Department of Computer and Information Sciences

7800 York Road 406
Phone: 410-704-2633
Fax: 410-704-3868

Programs of the Department

Computer Science

The Department of Computer and Information Sciences offers several programs of study leading to Baccalaureate, Master of Science and Doctor of Science degrees. The undergraduate programs in computer science include a major in Computer Science, a major in Computer Science with a track in Cyber Operations, a major in Computer Science with a track in Software Engineering and a minor in Computer Science.

The B.S. in Computer Science and the B.S. in Computer Science with Cyber Operations track are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Information Systems

Information Systems (IS) focuses on solving organization and enterprise needs by integrating key aspects such as people, processes, and policies into comprehensive applied technical solutions, which are often related to decision making, coordination, control, analysis, or data visualization.

This program is a great fit if you like technology and enjoy working with people. Graduates of the Information Systems major are prepared for in-demand careers with a highly marketable combination of technical, organization, and behavioral skills. 

Programs include a major in Information Systems with a track in Data Analytics, a major in Information Systems with a track in Business, a major in Information Systems with a track in Interface Design and a major in Information Systems with a track in Systems. 

Information Technology

Information technology (IT) involves the selection, creation, application, integration and administration of computing and communication technologies to meet individual organizational and societal needs. Emphasis is on applying current technology in various real world domains. As such, a complementary mix of knowledge and practical hands-on skills are needed. The undergraduate information technology program prepares students to enter the workplace as IT professionals or to pursue graduate studies in the IT field. 

Programs include a major in Information Technology, a major in Information Technology with a track in Network Security, a major in Information Technology with a track in Data Management and Analytics and a minor in Information Technology.

Overview

Students in any of the department’s undergraduate programs are prepared with a broad foundation in the principles and concepts of computing, both theoretical and applied. Elective courses may be selected from a variety of topic areas including artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, computer graphics, data science, decision support systems, e-commerce, human-computer interaction, robotics, scientific modeling, software engineering, software project management, systems analysis and design, and web-based programming. In addition, the department offers numerous courses in the area of information security including operating systems security, network security and application software security. 

Matriculated students attending classes either full- or part-time may fulfill degree requirements. Students attending part-time in the evening are advised that not all required courses are available in the evening every term.

Students intending to transfer into the Computer Science or Information Systems program should provide course descriptions and supportive materials from their institution for review by a departmental adviser. Community college students from local public institutions should be aware that agreements on equivalency of courses are maintained; they should inquire about the current agreement either at their institution or at TU. They should also be aware that community college courses can only be counted as lower-division work. Transfer students are urged to gain a good background in mathematics.

The department has over 40 full-time faculty members and a number of part-time faculty. Research specialties include:

  • assistive technology
  • automated reasoning
  • cryptography
  • data mining
  • decision support systems
  • distance learning
  • distributed computing
  • genomics
  • geographical information systems
  • human-computer interaction
  • cybersecurity
  • information visualization
  • neural networks
  • universal usability
  • virtual collaboration
  • voice-over IP
  • wireless networks

The department has over 20 computing labs including teaching and research labs. 

2+2 Programs for Transfer Students from Harford Community College

Students transferring from Harford Community College with an A.S. in Computer Science can major in either Computer Science, Computer Science with Security Track or Information Systems by completing the following major requirements. Students transferring from HCC with an A.A.S. in Computer Information Systems can major in Information Technology by completing the following major requirements. (Refer to the Harford Community College catalog for the specific courses that are required to be taken at HCC as part of the A.S. and A.A.S. programs for transfer to these majors.) Information about these 2+2 Programs can be found on the Admissions website.

Second Bachelor's Program

Baccalaureate degree holders may apply for enrollment in the Second Bachelor’s Program through the Admissions Office. Because of the high demand for computer personnel, the Computer Science, Information Systems or Information Technology major is often of interest to persons who wish to change careers. Students in this program must satisfy the requirements for the major and earn at least the last 30 units in the IS/COSC major at TU. Although there are computer science or information systems courses offered in the evening, students may find that some required courses must be taken during the day. Because of the sequence of prerequisites, a minimum of five terms is normally needed to complete the program.

Departmental Activities

A student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the basis for the Students for the Advancement of IT. Meetings are held during the term, with field trips and speakers featured. To recognize outstanding talent in the field of computer science, TU has a charter chapter of Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE), the first and only international honor society for the computing and information disciplines. Members of UPE are outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in Computer Science or Information Systems. Find more under the 'Student Resources' section of the website. 

