Information Technology Minor

Information Technology (IT) Minor

Overview Computer Literacy Core Courses Skill Areas Contacts

Overview

    The information technology (IT) minor is a university-wide minor that is open to all majors. It provides students with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to effectively apply IT to the profession of their choice. Students who take the IT minor will complete the following three steps:
    1. Acquire or demonstrate computer literarcy.
    2. Complete four core courses that will give all students a solid understanding of the fundamentals of IT.
    3. Select and complete a minimum of three courses from one of the skill areas

    26~35 units are required to complete the minor.

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    Computer Literarcy (0~4 Units)

    Prior to taking the courses within the minor, students must demonstrate to a principal adviser (either the IT minor coordinator or their designee) computer literacy in the following areas (0 units):

    • Knowledge of the hardware components of a computer system including CPU, memory, input/output devices, modems, LANs and WANs.
    • Knowledge of operating systems and familiarity with common operating systems.
    • Familiarity with using common applications including word processors, spreadsheets and presentation software.
    • Ability to access information via the Internet using search engines and to communicate via E-mail
    Alternatively, students may choose to complete one of the following courses (3 - 4 units):
    • CIS 100  Business Computer Systems (4)
    • CS 160   Introduction to Computers (3)

    Core Courses (15~17 Units)

    Student must complete four core courses.
    1. CIS 484  Communication Systems (4)
    2. COMM/EDIT 420  The Human Side of Computers and Information Technology (4)
    3. One of the following programming courses (4~5 units):
    • CS 201  Introduction to Programming (5)
    • CIS 283  Introduction to Application Programming (4)
    • CS 242  C Programming (4)
  1. One of the following database courses (3 or 4 units):
    • CIS 405A  Analysis and Logical Design I: Data Base (4)
    • CS 122  Using Relational Databases and SQL (3)

    Skill Areas (10 to 14 Units)

    Students must select one skill area and complete 10 to 14 units depending on the skill area.

    1. Bioinformatics (13 -14 units)

    Bioinformatics is the field of science in which biology, computer science, and information technology merge to form a single discipline. Students learn the principles of molecular life science and computer programming and apply this knowledge to search public databases containing biological information and derive meaningful information about genes and proteins.

    • BIOL 100B*  Introductory Biology II (5)
    • CHEM 434  Bioinformatics (4)

    And one of the following programming courses:

    • CS 202  Introduction to Object Oriented Programming (5)
    • CS 342  Object-Oriented Programming Using C++ (4)
    • CS 345  Unix and Shell Programming (4)
    • CIS 453  Application Programming (C++) (4)
    • CIS 457  Java Programming (4)

    *Recommended that students meet with adviser to determine the required prerequisites.

    2. Computer Animation (12 units)

    Computer Animation is widely used for information presentation, analysis and comprehension. These classes present the principles of computer animation in a technical and creative context. Both 2D and 3D animation are explored. Students selecting this skill area should know and have practical experience with the basic principles of design.

    • ART 380  Computer Graphics 1 (4)
    • ART 480  Computer Graphics 2 (4)
    • ART 494  Computer Graphics Animation (4)

    3. Database Systems (12 units)

    Database Systems is the study of information management. Students learn how data are collected, stored, processed, and presented by organizations to generate information. Information is considered as anything that individuals and organizations need to know to be successful in achieving their goals and objectives.

    Select three of the following courses:

    • CIS 405B  Analysis and Design II: Systems (4)
    • CIS 405C  Advanced Information Systems Development (4)
    • CIS 400  Database Server Administration (4)
    • CIS 450  Advanced Database Design (4)
    • CIS 451  Mainframe Database Technology (4)
    • CS 422*  Principles of Data Base Systems (4)

    *Recommended that students meet with adviser to determine the required prerequisites.

    4. Digital Document Management (12 units)

    Document management serves as a foundation for knowledge management. Students learn the theory and application of electronic publishing and new media production; with an emphasis on information integration, system configuration, digital workflow planning, and producing open image files and digital output.

