Computer Information Systems, Networking Option, BS

Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Networking (244201BS)

More on the programs in Computer Information Systems, Networking option

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Information Systems (CIS) - Networking degree option allows students to attain in-depth study of network management including building, securing, managing, and troubleshooting multimedia wired and wireless LAN and WAN networks.

The CIS program provides high level training by introducing students to basic computing concepts while allowing them to develop the applied skills required for the workforce. Courses are taught in cutting edge computer labs so students can learn and practice skills. Schedules offer a range of day and evening classes.

Requirements for Admission

  • Admission to The University of Akron.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum of 15 earned credit hours for transfer students.
  • Students must pass a Computer Literacy Placement test before taking any required Computer Information Systems core courses or take CISS:105 Introduction to Computers and Application Software, which does not count towards degree requirements.
  • Students must attain a C or better in each transferred course in the CIS major area.

Program-Specific Degree Requirements

  • Students must attain a C or better in each course in their major area.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum of 15 earned credit hours for Inter- and Intra-College Transfer into all Associate and Bachelor degree programs in Computer Information Systems.
  • Prior to enrolling in classes for the BS degree you must contact your academic advisor.

Career Information

Graduates of the associate and bachelor's degree programs in Computer Information Systems under the Networking option are expected to qualify for such positions as help-desk support specialists, desktop support analysts, computer operators, PC technicians, network administrators, network specialists, systems administrators, web server administrators and messaging administrators, and information technology (IT) specialists in government, business, information technology, and other industries.

The following information has official approval of The Department of Computer Science and The College of Engineering and Polymer Science, but is intended only as a supplemental guide. Official degree requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Students should refer to the Degree Progress Report (DPR) which is definitive for graduation requirements. Completion of this degree within the identified time frame below is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others. The transfer process is completed through an appointment with your academic advisor. Transfer students should consult their Advisor to identify courses that are equivalent.  

Three year accelerated option: for first time students who have earned credits for at least the first year of courses. Credits can be earned through qualifying scores on appropriate Advanced Placement (AP) exams or through College Credit Plus Program (CCP) courses. Credits for qualifying AP scores or CCP courses are determined by the appropriate academic department. Departments may assign varied course credit, depending on the student’s score on an AP exam or grade in a CCP course. Students may also receive credit by examination or via placement tests, where appropriate.

Requirements

Summary

General Education Requirements36
Networking Major Core62
Business and Math Courses23
Additional Major Electives *2
Total Hours123
*

This major requires a minimum of 123 completed credit hours.

Recommended General Education Courses

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree must complete the following General Education coursework. Diversity courses may also fulfill major or Breadth of Knowledge requirements. Integrated and Applied Learning courses may also fulfill requirements in the major.
Students are not required to enroll in the specific courses listed below. However, to facilitate successful degree completion, the academic department strongly encourages completion of the following recommendations.
Academic Foundations12
Mathematics, Statistics and Logic: 3 credit hours
MATH:152
MATH:153
Technical Mathematics II
and Technical Mathematics III
MATH:145Algebra for Calculus
Speaking: 3 credit hours
Writing: 6 credit hours
Breadth of Knowledge 22
Arts/Humanities: 9 credit hours
Natural Sciences: 7 credit hours
Social Sciences: 6 credit hours
ECON:100Introduction to Economics
Diversity
Domestic Diversity
Global Diversity
Integrated and Applied Learning2
Select one class from one of the following subcategories:
Complex Issues Facing Society
Capstone
Review the General Education Requirements page for detailed course listings.
Total Hours36

Networking Major Core 

CISS:121Introduction of Logic/Programming3
CISS:134Cybersecurity Fundamentals3
CISS:141Web Server Administration3
CISS:145Introduction to Unix/Linux3
CISS:201Networking Basics 23
CISS:202Router and Routing Basics 13
CISS:204WAN Technologies 23
CISS:240Computer Information Systems Internship 23
CISS:247Hardware Support3
CISS:282Microsoft Networking II 13
CISS:300Network Authentication and Security 13
CISS:303Voice, Data, and Video 13
CISS:306Ethics & Law in Information Technology 23
CISS:310Wireless Networking 13
CISS:388Advanced UNIX/Linux 23
CISS:400Advanced Routing 24
CISS:401Multilayer Switching 13
CISS:402Troubleshooting Complex IP-based Networks 24
CISS:430Network Monitoring and Management 13
CISS:490CIS Senior Networking Projects 23
Total Hours62

Business and Math Courses 

MATH:154Technical Mathematics IV (or equivalent)3
MATH:345Technical Data Analysis2
COMM:107Essentials of Management Technology3
COMM:108Introduction to Business3
COMM:202Elements of Human Resource Management3
COMM:211Essentials of Financial Accounting3
COMM:213Essentials of Management Accounting3
or COMM:243 Survey in Finance
COMM:430Leading Project Teams3
Total Hours23

Policy Alert: By the end of your first 48 credit hours attempted, you must have completed your required General Education Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic, Writing First Course, and Speaking requirements.

Note:

  • Students entering the Computer Information Systems associate's and bachelor's degree options must pass a Computer Literacy Placement test or complete the following bridge course prior to enrolling in the program.
  • Bridge Course: CISS:105 Introduction to Computers and Application Software 

Recommended Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
1st Year
Fall SemesterHours
First Writing Course 3
MATH:152
MATH:153
Technical Mathematics II
and Technical Mathematics III
4
CISS:121 Introduction of Logic/Programming 3
CISS:141 Web Server Administration 3
CISS:247 Hardware Support 3
 Hours16
Spring Semester
Second Writing Course 3
COMM:107 Essentials of Management Technology 3
CISS:134 Cybersecurity Fundamentals 3
CISS:145 Introduction to Unix/Linux 3
CISS:201 Networking Basics 2 3
 Hours15
2nd Year
Fall Semester
Speaking Requirement 3
COMM:108 Introduction to Business 3
COMM:211 Essentials of Financial Accounting 3
CISS:202 Router and Routing Basics 1 3
CISS:282 Microsoft Networking II 1 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
COMM:202 Elements of Human Resource Management 3
COMM:213
Essentials of Management Accounting
or Survey in Finance
3
CISS:204 WAN Technologies 2 3
CISS:240 Computer Information Systems Internship 2 3
ECON:100 Introduction to Economics 4 3
 Hours15
3rd Year
Fall Semester
MATH:154
Technical Mathematics IV
or Precalculus Mathematics
3-4
COMM:430 Leading Project Teams 3
CISS:300 Network Authentication and Security 1 3
CISS:303 Voice, Data, and Video 1 3
CISS:310 Wireless Networking 1 3
 Hours15-16
Spring Semester
Arts Requirement 3 3
Natural Science Requirement 3
CISS:306 Ethics & Law in Information Technology 2 3
CISS:388 Advanced UNIX/Linux 2 3
CISS:400 Advanced Routing 2 4
 Hours16
4th Year
Fall Semester
Humanities Requirement 3 3
Natural Science with Lab Requirement 4
MATH:345 Technical Data Analysis 2
CISS:401 Multilayer Switching 1 3
CISS:430 Network Monitoring and Management 1 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
Social Science/Domestic Diversity Requirement 3 3
Arts/Humanities/Global Diversity Requirement 3 3
Complex Issues Requirement 3
CISS:402 Troubleshooting Complex IP-based Networks 2 4
CISS:490 CIS Senior Networking Projects 2 3
 Hours16
 Total Hours123-124

Program Notes