Scholarships

The department offers a number of scholarships, including the James W. Smith Scholarship (for computer science majors demonstrating academic excellence and enthusiasm for the field); the Doris K. Lidtke Excellence in Service Award (a monetary award for graduating seniors majoring in computer science or information systems with a minimum 3.50 GPA and significant service in their discipline); the Applied Information Sciences Scholarship (for information systems majors demonstrating academic excellence); and the Mid-Atlantic CIO Forum Scholarship (for computer science and information systems majors with a minimum GPA of 3.50). Find more in the 'Scholarships' section of the website. 

Awards

The department also offers several academic awards, including the Mary Hudson Scarborough Award for outstanding academic achievement by graduating seniors majoring in computer science or information systems, and the Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE) Award for students majoring in computer science or information systems with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 and a minimum GPA in the major of 3.14. Find more in the 'Scholarships' section of the website. 

Courses

CIS 211 FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY (3)

An introduction to information systems and technology in today's organizations. Topics include hardware, software and communications fundamentals, systems development, information management, work force considerations, and related societal, legal, and ethical issues. Prerequisite: COSC 111 (may be taken concurrently).

CIS 212 INTRO TO BUSINESS PROGRAMMING (3)

A study of computer programming for business applications using a language such as COBOL. Students will design, implement, test and document programs in application areas such as payroll, accounting, inventory and file maintenance. Not open to those who successfully completed COBOL programming. Prerequisites: COSC 111 and COSC 175.

CIS 239 ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS AND ARCHITECTURE (3)

Key concepts of ERP systems and approaches to business process improvement through the use of Information Technology (IT) infrastructures including IT infrastructure frameworks, information architecture, the design, implementation, and management of enterprise IT Solutions, and related theoretical and practical issues. Prerequisites: COSC 236 and CIS 211.

CIS 265 VISUAL BASIC PROGRAMMING (3)

Concepts, tools and techniques of software development using an event-driven language that supports a graphical user interface and an object-oriented environment. Two lecture hours and two laboratory hours. Prerequisite: Programming experience required.

CIS 328 INTRODUCTION TO DATA ANALYTICS (3)

Designed as an entry-level course of a three-course sequence that prepares students to pursue a career related to data analytics. The course provides an overview of the lifecycle of data analysis, the introduction and practical application of commonly used parametric and non-parametric statistical tests as well as predictive data modeling. The datasets and analysis cases will cover a variety of domains including IT, healthcare, education, manufacture, natural science. Students will learn how to apply the statistical tests and modeling techniques to solve practical problems through widely adopted statistical and programming tools such as SPSS, R, and Python. This course has been offered as a special topic; students who have earned credit for this course as a special topic will not receive additional credit for CIS 328. Prerequisites: CIS 211; MATH 231 or MATH 330, or consent of instructor.

CIS 334 DATA ORGANIZATION (3)

Information abstraction, representation and organization, including realization of data and the logic to manipulate it, concepts of levels of abstraction, and information organization, particularly within organization. Not open to students who successfully completed COSC 336. Prerequisite: COSC 237.

CIS 350 TELECOMMUNICATIONS (3)

Addresses telecommunications from the perspectives of technology, systems, and management. Prerequisites: (CIS 239 and (CIS 334 or COSC 336)) or (ITEC 315 and ITEC 325).

CIS 377 INTRODUCTION TO CYBERSECURITY (3)

Provides an overview of key cybersecurity concepts and practices and broadly characterizes the global security landscape, including cyber law and cyber warfare. It is structured as a series of ordered modules that cover foundational security principles, risk management, and adversarial thinking as an organizing narrative for a series of modules on data security, system security, network security, personal security, and societal security. Prerequisite: major or minor sophomore standing.

CIS 379 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN (3)

Guides students through the stages of the evolution of data processing systems, including analyses of present information flow, system specifications, equipment selection, and implementation of the system to provide an understanding of the skills and knowledge needed for effective use of data processing equipment in meeting information needs. Prerequisites: CIS 211 and COSC 237; MATH 263 (may be taken concurrently).

CIS 397 INTERNSHIP IN CIS (3)

Students work in a local computing facility under on-site and faculty supervision. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Only 3 units can be applied toward the major. Minimum of 2.75 GPA. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: CIS 334 or COSC 336, and consent of the internship coordinator.

CIS 425 DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS (3)

Computer-based information systems for managerial decision-making. Includes mathematical modeling and decision support systems, systems architecture, DDS development tools, organization issues of decision support, multiparticipant DSS, and integration with other information systems. Prerequisites: (CIS 379 or ITEC 411) and MATH 231.

