.)

Understanding how people interact with computers in various environments is crucial to the development of interfaces that address the needs of differing personality types. In this course, students learn about human-computer interaction (HCI) including various aspects of human perception and cognitive performance that inform the design of effective and usable information system interfaces. Students also examine disabilities and appropriate adaptation thereto, such as the implementation of accessibility elements in HCI. Through the exploration of current literature and case studies, students learn techniques to help them avoid some of the most common design gaffes in the development of user interfaces. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1001.)

An effective and user-friendly human-computer interface (HCI) requires careful analysis, assessment, and modification. Students in this course learn empirical and heuristic methods for evaluating and improving human-computer interfaces. They also learn methods in conducting and analyzing user studies and ways to measure interfaces against models of human performance. Students engage in a group project through which they apply usability evaluation methods to a real-life scenario resulting in an actual HCI evaluation and report. This course also introduces students to the ethical and regulatory issues in human studies, providing them with the opportunity to understand all factors involved in conducting HCI evaluations. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4201.)

How do we design interfaces for optimal efficiency and appeal? Effective design requires an understanding of the goals, needs, and skills of the user. In this course, students consider these factors and build on their knowledge of user interface evaluation to synthesize effective and usable interfaces. Students discuss a variety of topics, such as basic principles and guidelines of design, application of design principles, prototyping, and mapping. Through practical exercises and other course assignments, students apply their requirements analysis skills to develop user interface designs and use rapid prototyping tools in the process of innovation and iteration. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4202.)

Communication through outlets such as e-mail, instant messages, blogs, and text messages is an intrinsic part of our daily lives. This evolving form of interaction continues to progress; therefore, it’s important to know how humans use media to initiate, manage, and maintain both personal and professional interaction. This course incorporates a historical perspective through which students trace the evolution of varying styles of communication, including the persistent recurrence of key concepts, such as links and threads. Students learn about the principal modes of computer-mediated communications among individuals and groups. They also learn select approaches and tools for specific applications. Students explore contemporary practices in computer-mediated communications and assess the implications of evolving applications and solutions. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001 or MEDC 3001.)

In the capstone course, students complete an integrative independent study that combines multiple aspects of their computer information systems program. They review the work they have collected in their portfolio and reflect on their educational experience. Students 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 for continued learning and career development, in the context of their personal goals and priorities. (Prerequisites: All required core and upper-division business and computer information systems courses.)

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.

An introduction to accounting, students in this course take a top-down approach to understanding introductory accounting documents and procedures by exploring a business’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Students explore the practical uses for information that can be gleaned from these statements, individually and as a whole, through a detailed examination of the properties and characteristics of each statement. Students engage in application assignments and discussions on a variety of topics, such as regulations that should be followed when preparing financial statements as promulgated by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Students examine the U.S. use of GAAP in comparison to the use of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001 or 1002, and MATH 1001, 1002, 1030, or 1040.)

The role and functions of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations, are addressed in this introductory course. 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. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

All businesses experience change. Sometimes change is required to ensure stability; other times, the purpose of change is expansion for competitive advantage. In this course, students explore the responsibilities of managers and leaders to implement effective organizational change as well as to ensure that employees understand the function and benefits of change. Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They also examine methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002.)

Problem solving and decision making based on recognizing problems, gathering data, developing alternatives, and choosing solutions are critical skills for the professional manager. In this course, students apply these skills to a variety of business examples. Students become familiar with the importance of the scientific method as the basis for critical thinking and decision making. They gain practical experience identifying logical fallacies, analyzing research methodologies, and choosing appropriate problem-solving techniques. Students also reflect on content presented in the course to consider ways to become more effective critical and logical thinkers. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001, BUSI 1002, or COMM 1004.)

The principles of microeconomics explain how in a market economy the price system answers the following fundamental economic questions: What goods and services are produced and distributed as well as how and for whom? Students in this course examine 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. They also investigate 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. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or MATH 1040.)

In this course, students examine the fundamentals of probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn concepts of hypothesis testing, simple regression, and correlation analysis, focusing on the application of these techniques to business decision making. Applying these concepts to analyze hypothetical case scenarios, students learn practical ways that they can use statistics in their daily life. Students also have the opportunity to share insight and gain new perspectives on these topics through weekly discussions. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or 1040.)

A portfolio is a valuable tool for students to communicate and demonstrate their academic accomplishments as well as a means to advance their professional prospects. In this course, students learn about the tools for developing an electronic portfolio. They compose a high-level design and comprehensive outline through which they apply the structure and methods learned in the course. They also examine tools and techniques that lend to the management and maintenance of an electronic portfolio. Through peer discussion about portfolio challenges and solutions, students work toward building their communication and problem-solving skills, which they will use throughout their program. Note about required first courses: Students should review the program description section of the Walden University Catalog carefully to determine which first course is required.

The definition of information systems (IS) is broad and can encompass a large number of components. The most important aspect, however, is that IS are vital to the daily function of nearly all individuals and organizations. In this course, students have the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the role that information systems play in their lives as well as in different types of organizations and societies. Students obtain a broad overview of the field of information systems through the examination and discussion of technology, practical applications, and related career issues. They also use case studies that represent recent situations in actual organizations to gain real-world knowledge of how a business manages its data in conjunction with business processes to create an information system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Businesses whose systems are lacking or experience failure are at risk of significant loss of time, money, and customer faith. Therefore, information technology (IT) is essential to the function and success of nearly all businesses. Through this course, students prepare for a role in the field of IT as they learn fundamental concepts of the IT infrastructure that underlie information systems. Students examine both hardware (computers, networks, interface devices) and software (operating systems, middleware, applications, system software) elements. They also explore key issues of capacity, performance, reliability, scale, and obsolescence for a thorough understanding of all aspects of IT infrastructure. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Modern software design and programming requires techniques that simplify the development and maintenance process. Object-oriented programming (OPP) does just this by allowing programmers to develop objects that represent complex concepts in applications. This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of computer programming in an object-oriented language. Students learn about key concepts, including 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. They engage in hands-on practice in designing, creating, running, and testing programs and discuss related topics to share ideas and obtain different perspectives. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1040.)

The Internet stitches together many disparate devices and software components into a flexible fabric that supports an enormous variety of uses. Students in this course learn about the functions of these components through a comprehensive evaluation of internet computing. They examine 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 have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the application of concepts, such as performance, scale, and reliability, in the design of information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1002.)

