Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS)
There is great and growing demand in the corporate world for people who can bridge the gap between businesses and technologies and integrate all elements of the enterprise into a comprehensive network of information systems. Berkshire University’s BS in Information Systems is designed to help you develop the ability to use technology to address the operational, tactical, and strategic challenges facing organizations and businesses in today’s complex marketplace.
NU’s information systems degree is available online or on-site and allows you to choose a career-focused concentration in business management or information management. Our curriculum includes a capstone experience during which you may work with a business in your community to gain real-world experience in the field.
Program Prerequisite
ILR 260 Academic Information Literacy – 4.50
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Introduces students to college-level inquiry and research strategies. Develops the ability to find, identify, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically to investigate a topic of scholarly inquiry. Practices communication of information using software applications and written research papers. Explores the nature of information as valued, constructed, and contextual while reinforcing the ethics of intellectual property and citation.
Core Requirements
CIS 301 Management Information Systems – 4.50
Overview of core concepts related to the emerging interconnections between technology, the organization, and information management.
CIS 310 Technology Project Management – 4.50
Forms of data, gap analysis, model building, and interpretation will form the foundation for students to ethically appFoundation of project management – project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement. The focus is on the concepts, skills, tools, and techniques involved in information technology project management. Students will develop a project plan using Microsoft Project.ly data analytics to facilitate modern knowledge discovery techniques.
CIS 314 IT Arch and Infrastructure I – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 301
This is the first of the two-course sequence providing comprehensive coverage on IT infrastructure architecture. It introduces IT infrastructure architecture and building blocks. It also covers infrastructure non-functional attributes such as availability, performance, and security. Specific topics include cloud computing fundamentals, availability and performance concepts, security concepts, infrastructure building blocks including data centers, networks, storage, computers and servers, operating systems, and end user devices.
CIS 315 IT Arch and Infrastructure II – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 314 with a minimum grade of C. This is a continuation of CIS 314. Therefore, students must possess the necessary fundamental knowledge to continue.
This is the second of the two-course sequence providing comprehensive coverage on IT infrastructure architecture. It introduces IT infrastructure architecture and building blocks. It also covers infrastructure non-functional attributes such as availability, performance, and security. Specific topics include cloud computing fundamentals, availability and performance concepts, security concepts, infrastructure building blocks including data centers, networks, storage, computers and servers, operating systems, and end user devices. Infrastructure management is also explored.
CIS 320 Systems Analysis & Integration – 4.50
Comprehensive introduction to the planning, analysis, design, and implementation of contemporary information systems. Students will examine the role and responsibility of a System Analyst. Several approaches to system requirements are also covered.
CIS 350 Database Management Systems – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 320 with a minimum grade of C. Students must possess the necessary fundamental knowledge to continue.
Fundamentals of database systems. An introductory approach to developing database applications; students learn to evaluate a business situation and then build and design a database application. The focus is from systems design to distribution and integration of the system through hands-on experience. Core theories and ideas of database management systems are also covered
CIS 421 Enterprise Architecture – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 315 and CIS 350
Explores the design, selection, implementation and management of enterprise IT solutions. The focus is on applications and infrastructure and their fit with the business. Students learn frameworks and strategies for infrastructure management, system administration, data/information architecture, content management, distributed computing, middleware, legacy system integration, system consolidation, software selection, total cost of ownership calculation, IT investment analysis, and emerging technologies.
CIS 474 Information Systems Security – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 421, or CSC 422
This course covers the aspects of information security on computer systems and networks. Information is becoming a valuable asset and security is vital in maintaining its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This course explores aspects of securing a network such as identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and assets that aid in planning, risk analysis, and implementation of security policies. Other topics include security management practices, security models and architectures, and business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response planning. In addition, legal, ethical, and professional issues are analyzed. This course, together with CIS 475, may help students prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam.
CIS 435 Introduction to AI – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 350
This course introduces students to the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence, its potential applications and technologies. Students will be provided a basic understanding of what is inside Artificial Intelligence. Students will learn the different stages involved in a typical AI Project. They will also be introduced to machine learning models, neural network, deep learning algorithms, and data mining methods.
CSC 350 Computer Ethics – 4.50
Analysis of the values, ethics and ideologies in computing and their applications to current issues in computer industry within the contemporary sociocultural setting. Focuses on ethical decision-making in computing matters. Students develop an ethical outlook on a wide variety of workplace issues in computing through case study, debate and readings.
CIS 490A Info Systems Project I – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 310 and CIS 430 and CIS 423 and CIS 435 and CIS 475 and CSC 350
A precursor to the final IS/IT product development capstone course. Students research their area of interest and learn how to apply project management tools in the preliminary development process of their final project product. Grading is by H, S or U only. It is important to note that the capstone course sequence CIS490A, CIS490B, and CIS490C must be taken in consecutive months. In case a student is not able to successfully complete this course sequence in consecutive months, the student will be required to start with CIS490A in the future, whenever this course sequence is offered.