    Select four of the following 3-unit courses:

    • TECH 330  Graphic Communications Process and Materials (3)
    • TECH 380  Communication Technology (3)
    • TECH 436  Electronic Publishing Technology and Management (3)
    • TECH 437  Alternative Media Production (3)
    • TECH 438  Image Capture, Processing and Management (3)
    • TECH 439  Digital Workflow Management (3)

    5. Instructional Technology (12 units)

    The Instructional Technology area is designed to provide students with skills in using technology for education and instructionally related activities. The focus of this program area is to explore and understand issues related to the human side of computing and technology with the goal of creating pedagogical materials and processes that facilitate learning and that are consistent with how humans work, live and learn.

    • EDIT 400  Introduction to Computers in Education (4)
    • EDIT 430  Information Technologies in the Classroom (4)

    And one of the following courses:

    • EDIT 451  Survey of Instructional Media and Technology (4)
    • EDIT 484  Computer Authoring Tools (4)

    6. Network Systems (11 - 13 units)

    General Network Systems 

    Networks are the backbone of computing systems. Students will be given a hands-on introduction to general networking, learn network theory and design, and develop network and web applications.

    Select three of the following courses:

    • CS 245*    Using Operating Systems and Networks for Programmers (3)
    • CIS 445    Network Applications Development (4)
    • CIS 485    Local Area Networks (4)
    • CIS 461    Web Development (4)
    • CS 345    Unix and Shell Programming (4)
    • CS 447*    Computer Networks (4)
    • EE 425*    Data and Computer Communications (4)

    *Recommended that students meet with adviser to determine the required prerequisites.

    CISCO Networks

    The objective of the CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) program is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and hands-on skills to function in a network support environment. The curriculum and lab activities reflecting the current internetwork technologies are designed and provided by CISCO. The program has four courses. At the end of the program the students are prepared to take and pass the CISCO CCNA certification examination.\
    • TECH 421  Electronic Communications I (CISCO Networking 1) (3)
    • TECH 422  Electronic Communications II (CISCO Networking 2) (3)
    • TECH 490E  Advanced Problems in Electronics (CISCO Networking 3) (3)
    • TECH 454L  Special Topics: CISCO Networking 4 (4)

    7. Production and Operations Management (12 units)

    Production and operations management addresses the management of the value creation processes of delivering a product or a service. Students will learn the strategic and tactical concepts in production and operations management including process and technology selection, facility design and location, customer service, supply chain management, material management as well as total quality management.

    Select three of the following courses:

    • MGMT 464*    Production and Inventory Management (4)
    • MGMT 463*    Process Design and Improvement (4)
    • MGMT 467*    Quality Control (4)
    • TECH 484*    Automated Manufacturing Systems (CAD/CAM) (4)

    *Recommended that students meet with adviser to determine the required prerequisites.

    8. Programming Systems (12 -14 units)

    Programming systems provides students with the knowledge and skills to develop computer applications. Students have the opportunity to learn a broad range of programming languages and/or study program development in depth.

    Select two of the following (8 or 9 units):

    • CS 202  Introduction to Object Oriented Programming (5)
    • CS 342  Object-Oriented Programming Using C++ (4)
    • CS 345  Unix and Shell Programming (4)
    • CIS 453  Application Programming (C++) (4)
    • CIS 457  Java Programming (4)

    And one of the following (4 or 5 units):

    • CS 203    Programming with Data Structures (5)
    • CIS 383    Advanced Application Programming (4)
    • CIS 455    Visual Basic (4)

    9. Web Development (11-12 units)

    Web development provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop Web applications by using Web development tools. Students will be able to build dynamic web sites using such technologies as HTML, FrontPage, client and server side scripting, and database programming.

    Select three of the following courses:

    • CS 120  Introduction to Website Development (3)
    • CS 320  Web and Internet Programming (3)
    • CS 420  Web Application Architecture (4)
    • CIS 461  Web Design and Development for E-Business (4)
    • CIS 462  Web Development II (4)

    10. Customized Option (12 units)

    With prior approval of an adviser, students may select 12 units from any of the approved skill areas.

    Contacts

    Program Coordinator: Dr. Chengyu Sun, csun@calstatela.edu