Students in this course elaborate their study of object-oriented programming by delving deeper into the key concepts of programming with objects, including complex data structures. Students examine and discuss hierarchy, modularity, and abstraction—concepts that they will use in subsequent courses in the program. Students supplement their hands-on programming practice by engaging in assignments designed to provide practical application of context, including the use and development of documentation in a Web-based environment. Through this course, students learn to write more elaborate code and solve real-world problems they will encounter in the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

There are invariable challenges in the aggressive world of information technology (IT) requiring those in the field to understand and adhere to a professional code of ethics. This course introduces students to the interaction of information systems with core social concerns, including privacy, democracy, equity, security, economic progress, and intellectual property rights. Students learn to consider the social, ethical, and legal considerations inherent in the design and use of information systems. They also examine real-world and hypothetical case studies for a practical approach to applying the professional code of ethics to the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

All types of businesses rely on systems to manage their data and to keep that data secure, accurate, and reliable. A database is a system designed to do just this as well as to simplify the processes of data entry, search, and retrieval. Students in this course focus 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 also learn to use a core subset of the structured query language (SQL) and how relational databases fit into a wide variety of practical information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

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. This course provides students with an introduction to systems analysis and the responsibilities of a systems analyst. Students learn about the identification of stakeholders and techniques for requirement elicitation, representation (e.g., use cases), and life cycles (e.g., iterative methods, and maintenance). Students complete a comprehensive analysis project through which they work toward gaining hands-on experience meeting the responsibilities of a systems analyst. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3002.)

In this course, students learn the discipline of reducing requirements to the structural and functional design of information systems through the application of object-oriented principles to the design phase of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). They engage in discussions and assignments on a variety of topics, including conceptual modeling, design patterns, and application frameworks. They learn the basics of modeling, design representations, and the role of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools. Students have the opportunity to gain insight on contemporary methodologies employed in systems development, such as agile development, the Unified Process (UP), eXtreme Programming (XP), Model-Driven Architecture (MDA), and frameworks. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3003.)

The process of creation, from conception through completion, is complex and requires a diverse set of management skills. This course introduces students to the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to manage information systems projects effectively throughout a project life cycle. Students learn how information systems projects are organized and managed for efficiency and reliability. They explore topics including software process models, estimation, planning, and scheduling. Students examine case studies of successful and unsuccessful projects and gain experience with key elements of project management practice. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3004.)

All businesses rely on systems to process, collect, share, and store important information. The most effective way to help an organization achieve their goals is to understand how to leverage information systems and emerging technology. This course provides students the opportunity to gain skills needed to employ such leverage in the professional arena. Students examine the characteristics of information systems and their role in organizations. They also assess and discuss the impact that information systems have on the enterprise as a whole, in addition to their current architectures, enabling tools, and project cycles. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002.)

Students in this course have the opportunity to gain working knowledge of the requisite skills, concepts, and methodologies that managers and team members use to conduct a business process redesign (BPR). Through weekly readings of literature and contemporary articles, students learn about the manager’s role in the business process as well as the function of BPR. They examine the function of information systems as enablers for business process design. They also learn how to analyze business processes and redesign them for dramatic results. Reinforcing the practical application of concepts, students demonstrate their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through a case study assignment in which they solve a real-world problem using BPR. (Prerequisites: ISYS 3001.)

The efficiency and success of most organizations today depends on the ability of leaders to integrate technology and business functions through activities such as supply chain management, outsourcing, and e-business practice. Students in this course examine the key concepts in management of information technology and the role of technology managers. They analyze the management of technology from both a process and system perspective and investigate major technical issues involved in innovation and implementation. Students engage in weekly discussions on a variety of topics, such as advanced databases, business intelligence, artificial intelligence systems, wireless technology, and outsourcing. (Prerequisites: ISYS 4301.)

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. (Prerequisites: ISYS 3001.)

In the capstone course, students complete an integrative independent study that combines multiple aspects of their computer information systems program. They review the work they have collected in their portfolio and reflect on their educational experience. Students 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 for continued learning and career development, in the context of their personal goals and priorities. (Prerequisites: All required core and upper-division business and computer information systems courses.)

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.

An introduction to accounting, students in this course take a top-down approach to understanding introductory accounting documents and procedures by exploring a business’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Students explore the practical uses for information that can be gleaned from these statements, individually and as a whole, through a detailed examination of the properties and characteristics of each statement. Students engage in application assignments and discussions on a variety of topics, such as regulations that should be followed when preparing financial statements as promulgated by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Students examine the U.S. use of GAAP in comparison to the use of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001 or 1002, and MATH 1001, 1002, 1030, or 1040.)

The role and functions of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations, are addressed in this introductory course. 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. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

All businesses experience change. Sometimes change is required to ensure stability; other times, the purpose of change is expansion for competitive advantage. In this course, students explore the responsibilities of managers and leaders to implement effective organizational change as well as to ensure that employees understand the function and benefits of change. Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They also examine methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002.)

Problem solving and decision making based on recognizing problems, gathering data, developing alternatives, and choosing solutions are critical skills for the professional manager. In this course, students apply these skills to a variety of business examples. Students become familiar with the importance of the scientific method as the basis for critical thinking and decision making. They gain practical experience identifying logical fallacies, analyzing research methodologies, and choosing appropriate problem-solving techniques. Students also reflect on content presented in the course to consider ways to become more effective critical and logical thinkers. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001, BUSI 1002, or COMM 1004.)

Current perspectives on education and methods of teaching are rooted in history and philosophy as far back as the ancient Greeks. In this course, education professionals explore thinkers, philosophies, and educational programs that have influenced current ideas about effective practices in teaching, including tapping into different forms of intelligence and applying new methods for assessment. Education professionals critically examine educational philosophies and methods in light of current social, political, and economic forces impacting children, families, and the field. Through coursework and discussions, education professionals begin to develop a reasoned, coherent personal philosophy of education as a basis for ethical and professional practice and decision making.

In this course, students examine the fundamentals of probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn concepts of hypothesis testing, simple regression, and correlation analysis, focusing on the application of these techniques to business decision making. Applying these concepts to analyze hypothetical case scenarios, students learn practical ways that they can use statistics in their daily life. Students also have the opportunity to share insight and gain new perspectives on these topics through weekly discussions. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or 1040.)

A portfolio is a valuable tool for students to communicate and demonstrate their academic accomplishments as well as a means to advance their professional prospects. In this course, students learn about the tools for developing an electronic portfolio. They compose a high-level design and comprehensive outline through which they apply the structure and methods learned in the course. They also examine tools and techniques that lend to the management and maintenance of an electronic portfolio. Through peer discussion about portfolio challenges and solutions, students work toward building their communication and problem-solving skills, which they will use throughout their program. Note about required first courses: Students should review the program description section of the Walden University Catalog carefully to determine which first course is required.

The definition of information systems (IS) is broad and can encompass a large number of components. The most important aspect, however, is that IS are vital to the daily function of nearly all individuals and organizations. In this course, students have the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the role that information systems play in their lives as well as in different types of organizations and societies. Students obtain a broad overview of the field of information systems through the examination and discussion of technology, practical applications, and related career issues. They also use case studies that represent recent situations in actual organizations to gain real-world knowledge of how a business manages its data in conjunction with business processes to create an information system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Businesses whose systems are lacking or experience failure are at risk of significant loss of time, money, and customer faith. Therefore, information technology (IT) is essential to the function and success of nearly all businesses. Through this course, students prepare for a role in the field of IT as they learn fundamental concepts of the IT infrastructure that underlie information systems. Students examine both hardware (computers, networks, interface devices) and software (operating systems, middleware, applications, system software) elements. They also explore key issues of capacity, performance, reliability, scale, and obsolescence for a thorough understanding of all aspects of IT infrastructure. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Modern software design and programming requires techniques that simplify the development and maintenance process. Object-oriented programming (OPP) does just this by allowing programmers to develop objects that represent complex concepts in applications. This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of computer programming in an object-oriented language. Students learn about key concepts, including 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. They engage in hands-on practice in designing, creating, running, and testing programs and discuss related topics to share ideas and obtain different perspectives. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1040.)

The Internet stitches together many disparate devices and software components into a flexible fabric that supports an enormous variety of uses. Students in this course learn about the functions of these components through a comprehensive evaluation of internet computing. They examine 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 have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the application of concepts, such as performance, scale, and reliability, in the design of information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1002.)

Students in this course elaborate their study of object-oriented programming by delving deeper into the key concepts of programming with objects, including complex data structures. Students examine and discuss hierarchy, modularity, and abstraction—concepts that they will use in subsequent courses in the program. Students supplement their hands-on programming practice by engaging in assignments designed to provide practical application of context, including the use and development of documentation in a Web-based environment. Through this course, students learn to write more elaborate code and solve real-world problems they will encounter in the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

There are invariable challenges in the aggressive world of information technology (IT) requiring those in the field to understand and adhere to a professional code of ethics. This course introduces students to the interaction of information systems with core social concerns, including privacy, democracy, equity, security, economic progress, and intellectual property rights. Students learn to consider the social, ethical, and legal considerations inherent in the design and use of information systems. They also examine real-world and hypothetical case studies for a practical approach to applying the professional code of ethics to the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

All types of businesses rely on systems to manage their data and to keep that data secure, accurate, and reliable. A database is a system designed to do just this as well as to simplify the processes of data entry, search, and retrieval. Students in this course focus 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 also learn to use a core subset of the structured query language (SQL) and how relational databases fit into a wide variety of practical information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

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. This course provides students with an introduction to systems analysis and the responsibilities of a systems analyst. Students learn about the identification of stakeholders and techniques for requirement elicitation, representation (e.g., use cases), and life cycles (e.g., iterative methods, and maintenance). Students complete a comprehensive analysis project through which they work toward gaining hands-on experience meeting the responsibilities of a systems analyst. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3002.)

In this course, students learn the discipline of reducing requirements to the structural and functional design of information systems through the application of object-oriented principles to the design phase of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). They engage in discussions and assignments on a variety of topics, including conceptual modeling, design patterns, and application frameworks. They learn the basics of modeling, design representations, and the role of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools. Students have the opportunity to gain insight on contemporary methodologies employed in systems development, such as agile development, the Unified Process (UP), eXtreme Programming (XP), Model-Driven Architecture (MDA), and frameworks. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3003.)

The process of creation, from conception through completion, is complex and requires a diverse set of management skills. This course introduces students to the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to manage information systems projects effectively throughout a project life cycle. Students learn how information systems projects are organized and managed for efficiency and reliability. They explore topics including software process models, estimation, planning, and scheduling. Students examine case studies of successful and unsuccessful projects and gain experience with key elements of project management practice. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3004.)

The responsibility of an information security specialist is to supervise operations that follow industry best practices for security and data integrity. This role helps to ensure that systems are free from external threats and risks that may jeopardize or harm an organization. In this course, students examine the role of a security specialist and learn the key concepts and concerns of information security and privacy, including technical, social, and policy issues. Students examine fundamental notions of authentication, authorization, and encryption in the context of everyday information systems activities. Students analyze and discuss case studies of security and privacy breaches to understand economic and human impact. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

Today, the risk of hackers infiltrating networks and computer systems is high and all organizations are at risk of potential exploitation or data theft. In this course, students examine information security attacks and defenses at the individual computer level and explore physical and software intrusions and defenses. Students learn best practices in configuring and maintaining systems to minimize the risk of compromise. They engage in application and discussion assignments focusing on topics such as viruses, Trojan horses, physical compromise, stolen credentials, and related protective measures. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4101.)

Understanding a computer network as a symbiotic system connected to the Internet, including the relationships of network devices, such as gateways, switches, routers, and hubs, is important step in minimizing the risk of threats that compromise networks. In this course, students examine information security attacks and defenses in the network. They consider hardware and software vulnerabilities and denial of service attacks. Students take a hands-on approach to understanding defense techniques as they complete practical exercises focused on planning, detection, and recovery measures. They also explore and discuss the social and technical aspects of anonymity in the network as they relate to network abuse and free speech. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4102.)

The increase of information shared online puts users, both individuals and larger entities, such as government agencies and corporations, at major risk of invasion of privacy and more serious crimes, such as child pornography, financial fraud, and personal identify theft. In this course, students learn basic approaches to analyzing information systems for evidence of illegal or inappropriate activities. They engage in a range of assignments focusing on the legal, ethical, and policy implications of various forensic techniques and monitoring practices. Students also learn to analyze forensic issues of real-world case studies to learn to choose appropriate techniques to minimize risk and combat breeches in security. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4103.)

In the capstone course, students complete an integrative independent study that combines multiple aspects of their computer information systems program. They review the work they have collected in their portfolio and reflect on their educational experience. Students 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 for continued learning and career development, in the context of their personal goals and priorities. (Prerequisites: All required core and upper-division business and computer information systems courses.)

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.

An introduction to accounting, students in this course take a top-down approach to understanding introductory accounting documents and procedures by exploring a business’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Students explore the practical uses for information that can be gleaned from these statements, individually and as a whole, through a detailed examination of the properties and characteristics of each statement. Students engage in application assignments and discussions on a variety of topics, such as regulations that should be followed when preparing financial statements as promulgated by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Students examine the U.S. use of GAAP in comparison to the use of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001 or 1002, and MATH 1001, 1002, 1030, or 1040.)

The role and functions of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations, are addressed in this introductory course. 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. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

All businesses experience change. Sometimes change is required to ensure stability; other times, the purpose of change is expansion for competitive advantage. In this course, students explore the responsibilities of managers and leaders to implement effective organizational change as well as to ensure that employees understand the function and benefits of change. Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They also examine methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002.)

Problem solving and decision making based on recognizing problems, gathering data, developing alternatives, and choosing solutions are critical skills for the professional manager. In this course, students apply these skills to a variety of business examples. Students become familiar with the importance of the scientific method as the basis for critical thinking and decision making. They gain practical experience identifying logical fallacies, analyzing research methodologies, and choosing appropriate problem-solving techniques. Students also reflect on content presented in the course to consider ways to become more effective critical and logical thinkers. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001, BUSI 1002, or COMM 1004.)

The principles of microeconomics explain how in a market economy the price system answers the following fundamental economic questions: What goods and services are produced and distributed as well as how and for whom? Students in this course examine 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. They also investigate 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. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or MATH 1040.)

In this course, students examine the fundamentals of probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn concepts of hypothesis testing, simple regression, and correlation analysis, focusing on the application of these techniques to business decision making. Applying these concepts to analyze hypothetical case scenarios, students learn practical ways that they can use statistics in their daily life. Students also have the opportunity to share insight and gain new perspectives on these topics through weekly discussions. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or 1040.)

A portfolio is a valuable tool for students to communicate and demonstrate their academic accomplishments as well as a means to advance their professional prospects. In this course, students learn about the tools for developing an electronic portfolio. They compose a high-level design and comprehensive outline through which they apply the structure and methods learned in the course. They also examine tools and techniques that lend to the management and maintenance of an electronic portfolio. Through peer discussion about portfolio challenges and solutions, students work toward building their communication and problem-solving skills, which they will use throughout their program. Note about required first courses: Students should review the program description section of the Walden University Catalog carefully to determine which first course is required.

The definition of information systems (IS) is broad and can encompass a large number of components. The most important aspect, however, is that IS are vital to the daily function of nearly all individuals and organizations. In this course, students have the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the role that information systems play in their lives as well as in different types of organizations and societies. Students obtain a broad overview of the field of information systems through the examination and discussion of technology, practical applications, and related career issues. They also use case studies that represent recent situations in actual organizations to gain real-world knowledge of how a business manages its data in conjunction with business processes to create an information system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Businesses whose systems are lacking or experience failure are at risk of significant loss of time, money, and customer faith. Therefore, information technology (IT) is essential to the function and success of nearly all businesses. Through this course, students prepare for a role in the field of IT as they learn fundamental concepts of the IT infrastructure that underlie information systems. Students examine both hardware (computers, networks, interface devices) and software (operating systems, middleware, applications, system software) elements. They also explore key issues of capacity, performance, reliability, scale, and obsolescence for a thorough understanding of all aspects of IT infrastructure. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Modern software design and programming requires techniques that simplify the development and maintenance process. Object-oriented programming (OPP) does just this by allowing programmers to develop objects that represent complex concepts in applications. This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of computer programming in an object-oriented language. Students learn about key concepts, including 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. They engage in hands-on practice in designing, creating, running, and testing programs and discuss related topics to share ideas and obtain different perspectives. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1040.)

The Internet stitches together many disparate devices and software components into a flexible fabric that supports an enormous variety of uses. Students in this course learn about the functions of these components through a comprehensive evaluation of internet computing. They examine 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 have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the application of concepts, such as performance, scale, and reliability, in the design of information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1002.)

Students in this course elaborate their study of object-oriented programming by delving deeper into the key concepts of programming with objects, including complex data structures. Students examine and discuss hierarchy, modularity, and abstraction—concepts that they will use in subsequent courses in the program. Students supplement their hands-on programming practice by engaging in assignments designed to provide practical application of context, including the use and development of documentation in a Web-based environment. Through this course, students learn to write more elaborate code and solve real-world problems they will encounter in the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

There are invariable challenges in the aggressive world of information technology (IT) requiring those in the field to understand and adhere to a professional code of ethics. This course introduces students to the interaction of information systems with core social concerns, including privacy, democracy, equity, security, economic progress, and intellectual property rights. Students learn to consider the social, ethical, and legal considerations inherent in the design and use of information systems. They also examine real-world and hypothetical case studies for a practical approach to applying the professional code of ethics to the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

All types of businesses rely on systems to manage their data and to keep that data secure, accurate, and reliable. A database is a system designed to do just this as well as to simplify the processes of data entry, search, and retrieval. Students in this course focus 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 also learn to use a core subset of the structured query language (SQL) and how relational databases fit into a wide variety of practical information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

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. This course provides students with an introduction to systems analysis and the responsibilities of a systems analyst. Students learn about the identification of stakeholders and techniques for requirement elicitation, representation (e.g., use cases), and life cycles (e.g., iterative methods, and maintenance). Students complete a comprehensive analysis project through which they work toward gaining hands-on experience meeting the responsibilities of a systems analyst. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3002.)

In this course, students learn the discipline of reducing requirements to the structural and functional design of information systems through the application of object-oriented principles to the design phase of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). They engage in discussions and assignments on a variety of topics, including conceptual modeling, design patterns, and application frameworks. They learn the basics of modeling, design representations, and the role of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools. Students have the opportunity to gain insight on contemporary methodologies employed in systems development, such as agile development, the Unified Process (UP), eXtreme Programming (XP), Model-Driven Architecture (MDA), and frameworks. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3003.)

The process of creation, from conception through completion, is complex and requires a diverse set of management skills. This course introduces students to the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to manage information systems projects effectively throughout a project life cycle. Students learn how information systems projects are organized and managed for efficiency and reliability. They explore topics including software process models, estimation, planning, and scheduling. Students examine case studies of successful and unsuccessful projects and gain experience with key elements of project management practice. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3004.)

As with the use of digital media in domestic business, expanded markets—especially global markets— benefit from their use as well. Students in this course investigate how to use these new tools to establish a type of universal “language” that cannot be established in other ways. They examine new media in a variety of global contexts, such as politics, economics, and education. Students apply concepts from the course in a project through which they practice employing new media tools to effectively reach a global arena, enhancing their own capacity and marketability. (Prerequisites: MEDC 3001.)

Communication through outlets such as e-mail, instant messages, blogs, and text messages is an intrinsic part of our daily lives. This evolving form of interaction continues to progress; therefore, it’s important to know how humans use media to initiate, manage, and maintain both personal and professional interaction. This course incorporates a historical perspective through which students trace the evolution of varying styles of communication, including the persistent recurrence of key concepts, such as links and threads. Students learn about the principal modes of computer-mediated communications among individuals and groups. They also learn select approaches and tools for specific applications. Students explore contemporary practices in computer-mediated communications and assess the implications of evolving applications and solutions. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001 or MEDC 3001.)

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. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4204.)

Technology and new media continue to evolve, primarily due to interest coupled with new-found capabilities derived from 21st-century know-how. With this invitation to create, students apply their understanding of new media as a set of effective tools in the practice of communications to design a conceptual prototype appropriate to enhancing mass communications. Students learn to test, refine, and appraise their product, taking into account visual components, audience information, and user feedback. They also discuss topics of new media design with their peers and reflect on its implications in modern business. (Prerequisites: MEDC 3001.)

In the capstone course, students complete an integrative independent study that combines multiple aspects of their computer information systems program. They review the work they have collected in their portfolio and reflect on their educational experience. Students 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 for continued learning and career development, in the context of their personal goals and priorities. (Prerequisites: All required core and upper-division business and computer information systems courses.)

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.

An introduction to accounting, students in this course take a top-down approach to understanding introductory accounting documents and procedures by exploring a business’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Students explore the practical uses for information that can be gleaned from these statements, individually and as a whole, through a detailed examination of the properties and characteristics of each statement. Students engage in application assignments and discussions on a variety of topics, such as regulations that should be followed when preparing financial statements as promulgated by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Students examine the U.S. use of GAAP in comparison to the use of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001 or 1002, and MATH 1001, 1002, 1030, or 1040.)

The role and functions of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations, are addressed in this introductory course. 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. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

All businesses experience change. Sometimes change is required to ensure stability; other times, the purpose of change is expansion for competitive advantage. In this course, students explore the responsibilities of managers and leaders to implement effective organizational change as well as to ensure that employees understand the function and benefits of change. Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They also examine methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002.)

Problem solving and decision making based on recognizing problems, gathering data, developing alternatives, and choosing solutions are critical skills for the professional manager. In this course, students apply these skills to a variety of business examples. Students become familiar with the importance of the scientific method as the basis for critical thinking and decision making. They gain practical experience identifying logical fallacies, analyzing research methodologies, and choosing appropriate problem-solving techniques. Students also reflect on content presented in the course to consider ways to become more effective critical and logical thinkers. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001, BUSI 1002, or COMM 1004.)

The principles of microeconomics explain how in a market economy the price system answers the following fundamental economic questions: What goods and services are produced and distributed as well as how and for whom? Students in this course examine 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. They also investigate 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. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or MATH 1040.)

In this course, students examine the fundamentals of probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn concepts of hypothesis testing, simple regression, and correlation analysis, focusing on the application of these techniques to business decision making. Applying these concepts to analyze hypothetical case scenarios, students learn practical ways that they can use statistics in their daily life. Students also have the opportunity to share insight and gain new perspectives on these topics through weekly discussions. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or 1040.)

A portfolio is a valuable tool for students to communicate and demonstrate their academic accomplishments as well as a means to advance their professional prospects. In this course, students learn about the tools for developing an electronic portfolio. They compose a high-level design and comprehensive outline through which they apply the structure and methods learned in the course. They also examine tools and techniques that lend to the management and maintenance of an electronic portfolio. Through peer discussion about portfolio challenges and solutions, students work toward building their communication and problem-solving skills, which they will use throughout their program. Note about required first courses: Students should review the program description section of the Walden University Catalog carefully to determine which first course is required.

The definition of information systems (IS) is broad and can encompass a large number of components. The most important aspect, however, is that IS are vital to the daily function of nearly all individuals and organizations. In this course, students have the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the role that information systems play in their lives as well as in different types of organizations and societies. Students obtain a broad overview of the field of information systems through the examination and discussion of technology, practical applications, and related career issues. They also use case studies that represent recent situations in actual organizations to gain real-world knowledge of how a business manages its data in conjunction with business processes to create an information system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Businesses whose systems are lacking or experience failure are at risk of significant loss of time, money, and customer faith. Therefore, information technology (IT) is essential to the function and success of nearly all businesses. Through this course, students prepare for a role in the field of IT as they learn fundamental concepts of the IT infrastructure that underlie information systems. Students examine both hardware (computers, networks, interface devices) and software (operating systems, middleware, applications, system software) elements. They also explore key issues of capacity, performance, reliability, scale, and obsolescence for a thorough understanding of all aspects of IT infrastructure. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Modern software design and programming requires techniques that simplify the development and maintenance process. Object-oriented programming (OPP) does just this by allowing programmers to develop objects that represent complex concepts in applications. This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of computer programming in an object-oriented language. Students learn about key concepts, including 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. They engage in hands-on practice in designing, creating, running, and testing programs and discuss related topics to share ideas and obtain different perspectives. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1040.)

The Internet stitches together many disparate devices and software components into a flexible fabric that supports an enormous variety of uses. Students in this course learn about the functions of these components through a comprehensive evaluation of internet computing. They examine 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 have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the application of concepts, such as performance, scale, and reliability, in the design of information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1002.)