CIS 490B Info Systems Project II – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 490A with a minimum grade of S. CIS 490B is a continuation of CIS 490A. Therefore, students must complete CIS 490A successfully to continue.
A capstone hands-on project in the student’s area of interest. Students apply skills learned, principles, topics and tools that have been taught throughout the program to develop an IS/IT specific product. Grading is H, S or U only. It is important to note that the capstone course sequence CIS490A, CIS490B, and CIS490C must be taken in consecutive months. In case a student is not able to successfully complete this course sequence in consecutive months, the student will be required to start with CIS490A in the future, whenever this course sequence is offered.
CIS 490C Info Systems Project III – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 490B with a minimum grade of S. CIS 490C is a continuation of CIS 490B. Therefore, students must complete CIS 490B successfully to continue.
This is a continuation of CIS490B. Students apply skills learned, principles, topics and tools that have been taught throughout the program to develop an IS/IT specific product in the student’s area of interest. It is important to note that the capstone course sequence CIS490A, CIS490B, and CIS490C must be taken in consecutive months. In case a student is not able to successfully complete this course sequence in consecutive months, the student will be required to start with CIS490A in the future, whenever this course sequence is offered.
Requirements for the Concentration
MGT 309 Prin. of Mgmt & Organizations – 4.50
Introduction to the roles of managers and the vision, mission and goals of organizations. Investigates management theories and explores the four primary functions of managers: Planning, Organizing, Leading and Controlling. Covers issues related to human resource management, organizational structure and behavior, creative problem solving, effective communication, and the management of teams, change and innovations.
BIM 400 Info Mgmt in Organizations – 4.50
Overview of Information Systems (IS) infrastructure and its utilization in today’s global business environment. The use of technological tools and the role of information systems will be discussed from the organizational strategic, tactical and operational view. Students learn how to choose and utilize information and knowledge to gain competitive advantage in the industry.
MKT 302A Marketing Fundamentals – 4.50
This course is the introduction to contemporary marketing theory and practice in both the local and global marketplace. Basic concepts of marketing are examined with an emphasis on marketing positioning, segmentation and targeting as well as product development and distribution.
CIS 423 IS Strategy, Mgt & Acquisition – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 421
This course takes a management perspective in exploring the acquisition, development and implementation of plans and policies to achieve efficient and effective information systems. Students will address topics relating to defining the IS infrastructure and the systems that support the operational and strategic needs of the organization. The course examines developing a framework that will allow leaders of organizations to assess existing IS infrastructures and emerging technologies as well as how these technologies affect organizational strategy.
Requirements for the Concentration
CIS 430 Web/EB Design & Development – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 350
Focuses on two aspects of website management: technical and business aspects. An introduction to Web languages and technologies is made with some in-depth coverage of HTML and CSS. How to manage people, content, and suppliers is covered in the business focus
CIS 436 Topics in AI – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 435
This course covers different topics in the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence, its potential applications and technologies. It discusses the basics of natural language processing, data visualization, and computer vision. Tools available to implement AI will also be covered. Students will create data visualizations and machine learning models for industry-relevant applications.
CIS 475 IS Security Technology – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 474
This course covers the technical aspects of information security for computer systems and networks. Various topics of information security will provide students with an understanding of the tools and technologies used to design secure information systems and networks. With the understanding of what security is, this course discusses access control mechanisms, methods of attack, and secure protocols. It includes how to secure telecommunications networks and the Internet. Cryptography is discussed in regards to privacy and secrecy. There is an emphasis on physical security followed by application and system development security. In addition, there will be a discussion of vulnerability assessments and penetration testing and an examination of digital forensics. This course, together with CIS 474, may help students prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam.
CIS 423 IS Strategy, Mgt & Acquisition – 4.50
Prerequisite: CIS 421
This course takes a management perspective in exploring the acquisition, development and implementation of plans and policies to achieve efficient and effective information systems. Students will address topics relating to defining the IS infrastructure and the systems that support the operational and strategic needs of the organization. The course examines developing a framework that will allow leaders of organizations to assess existing IS infrastructures and emerging technologies as well as how these technologies affect organizational strategy.
Degree and Course Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, students must complete at least 180 quarter units, 45 of which must be completed in residence at Berkshire University, 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and a minimum 69 units of the University General Education requirements. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation. All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of Berkshire University’s degree in Information Systems, you’ll be able to:
Apply analytical and critical thinking skills, and information systems concepts for solving organizational problems
Discuss the potential global impact of specific information systems solutions
Evaluate and implement organizational planning, design, and integration of information systems solutions in competitive environment
Plan and design organizational communications infrastructure and networking topology
Improve strategic information management procedures and processes
Identify innovative and efficient solutions to solve organizational problems
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