CIS 426 GAMING INTERFACE DESIGN (3)

Focuses on game design and the computer gaming industry. Designed to introduce the fundamental elements, frameworks and standards related to computer gaming. Instruction will be a combination of lectures, group/individual projects and class assignments aimed at the dissemination of conceptual elements with practical application. Prerequisite: CIS 379 or ITEC 411.

CIS 428 TEXT ANALYTICS (3)

Provides fundamental concepts, techniques and tools of text analytics for information retrieval and knowledge discovery from various contexts (e.g., IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, social media, spam detection). The course covers a complete text analytics process of collecting, cleaning and wrangling text data using programming languages and tools as well as other topics such as text mining methods (e.g., classification, clustering) and applications of such methods. The course provides hand-on labs, assignments, and a project to collect, manipulate, and extract information from real datasets including social media and open data sources. Prerequisite: CIS 328, (CIS 334 or COSC 336 or ITEC 345), or consent of instructor.

CIS 433 SELECT TOPICS INFO SYST (1-3)

Studies in selected areas of computer information systems. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 units. Prerequisites: 9 units of Computer Information Science and consent of instructor.

CIS 435 HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION (3)

Effective, productive information systems, including interactive computer systems, input and output devices, screen layouts, machine design, health issues, organizational impacts, and computers and the disabled. Prerequisite: CIS 379 or ITEC 345.

CIS 436 E-GOVERNMENT (3)

Provides an overview of information technology development and use within federal, state, and local government. Addresses both external-facing systems (used by citizens) and internal systems (used by government employees), as well as current topic such as electronic voting, crowdsourcing, government datasets, and open government. Prerequisite: CIS 379 or ITEC 411.

CIS 440 SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT / E-COMMERCE (3)

Developing an organization's electronic commerce technical infrastructure, hardware and software specification issues, strategic development of computer-mediated business and tools, policy and societal impact issues as well as future directions in electronic commerce. Prerequisite: CIS 379 or ITEC 411.

CIS 445 UNIVERSAL USABILITY: DESIGNING COMPUTER INTERFACES FOR BLIND USERS (3)

Designing computer interfaces for the needs of blind users. Prerequisite: CIS 379 or ITEC 411.

CIS 458 ORGANIZATIONAL DATABASE MANAGEMENT (3)

The database environment in an organization. Database development, analysis, design, implementation, and administration. Applications of database programs for organizational information processing. Students cannot earn credit for both COSC 457 and CIS 458. Prerequisites: (CIS 334 or COSC 336) and MATH 263.

CIS 468 APPLIED DATA MINING AND VISUAL ANALYTICS (3)

Provides students with a background in traditional data mining approaches using computational models as well as visual analytic approaches which map data onto a visual model enabling knowledge discovery through human perception. Prerequisites: CIS 328 and (CIS 334 or COSC 336 or ITEC 345).

CIS 475 INFORMATION SYSTEMS CAPSTONE (3)

This senior level course integrates all core IS related competencies by allowing students working in teams to design and implement an information system with consideration of real-world issues including cost, safety, efficiency, and suitability for the intended user. Students will display the ability to integrate and apply critical technical skills with a variety of management concepts, principles, techniques, and practices while effectively managing people, information, information and communication technologies, and business processes for organizational strategic goals. In addition, students will learn about and apply specific modern information systems development methods (ISDM), such as Agile approaches, as a guiding process framework for developing an IS solution. Corequisite: CIS 435. Prerequisites: (CIS 379 or ITEC 411) and CIS 458.

CIS 479 SOFTWARE PROJECT MNGT (3)

Technical and behavioral aspects of project management: concepts, needs identification, software project manager, software teams, software project organizations, project communications, software project planning, scheduling, control, associated costs, using management software tools. Prerequisite: CIS 379.

CIS 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS (3)

Directed study in selected areas of Computer Information Systems for which there is no regular course offered. The use of a proposal and well-defined objectives as well as a formal paper or project report are required. Prerequisites: senior standing in CIS and consent of department.

COSC 109 COMPUTERS AND CREATIVITY (3)

Creative activities involving symbolic manipulation and computer graphics; animation, dynamic story telling, computer music, visual effects, Web publishing, computer games, artwork and multimedia. Additional laboratory time required. Core: Creativity & Creative Development.

COSC 111 INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS (3)

Retrieve, process, classify, sort and evaluate data and information. Problem solving techniques, creative thinking skills, communication skills, team building, and professional ethics. Laboratories covering the Internet, spreadsheets, and databases. Additional laboratory time required. Students cannot earn credit for both this course and IDNM 101.

COSC 175 GEN COMPUTER SCI (4)

Computer systems overview, algorithm development, data representation, software design and testing methodologies, and brief overview of advanced topics.

COSC 236 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE I (4)

Introduction to structured problem-solving, algorithm development and computer programming. Three lecture hours and two laboratory hours. Prerequisites: COSC 175 and at least one of [MATH 117, MATH 119, MATH 211, (MATH 231 or ECON 205), MATH 273, MATH 274, MATH 275, or a qualifying score on the Math Placement Exam].

COSC 237 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE II (4)

Development of programming and problem-solving skills, with a focus on object-oriented programming and design. Students will design and develop programs using encapsulation and information hiding, inheritance, polymorphism, and generics. Introduction to data structures and their implementations (lists, stacks, queues, and trees), recursion, and searching and sorting algorithms. Includes two laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: COSC 236; MATH 211 or MATH 273.

COSC 290 PRINCIPLES OF COMPUTER ORGANIZATION (4)

Computer organization and architecture including computer arithmetic, digital logic, principles of assembly language, memory system organization, computer interfacing, CISC and RISC architecture. Three hours per week of laboratory work required. Prerequisites: COSC 236 and (MATH 263 or MATH 267).

COSC 310 SPECIAL TOPICS: ADVANCED PROGRAMMING (3)

Advanced programming concepts within the context of a specific programming language for computer science and related majors. The course may be repeated up to 6 units when a different programming language is offered. Programming languages offered may include C, C++, C#, Python, Ruby, and others. Prerequisites: COSC 237 and COSC 290.

COSC 311 DIGITAL TECH SOCI (3)

Foundations and impacts of computing and digital technologies, including history, applications, and societal impacts. Prerequisites: junior status and two science courses or one math course and one science course.

COSC 314 INTRODUCTION TO CRYPTOGRAPHY (3)

A broad introduction to cryptography and its mathematical foundations, including applications to computer-network security services and mechanisms (confidentiality, integrity, authentication, electronic case and others) and to various protocols in distributed computation. Prerequisites: COSC 236; either MATH 263 or MATH 267; and either MATH 330 or MATH 331 (may be taken concurrently).

COSC 321 COMPUTERIZATION AND ITS IMPACTS (3)

Computer technology and its social and economic impacts on organizations and individuals. Prerequisites: junior/senior status and completion of two science courses or one math and one science course.

COSC 336 DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHM ANALYSIS (4)

Fundamental data structures used in programming and the basic techniques used to design and analyze algorithms. Topics include: complexity analysis of elementary algorithms, linear data structures, trees, heaps, graphs, search algorithms (balanced binary trees, B-trees, hashing), sorting algorithms, basic graph algorithms (graph traversal, topological sorting, shortest path, minimum spanning trees), and paradigms in the design of algorithms (divide and conquer, dynamic programming, greedy). Prerequisites: COSC 237 and MATH 274.

COSC 340 SYSTEMS PROGRAMMING (3)

Covers the underlying concepts underlying all computer systems and introduces the student to the low-level abstraction of a computer system from a programmer's point of view, with an emphasis on low-level Assembly and C programming. Topics include data representation, 32-bit vs. 64-bit implementation, device driver development, the process of compiling and linking, low-level memory management and basic processor architecture. Prerequisites: COSC 237 and COSC 290; major standing.

COSC 350 DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING (3)

Network architecture and protocols, data communications, LANs and cellular networks, forwarding and routing, TCP/IP suite, network programming and packet analysis. Corequisite: COSC 336. Prerequisite: COSC 290.

COSC 397 INTERNSHIP IN COSC (3)

Students work in local computing facility under on-site and faculty supervision. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Only 3 units can be applied to the major. Minimum of 2.75 GPA. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: COSC 336 and consent of the internship coordinator.

COSC 412 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (3)

Methodology of designing and programming for a wide area of applications with a high degree of modifiability, efficiency, reliability, and understanding. Prerequisite: COSC 336.

COSC 417 INTRODUCTION TO THE THEORY OF COMPUTING (3)

A general introduction to the theory of computation, including finite automata, compatibility, formal languages and their relation to automata, algorithms, and algorithmic complexity. The major emphasis will be on developing formal descriptions of computers and computational processes, and practical implications of theoretical results. Prerequisite: COSC 336.

COSC 418 ETHICAL AND SOCIETAL CONCERNS OF COMPUTER SCIENTISTS (3)

Ethical questions and societal concerns related to the widespread use of computers and the resulting responsibilities of computer scientists. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing; ENGL 317 or BUSX 301; must have previously taken a computing class. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.

COSC 431 SELECTED TOPICS COMPUTER SCIENCE (1-3)

Independent studies in selected areas of computer science. A maximum of 4 units may be earned in selected topics. Prerequisites: consent of the instructor and 9 units of computer science.

COSC 432 REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS & MODELING (3)

Introduces the basic concepts as well as the principles of software requirements development. Students will learn how to elicit, analyze, and model requirements and gain practical knowledge of tools and techniques related to these requirements activities. Develops theoretical knowledge and practitioner skills critical for real world applications. Prerequisite: COSC 412.

COSC 435 MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT (3)

A comprehensive, hands-on study of the design and creation of mobile applications using modern development environments and tools. Topics include mobile device architecture, event-handlers, location-based services, onboard mobile device sensors, programming languages, software engineering, user interface design, and mobile application distribution. This course has been offered as a special topic; students who have earned credit for this course as a special topic will not receive additional credit for COSC 435. Prerequisite: COSC 336.

COSC 436 OBJECT-ORIENTED DESIGN & PROGRAMMING (3)

Introduction to object-oriented design and programming technology (OOD/OOP). Main phases in object-oriented design and techniques in object-oriented programming. Programming language design and implementation issues for object-oriented languages. Prerequisite: COSC 336.

COSC 439 OPERATING SYSTEMS (3)

Operating systems as resource managers with emphasis on file processor, memory and device management and processes. Design and implementation of a simulated multiprogramming operating system. Prerequisite: COSC 336.

COSC 440 OPERATING SYSTEMS SECURITY (3)

an in-depth discussion of security concepts in operating systems. This course examines some of the security issues in current operating systems and discusses the existing tools and technologies for setting up a secure system. Prerequisite: COSC 439.

COSC 442 SOFTWARE QUALITY ASSURANCE AND TESTING (3)

A comprehensive study of concepts, techniques, and tools for software quality assurance and testing. Software testing at the unit, subsystem and system levels; test models and test design techniques; integration, regression, and system testing methods; static and dynamic analysis; security and reliability testing and assessment. Prerequisite: COSC 412.

COSC 450 NETWORK SECURITY (3)

Network security principles and applications, including authentication applications. IP security, Web security, network management security, wireless security and system security. Prerequisites: MATH 314 and COSC 350.

COSC 455 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES: DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION (3)

Underlying concepts in high-level programming languages and techniques for their implementation, a survey of a selected group of such languages along with a discussion of the interrelationship between programming and programming languages. Prerequisite: COSC 336.

COSC 457 DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (3)

Data models and sublanguages; security and integrity problems; functions of the database administrator; implementation and use of a database management system; a comparison of widely used DBMS packages. Prerequisite: COSC 336.

COSC 458 APPLICATION SOFTWARE SECURITY (3)

A study of security concepts in developing software applications. Discusses design principles for secure software development, and some of the security issues in current programming and scripting languages, database systems and Web servers. Prerequisites: COSC 340 and COSC 455 and COSC 457 (COSC 457 may be taken concurrently).

COSC 459 COMPUTER SIMULATION & MODELING (3)

Simulation models and languages, data collection and output analysis, random number generation and Monte Carlo integration, model verification and validation, variance reduction techniques, optimization, the implementation and use of simulation techniques in problem solving. Prerequisites: COSC 336 and MATH 330.

COSC 461 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (3)

A survey of the problems and techniques involved in producing or modeling intelligence in computers. Particular emphasis will be placed on representation of knowledge and basic paradigms of problem solving. Topics include game playing, theorem proving, natural language, and learning systems. Prerequisite: COSC 336.

COSC 465 ROBOTICS (3)

Physical mechanisms of robotics, issues of modeling, planning control and programming. Principles underlying the design and analysis of robotic systems, with emphasis on the autonomous, and behavior-based systems. Prerequisites: COSC 336.

COSC 467 FOUNDATIONS OF DATA MINING (3)

A comprehensive, hands-on study of the techniques and tools in the field of data mining and knowledge discovery in data (KDD). The foundations of data mining from a number of perspectives are covered, including exploratory analysis, classification, and/or cluster analysis. Prerequisite: COSC 457.

COSC 471 COMPUTER GRAPHICS (3)

An introduction to the field of computer generated and/or displayed graphics data. