Computer and Information Science, Bachelor of Science
Cyber and Information Security Technology major
Software Development major
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science (CIS) degree covers all aspects of the use of computers and information systems in today's organizations, including operating systems, software programs, networking, and security. There are two majors in the Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science degree: (1) Cyber and Information Security Technology and (2) Software Development. For the Cyber and Information Security Technology major, students can choose from the Cloud Computing track, the Cybersecurity track, Digital Forensics Technology track or 15 semester hours of electives. For the Software Development major, students can choose from the Web Design & Development rack, the Mobile Development track, Data Analytics track or 14 semester credit hours of Software Development electives. These employer-drive, hands-on interactive educational programs equip students with cyber, networking, and software development skills required for career-entry positions in a wide range of companies.
Program Outcomes
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science program develop planning, design, implementation, and support skills in operating systems, networking, software programs, and security. Students develop additional focused skills based on which major the student pursues. Students also learn principles of excellent customer service in order to assist clients with technical issues.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Computer & Information Science, graduates are able to:
- Design, implement, and evaluate computer-based solutions that incorporate the appropriate computing requirements identified through the analysis of specific organizational or computing problems
- Function effectively on teams to establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, manage risk, and produce deliverables
- Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in both technical and non-technical environments
- Evaluate and use appropriate technical literature
- Engage in continuous professional development through user groups, associations, conferences, readings, research, and other channels
- Develop and apply ethical and legal best practices in the maintenance and security of information and systems
For additional information about the program link to: http://www.ecpi.edu/technology/?intcmp=technology-btn. To see the Student Consumer Information link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/student-consumer-services which provides additional information on the future careers, success, cost, and financing for this program. For information on the University Completion and Graduation Rates, please see About ECPI University on the ECPI website.
CYBER AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGY MAJOR
Cyber and Information Security Technology Major Overview
With the growth of the internet, organizations are networking and securing their internal computer resources and connecting to external internet-based resources. The pervasiveness of the internet presents new opportunities through cloud computing, virtualization, storage, and software defined networks that present challenges in Cybersecurity to defend critical network infrastructure against cyber threats.
This employer-driven, hands-on, interactive educational program equips students with the networking and security skills required for career-entry positions in a wide range of organizations. Students are introduced to a variety of operating system environments, networking technologies, and associated security practices.
Cyber and Information Security Technology Major Outcomes
In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science program outcomes, students in the Cyber and Information Security Technology Major learn about installing, securing, testing, and maintaining computer networks.
Upon successful completion of the Cyber and Information Security Technology Major, graduates are able to:
- Plan, design, configure and administer a network and security infrastructure
- Maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot a network and security infrastructure
- Assess and implement technical and non-technical security controls to protect an organization from threats and vulnerabilities
Students can choose from one of four options:
- Cloud Computing Track - 15 semester credit hours
- Cybersecurity Track - 15 semester credit hours
- Digital Forensics Technology Track - 15 semester credit hours
- Cyber and Information Security Technology Electives - 15 semester credit hours
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT MAJOR
Software Development Major Overview
Computer programs tell the computer what to do, which database information to identify and access, how to process it, and what equipment to use. Programs vary widely depending upon the type of information to be assessed or generated.
This employer-driven, hands-on interactive educational program equips students with the computer programming and information processing skills required for career-entry positions in a wide range of organizations. Students are introduced to a variety of operating system environments and programming languages.
Software Development Major Outcomes
In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science program outcomes, students in the Software Development Major learn how to manage projects, create interesting web pages, design and write a variety of programs, use and maintain databases, and understand and utilize computer networks.
Upon completion of the Software Development Major, graduates are able to:
- Design and develop secure software solutions using object-oriented principles
- Develop integrated systems solutions using software, web, and mobile applications to access organizational databases
- Plan secure software solutions with customers
Students can choose from one of four options:
- Data Analytics Track - 14 semester credit hours
- Mobile Development Track - 14 semester credit hours
- Software Development Electives - 14 semester credit hours
- Web Design & Development Track - 14 semester credit hours
About Computer and Information Science
Graduates of a Computer and Information Science degree program have many career options. They often have career paths that eventually lead them into IT management positions, including software project management. They are able to design and implement computer software systems (including simulations, games, business applications, and other systems). They may develop test plans and then test software applications to ensure their correct implementation. Graduates also may work as security analysts, network architects, or administrators who design, implement, and maintain computer networks, including wireless networks.