Students in this course elaborate their study of object-oriented programming by delving deeper into the key concepts of programming with objects, including complex data structures. Students examine and discuss hierarchy, modularity, and abstraction—concepts that they will use in subsequent courses in the program. Students supplement their hands-on programming practice by engaging in assignments designed to provide practical application of context, including the use and development of documentation in a Web-based environment. Through this course, students learn to write more elaborate code and solve real-world problems they will encounter in the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

There are invariable challenges in the aggressive world of information technology (IT) requiring those in the field to understand and adhere to a professional code of ethics. This course introduces students to the interaction of information systems with core social concerns, including privacy, democracy, equity, security, economic progress, and intellectual property rights. Students learn to consider the social, ethical, and legal considerations inherent in the design and use of information systems. They also examine real-world and hypothetical case studies for a practical approach to applying the professional code of ethics to the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

All types of businesses rely on systems to manage their data and to keep that data secure, accurate, and reliable. A database is a system designed to do just this as well as to simplify the processes of data entry, search, and retrieval. Students in this course focus 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 also learn to use a core subset of the structured query language (SQL) and how relational databases fit into a wide variety of practical information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

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. This course provides students with an introduction to systems analysis and the responsibilities of a systems analyst. Students learn about the identification of stakeholders and techniques for requirement elicitation, representation (e.g., use cases), and life cycles (e.g., iterative methods, and maintenance). Students complete a comprehensive analysis project through which they work toward gaining hands-on experience meeting the responsibilities of a systems analyst. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3002.)

In this course, students learn the discipline of reducing requirements to the structural and functional design of information systems through the application of object-oriented principles to the design phase of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). They engage in discussions and assignments on a variety of topics, including conceptual modeling, design patterns, and application frameworks. They learn the basics of modeling, design representations, and the role of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools. Students have the opportunity to gain insight on contemporary methodologies employed in systems development, such as agile development, the Unified Process (UP), eXtreme Programming (XP), Model-Driven Architecture (MDA), and frameworks. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3003.)

The process of creation, from conception through completion, is complex and requires a diverse set of management skills. This course introduces students to the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to manage information systems projects effectively throughout a project life cycle. Students learn how information systems projects are organized and managed for efficiency and reliability. They explore topics including software process models, estimation, planning, and scheduling. Students examine case studies of successful and unsuccessful projects and gain experience with key elements of project management practice. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3004.)

Communication through outlets such as e-mail, instant messages, blogs, and text messages is an intrinsic part of our daily lives. This evolving form of interaction continues to progress; therefore, it’s important to know how humans use media to initiate, manage, and maintain both personal and professional interaction. This course incorporates a historical perspective through which students trace the evolution of varying styles of communication, including the persistent recurrence of key concepts, such as links and threads. Students learn about the principal modes of computer-mediated communications among individuals and groups. They also learn select approaches and tools for specific applications. Students explore contemporary practices in computer-mediated communications and assess the implications of evolving applications and solutions. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001 or MEDC 3001.)

Technology and network connectivity has forever changed the way universities conduct education and students achieve learning; it is no longer confined to the traditional classroom setting within structured timeframes. Through the electronic learning (e-learning) environment, students now have the opportunity to study at their own pace, with more flexibility of time and location, such as in the evening after work, or in café away from home. In this course, students examine key structural and functional elements of e-learning systems and explore how technology lends to the development of e-learning applications. Drawing upon both their experience as e-learners and their information systems expertise, students engage in group or individual projects focused on specific aspects of the learner experience, management functionality, and other properties of e-learning systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

With the advancement of technology, most organizations, including educational institutions, now rely on multiple-user applications to maximize workflow efficiency, enhance learning, and allow for collaboration of diverse skills and experiences. In this course, 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 students’ own experience in online collaboration and requisite knowledge of information systems analysis and design, they analyze and discuss case studies to better understand new collaboration capabilities and ways to improve computer-based collaborative work continually. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4204.)

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. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4204.)

In the capstone course, students complete an integrative independent study that combines multiple aspects of their computer information systems program. They review the work they have collected in their portfolio and reflect on their educational experience. Students 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 for continued learning and career development, in the context of their personal goals and priorities. (Prerequisites: All required core and upper-division business and computer information systems courses.)

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.

An introduction to accounting, students in this course take a top-down approach to understanding introductory accounting documents and procedures by exploring a business’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Students explore the practical uses for information that can be gleaned from these statements, individually and as a whole, through a detailed examination of the properties and characteristics of each statement. Students engage in application assignments and discussions on a variety of topics, such as regulations that should be followed when preparing financial statements as promulgated by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Students examine the U.S. use of GAAP in comparison to the use of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001 or 1002, and MATH 1001, 1002, 1030, or 1040.)

The role and functions of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations, are addressed in this introductory course. 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. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

All businesses experience change. Sometimes change is required to ensure stability; other times, the purpose of change is expansion for competitive advantage. In this course, students explore the responsibilities of managers and leaders to implement effective organizational change as well as to ensure that employees understand the function and benefits of change. Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They also examine methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002.)

Problem solving and decision making based on recognizing problems, gathering data, developing alternatives, and choosing solutions are critical skills for the professional manager. In this course, students apply these skills to a variety of business examples. Students become familiar with the importance of the scientific method as the basis for critical thinking and decision making. They gain practical experience identifying logical fallacies, analyzing research methodologies, and choosing appropriate problem-solving techniques. Students also reflect on content presented in the course to consider ways to become more effective critical and logical thinkers. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001, BUSI 1002, or COMM 1004.)

The principles of microeconomics explain how in a market economy the price system answers the following fundamental economic questions: What goods and services are produced and distributed as well as how and for whom? Students in this course examine 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. They also investigate 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. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or MATH 1040.)

In this course, students examine the fundamentals of probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn concepts of hypothesis testing, simple regression, and correlation analysis, focusing on the application of these techniques to business decision making. Applying these concepts to analyze hypothetical case scenarios, students learn practical ways that they can use statistics in their daily life. Students also have the opportunity to share insight and gain new perspectives on these topics through weekly discussions. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or 1040.)

A portfolio is a valuable tool for students to communicate and demonstrate their academic accomplishments as well as a means to advance their professional prospects. In this course, students learn about the tools for developing an electronic portfolio. They compose a high-level design and comprehensive outline through which they apply the structure and methods learned in the course. They also examine tools and techniques that lend to the management and maintenance of an electronic portfolio. Through peer discussion about portfolio challenges and solutions, students work toward building their communication and problem-solving skills, which they will use throughout their program. Note about required first courses: Students should review the program description section of the Walden University Catalog carefully to determine which first course is required.

The definition of information systems (IS) is broad and can encompass a large number of components. The most important aspect, however, is that IS are vital to the daily function of nearly all individuals and organizations. In this course, students have the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the role that information systems play in their lives as well as in different types of organizations and societies. Students obtain a broad overview of the field of information systems through the examination and discussion of technology, practical applications, and related career issues. They also use case studies that represent recent situations in actual organizations to gain real-world knowledge of how a business manages its data in conjunction with business processes to create an information system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Businesses whose systems are lacking or experience failure are at risk of significant loss of time, money, and customer faith. Therefore, information technology (IT) is essential to the function and success of nearly all businesses. Through this course, students prepare for a role in the field of IT as they learn fundamental concepts of the IT infrastructure that underlie information systems. Students examine both hardware (computers, networks, interface devices) and software (operating systems, middleware, applications, system software) elements. They also explore key issues of capacity, performance, reliability, scale, and obsolescence for a thorough understanding of all aspects of IT infrastructure. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Modern software design and programming requires techniques that simplify the development and maintenance process. Object-oriented programming (OPP) does just this by allowing programmers to develop objects that represent complex concepts in applications. This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of computer programming in an object-oriented language. Students learn about key concepts, including 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. They engage in hands-on practice in designing, creating, running, and testing programs and discuss related topics to share ideas and obtain different perspectives. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1040.)

The Internet stitches together many disparate devices and software components into a flexible fabric that supports an enormous variety of uses. Students in this course learn about the functions of these components through a comprehensive evaluation of internet computing. They examine 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 have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the application of concepts, such as performance, scale, and reliability, in the design of information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1002.)

Students in this course elaborate their study of object-oriented programming by delving deeper into the key concepts of programming with objects, including complex data structures. Students examine and discuss hierarchy, modularity, and abstraction—concepts that they will use in subsequent courses in the program. Students supplement their hands-on programming practice by engaging in assignments designed to provide practical application of context, including the use and development of documentation in a Web-based environment. Through this course, students learn to write more elaborate code and solve real-world problems they will encounter in the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

There are invariable challenges in the aggressive world of information technology (IT) requiring those in the field to understand and adhere to a professional code of ethics. This course introduces students to the interaction of information systems with core social concerns, including privacy, democracy, equity, security, economic progress, and intellectual property rights. Students learn to consider the social, ethical, and legal considerations inherent in the design and use of information systems. They also examine real-world and hypothetical case studies for a practical approach to applying the professional code of ethics to the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

All types of businesses rely on systems to manage their data and to keep that data secure, accurate, and reliable. A database is a system designed to do just this as well as to simplify the processes of data entry, search, and retrieval. Students in this course focus 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 also learn to use a core subset of the structured query language (SQL) and how relational databases fit into a wide variety of practical information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

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. This course provides students with an introduction to systems analysis and the responsibilities of a systems analyst. Students learn about the identification of stakeholders and techniques for requirement elicitation, representation (e.g., use cases), and life cycles (e.g., iterative methods, and maintenance). Students complete a comprehensive analysis project through which they work toward gaining hands-on experience meeting the responsibilities of a systems analyst. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3002.)

In this course, students learn the discipline of reducing requirements to the structural and functional design of information systems through the application of object-oriented principles to the design phase of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). They engage in discussions and assignments on a variety of topics, including conceptual modeling, design patterns, and application frameworks. They learn the basics of modeling, design representations, and the role of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools. Students have the opportunity to gain insight on contemporary methodologies employed in systems development, such as agile development, the Unified Process (UP), eXtreme Programming (XP), Model-Driven Architecture (MDA), and frameworks. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3003.)

The process of creation, from conception through completion, is complex and requires a diverse set of management skills. This course introduces students to the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to manage information systems projects effectively throughout a project life cycle. Students learn how information systems projects are organized and managed for efficiency and reliability. They explore topics including software process models, estimation, planning, and scheduling. Students examine case studies of successful and unsuccessful projects and gain experience with key elements of project management practice. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3004.)

In the capstone course, students complete an integrative independent study that combines multiple aspects of their computer information systems program. They review the work they have collected in their portfolio and reflect on their educational experience. Students 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 for continued learning and career development, in the context of their personal goals and priorities. (Prerequisites: All required core and upper-division business and computer information systems courses.)

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.

An introduction to accounting, students in this course take a top-down approach to understanding introductory accounting documents and procedures by exploring a business’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Students explore the practical uses for information that can be gleaned from these statements, individually and as a whole, through a detailed examination of the properties and characteristics of each statement. Students engage in application assignments and discussions on a variety of topics, such as regulations that should be followed when preparing financial statements as promulgated by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Students examine the U.S. use of GAAP in comparison to the use of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001 or 1002, and MATH 1001, 1002, 1030, or 1040.)

The role and functions of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations, are addressed in this introductory course. 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. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

All businesses experience change. Sometimes change is required to ensure stability; other times, the purpose of change is expansion for competitive advantage. In this course, students explore the responsibilities of managers and leaders to implement effective organizational change as well as to ensure that employees understand the function and benefits of change. Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They also examine methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002.)

Problem solving and decision making based on recognizing problems, gathering data, developing alternatives, and choosing solutions are critical skills for the professional manager. In this course, students apply these skills to a variety of business examples. Students become familiar with the importance of the scientific method as the basis for critical thinking and decision making. They gain practical experience identifying logical fallacies, analyzing research methodologies, and choosing appropriate problem-solving techniques. Students also reflect on content presented in the course to consider ways to become more effective critical and logical thinkers. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1001, BUSI 1002, or COMM 1004.)

The principles of microeconomics explain how in a market economy the price system answers the following fundamental economic questions: What goods and services are produced and distributed as well as how and for whom? Students in this course examine 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. They also investigate 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. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or MATH 1040.)

In this course, students examine the fundamentals of probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn concepts of hypothesis testing, simple regression, and correlation analysis, focusing on the application of these techniques to business decision making. Applying these concepts to analyze hypothetical case scenarios, students learn practical ways that they can use statistics in their daily life. Students also have the opportunity to share insight and gain new perspectives on these topics through weekly discussions. (Prerequisites: MATH 1030 or 1040.)

A portfolio is a valuable tool for students to communicate and demonstrate their academic accomplishments as well as a means to advance their professional prospects. In this course, students learn about the tools for developing an electronic portfolio. They compose a high-level design and comprehensive outline through which they apply the structure and methods learned in the course. They also examine tools and techniques that lend to the management and maintenance of an electronic portfolio. Through peer discussion about portfolio challenges and solutions, students work toward building their communication and problem-solving skills, which they will use throughout their program. Note about required first courses: Students should review the program description section of the Walden University Catalog carefully to determine which first course is required.

The definition of information systems (IS) is broad and can encompass a large number of components. The most important aspect, however, is that IS are vital to the daily function of nearly all individuals and organizations. In this course, students have the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the role that information systems play in their lives as well as in different types of organizations and societies. Students obtain a broad overview of the field of information systems through the examination and discussion of technology, practical applications, and related career issues. They also use case studies that represent recent situations in actual organizations to gain real-world knowledge of how a business manages its data in conjunction with business processes to create an information system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Businesses whose systems are lacking or experience failure are at risk of significant loss of time, money, and customer faith. Therefore, information technology (IT) is essential to the function and success of nearly all businesses. Through this course, students prepare for a role in the field of IT as they learn fundamental concepts of the IT infrastructure that underlie information systems. Students examine both hardware (computers, networks, interface devices) and software (operating systems, middleware, applications, system software) elements. They also explore key issues of capacity, performance, reliability, scale, and obsolescence for a thorough understanding of all aspects of IT infrastructure. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Modern software design and programming requires techniques that simplify the development and maintenance process. Object-oriented programming (OPP) does just this by allowing programmers to develop objects that represent complex concepts in applications. This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of computer programming in an object-oriented language. Students learn about key concepts, including 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. They engage in hands-on practice in designing, creating, running, and testing programs and discuss related topics to share ideas and obtain different perspectives. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1040.)

The Internet stitches together many disparate devices and software components into a flexible fabric that supports an enormous variety of uses. Students in this course learn about the functions of these components through a comprehensive evaluation of internet computing. They examine 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 have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the application of concepts, such as performance, scale, and reliability, in the design of information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1002.)

Students in this course elaborate their study of object-oriented programming by delving deeper into the key concepts of programming with objects, including complex data structures. Students examine and discuss hierarchy, modularity, and abstraction—concepts that they will use in subsequent courses in the program. Students supplement their hands-on programming practice by engaging in assignments designed to provide practical application of context, including the use and development of documentation in a Web-based environment. Through this course, students learn to write more elaborate code and solve real-world problems they will encounter in the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

There are invariable challenges in the aggressive world of information technology (IT) requiring those in the field to understand and adhere to a professional code of ethics. This course introduces students to the interaction of information systems with core social concerns, including privacy, democracy, equity, security, economic progress, and intellectual property rights. Students learn to consider the social, ethical, and legal considerations inherent in the design and use of information systems. They also examine real-world and hypothetical case studies for a practical approach to applying the professional code of ethics to the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

All types of businesses rely on systems to manage their data and to keep that data secure, accurate, and reliable. A database is a system designed to do just this as well as to simplify the processes of data entry, search, and retrieval. Students in this course focus 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 also learn to use a core subset of the structured query language (SQL) and how relational databases fit into a wide variety of practical information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1003.)

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. This course provides students with an introduction to systems analysis and the responsibilities of a systems analyst. Students learn about the identification of stakeholders and techniques for requirement elicitation, representation (e.g., use cases), and life cycles (e.g., iterative methods, and maintenance). Students complete a comprehensive analysis project through which they work toward gaining hands-on experience meeting the responsibilities of a systems analyst. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3002.)

In this course, students learn the discipline of reducing requirements to the structural and functional design of information systems through the application of object-oriented principles to the design phase of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). They engage in discussions and assignments on a variety of topics, including conceptual modeling, design patterns, and application frameworks. They learn the basics of modeling, design representations, and the role of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools. Students have the opportunity to gain insight on contemporary methodologies employed in systems development, such as agile development, the Unified Process (UP), eXtreme Programming (XP), Model-Driven Architecture (MDA), and frameworks. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3003.)

The process of creation, from conception through completion, is complex and requires a diverse set of management skills. This course introduces students to the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to manage information systems projects effectively throughout a project life cycle. Students learn how information systems projects are organized and managed for efficiency and reliability. They explore topics including software process models, estimation, planning, and scheduling. Students examine case studies of successful and unsuccessful projects and gain experience with key elements of project management practice. (Prerequisites: CMIS 3004.)

This course is an overview of human perception and cognitive performance, computer processes, and system design approaches for successful human-computer interaction. Topic include human factors, usability evaluation, and principles of interface design. (Prerequisites: ITEC 2050 or CMIS 3004.)

Every day, we are learning to adapt to 21st-century technology. More importantly, we are beginning to rely on it for daily needs, such as obtaining the news, shopping, communicating, banking, and full-scale education. The need for developers of static and dynamic Web pages of all kinds is in demand. In this course, students consider the many factors of developing Web applications for a specific purpose or audience, such as optimization, accessibility, and appeal. They also examine the tools and techniques needed to develop and manage these applications. Through discussions and application assignments, students explore dynamic Web page implementations, elements of client-server and server-side processing, data validation, and concurrency issues. (Prerequisites: ITEC 2010 or CMIS 2002.)

Developers have to keep usability, accessibility, and cross-device compatibility in mind when creating applications for multiple platforms. In this course, students examine the critical elements of the development life cycle of these applications, including visual design, information architecture design, and interaction design as well as the work-products that developers produce. (Prerequisites: ITEC 2080.)

Designers strive to optimize the interaction between the user and the system to create a smooth and productive user experience. Students in this course focus on the particular challenges of creating user-centered mobile applications. They also investigate the design process deliverables used to communicate with clients, technical leads, and stakeholders. (Prerequisites: ITEC 2070.)

In the capstone course, students complete an integrative independent study that combines multiple aspects of their computer information systems program. They review the work they have collected in their portfolio and reflect on their educational experience. Students 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 for continued learning and career development, in the context of their personal goals and priorities. (Prerequisites: All required core and upper-division business and computer information systems courses.)