Certain positions may require background checks, drug screening, and/or security clearances, depending on the position and industry.
Some entry-level job titles for a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science graduate include: Cybersecurity Operations and Maintenance Specialist, Digital Forensics Analyst, Network and Datacenter Administrator, Web Programmer, Virtual Server Administrator, Storage Technology Manager, Computer Programmer, Software Developer, Application Programmer, Mobile App Developer, Systems Analyst, Database Programmer, and Systems Administrator. CIS graduates are required in many industries, so employment could be expected in most any military or business setting.
Recommended Certifications
Certifications are not required for completion of this program; however, ECPI encourages student to obtain all appropriate certifications to increase potential job opportunities. ECPI provides students in this program with vouchers which allow the student to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Available certifications for this program include Microsoft, Cisco, EC-council, and Oracle certifications, A+, Network+, Linux+, and Security+.
Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Option
- To be successful in the IT field today, the industry requires that graduates have a degree, certifications, and work experience. The Apprenticeship Option for the Cybersecurity Track in the BS in Computer and Information Science program is intended for students with limited or no in-field work experience. The Program Director determines whether a student's education is best served through the Apprenticeship Option. If that is determined to be the case, then the Apprenticeship Option is considered required for graduation from the Information and Cybersecurity Operations program. To be considered, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a 90% or higher attendance rate, and be a full-time student. Current students in the Associate or Bachelor in Computer and Information Science program are eligible to apply for the Apprenticeship Option. Students must apply before the end of their first semester.
- No additional credit is earned. Each apprenticeship in this option must be approved by the faculty course manager in advance of participation. Apprenticeships are pass/fail.
- Apprenticeships are work experiences that may include consultancy-type projects and/or applied research that solves problems.
- Apprenticeships are work experiences designed to apply the material learned in class. The Apprenticeship Option is open to domestic students only. Students must maintain full-time student status while participating in apprenticeship courses. If selected, students must remain an active student at ECPI University during the apprenticeship and will be assigned a mentor that they will work with throughout the apprenticeship. The program consists of up to six semesters of apprenticeship courses.
- Students enter the Apprenticeship Option on a probationary status and will be evaluated after the completion of 500 hours to determine if the apprentice will continue in the program. After the probationary period, students will be evaluated every 500 hours.
Program Outline
To receive the Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science, students must earn 120 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 8 semesters, which is equivalent to 30 months or 120 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:
Program Requirements
Core Curriculum
28 semester credit hours
| BUS121 | Introduction to Business | 3 |
| CIS123 | Introduction to Python Scripting | 3 |
| CIS126 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| CIS142 | Introduction to Cloud Solutions | 3 |
| CIS150 | Introduction to Networking | 3 |
| CIS206 | Linux Administration | 3 |
| CIS212 | Principles of Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CIS223 | Introduction to Databases | 3 |
| PMT472 | Applied Project Management | 3 |
| PMT472L | Applied Project Management LAB | 1 |
Arts and Sciences*
31 semester credit hours
| CAP480 | Arts and Sciences Capstone | 3 |
| COM115 | Principles of Communication | 3 |
| ENG110 | College Composition | 3 |
| ENG120 | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| HUM205 | Culture and Diversity: Exploring the Humanities | 3 |
| MTH131 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MTH140 | Statistics | 3 |
| PSY105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY220 | Positive Psychology | 3 |
| ***ONE LECTURE COURSE AND CORRESPONDING LAB FROM THE FOLLOWING: | |
| PHY120 | Physics | 3 |
| PHY120L | Physics LAB | 1 |
| OR | |
| BIO122 | Environmental Biology | 3 |
| BIO122L | Environmental Biology LAB | 1 |
*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.
Self-Integration
9 semester credit hours
| CIS106 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 3 |
| CIS108 | Office Applications | 2 |
| COR191 | Career Orientation | 1 |
| FOR110 | Essentials for Success | 3 |
CYBER AND INFORMATION SECURITY TECHNOLOGY MAJOR
Required Courses
37 semester credit hours
| CIS101 | Computer Configuration I | 3 |
| CIS202 | Introduction to Routing and Switching | 3 |
| CIS202L | Introduction to Routing and Switching LAB | 1 |
| CIS204 | Intermediate Routing and Switching | 3 |
| CIS207L | Routing and Switching LAB | 1 |
| CIS225 | Network Protocols and Services | 3 |
| CIS245 | Windows Client and Server | 3 |
| CIS245L | Windows Client and Server LAB | 1 |
| CIS251 | Advanced Windows Server | 3 |
| CIS256 | Windows Active Directory | 3 |
| CIS256L | Windows Active Directory LAB | 1 |
| CIS321 | Network Scripting | 3 |
| CIS403 | Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| CIS425 | Advanced Defense and Countermeasures | 3 |
| ***ONE OF THESE TWO COURSES: | |
| CIS495 | Cyber and Network Security Capstone | 3 |
| CIS490 | Bachelor's Externship-CIS | 3 |
Cloud Computing Track
15 semester credit hours
| CIS242 | AWS Academy Cloud Foundations | 3 |
| CIS253 | Network Virtualization Fundamentals | 3 |
| CIS253L | Network Virtualization Fundamentals Lab | 1 |
| CIS305 | Advanced Linux Administration | 3 |
| CIS305L | Advanced Linux Administration LAB | 1 |
| CIS335 | AI/Machine Learning/Edge Computing | 3 |
| CIS403L | Ethical Hacking Lab | 1 |
Cybersecurity Track
15 semester credit hours
| CIS230 | Advanced Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CIS230L | Advanced Cybersecurity LAB | 1 |
| CIS305 | Advanced Linux Administration | 3 |
| CIS335 | AI/Machine Learning/Edge Computing | 3 |
| CIS403L | Ethical Hacking Lab | 1 |
| CIS411 | Ethical Hacking II | 3 |
| CIS425L | Advanced Defense and Countermeasures LAB | 1 |
Apprenticeship Option
0 semester credit hours
Digital Forensics Technology Track
15 semester credit hours
| CJ106 | Criminal Law I | 3 |
| CJ125 | Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| CJ200 | Investigations | 3 |
| CJ310 | Digital Forensic Analysis | 3 |
| CJ315 | Mobile Device Forensics | 3 |
Elective Courses
15 semester credit hours
| CIS123L | Introduction to Python Scripting Lab | 1 |
| CIS230 | Advanced Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CIS230L | Advanced Cybersecurity LAB | 1 |
| CIS253 | Network Virtualization Fundamentals | 3 |
| CIS253L | Network Virtualization Fundamentals Lab | 1 |
| CIS282 | Web Interface Design | 3 |
| CIS305 | Advanced Linux Administration | 3 |
| CIS305L | Advanced Linux Administration LAB | 1 |
| CIS425 | Advanced Defense and Countermeasures | 3 |
| CIS425L | Advanced Defense and Countermeasures LAB | 1 |
| CIS490 | Bachelor's Externship-CIS | 3 |
| CIS491 | Externship-CIS Sr. I-a | 1 |
| CIS492 | Externship-CIS Sr. I-b | 1 |
| CIS493 | Externship-CIS Sr. I-c | 1 |
| CIS494 | Externship-CIS Sr. II | 2 |
| CIS496 | CIS Externship Project | 1 |
| EET282 | Wireless Security | 3 |
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT MAJOR
Required Courses
38 semester credit hours
| CIS121 | Logic and Design | 3 |
| CIS126L | Introduction to Programming LAB | 1 |
| CIS213 | Javascript | 3 |
| CIS224 | Server-Side Scripting with PHP | 3 |
| CIS226 | Introduction to Object Oriented Programming | 3 |
| CIS250 | Structured Query Language | 3 |
| CIS282 | Web Interface Design | 3 |
| CIS332 | Mobile App Development I | 3 |
| CIS420 | System Analysis and Design | 3 |
| ***ONE OF THESE TWO COURSES: | |
| CIS214 | Object-Oriented Programming Using C# | 3 |
| CIS218 | Object-Oriented Programming Using JAVA | 3 |
| ***ONE OF THESE TWO COURSES: | |
| CIS317 | Advanced Object-Oriented Programming Using C# | 3 |
| CIS319 | Advanced Object-Oriented Programming Using Java | 3 |
| ***ONE OF THESE TWO COURSES: | |
| CIS480 | Software Development Capstone | 3 |
| CIS490 | Bachelor's Externship-CIS | 3 |
| ***ONE LECTURE COURSE AND CORRESPONDING LAB FROM THE FOLLOWING: | |
| CIS435 | SQL Server | 3 |
| CIS435L | SQL Server LAB | 1 |
| OR | |
| CIS436 | Oracle PL/SQL | 3 |
| CIS436L | Oracle PL/SQL LAB | 1 |
Data Analytics track
14 semester credit hours
| CIS326 | Introduction to Data Analytics | 3 |
| CIS367 | Advanced Server Side Scripting with PHP II | 3 |
| CIS376 | Data Analytics Tools | 3 |
| CIS469 | Data Analytics Methods and Modeling | 3 |
| CIS469L | Data Analytics Methods and Modeling LAB | 1 |
| CIS473L | Advanced Data Analytics LAB | 1 |
Mobile Development Track
14 semester credit hours
| CIS367 | Advanced Server Side Scripting with PHP II | 3 |
| CIS432 | Mobile App Development II | 3 |
| CIS494 | Externship-CIS Sr. II | 2 |
| ***ONE OF THESE TWO COURSES: | |
| CIS214 | Object-Oriented Programming Using C# | 3 |
| CIS218 | Object-Oriented Programming Using JAVA | 3 |
| ***ONE OF THESE TWO COURSES: | |
| CIS317 | Advanced Object-Oriented Programming Using C# | 3 |
| CIS319 | Advanced Object-Oriented Programming Using Java | 3 |
Web Design and Development Track
14 semester credit hours
| CIS334 | Interface Design I | 3 |
| CIS334L | Interface Design I LAB | 1 |
| CIS360 | Web Application Development | 3 |
| CIS367 | Advanced Server Side Scripting with PHP II | 3 |
| CIS453 | Interface Design II | 3 |
| CIS453L | Interface Design II LAB | 1 |
Elective Courses
14 semester credit hours
| CIS101 | Computer Configuration I | 3 |
| CIS214 | Object-Oriented Programming Using C# | 3 |
| CIS218 | Object-Oriented Programming Using JAVA | 3 |
| CIS242 | AWS Academy Cloud Foundations | 3 |
| CIS317 | Advanced Object-Oriented Programming Using C# | 3 |
| CIS319 | Advanced Object-Oriented Programming Using Java | 3 |
| CIS326 | Introduction to Data Analytics | 3 |
| CIS334 | Interface Design I | 3 |
| CIS334L | Interface Design I LAB | 1 |
| CIS360 | Web Application Development | 3 |
| CIS367 | Advanced Server Side Scripting with PHP II | 3 |
| CIS376 | Data Analytics Tools | 3 |
| CIS420 | System Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CIS432 | Mobile App Development II | 3 |
| CIS435 | SQL Server | 3 |
| CIS435L | SQL Server LAB | 1 |
| CIS453 | Interface Design II | 3 |
| CIS453L | Interface Design II LAB | 1 |
| CIS469 | Data Analytics Methods and Modeling | 3 |
| CIS469L | Data Analytics Methods and Modeling LAB | 1 |
| CIS473L | Advanced Data Analytics LAB | 1 |
| CIS490 | Bachelor's Externship-CIS | 3 |
| CIS491 | Externship-CIS Sr. I-a | 1 |
| CIS492 | Externship-CIS Sr. I-b | 1 |
| CIS493 | Externship-CIS Sr. I-c | 1 |
| CIS494 | Externship-CIS Sr. II | 2 |
| CIS496 | CIS Externship Project | 1 |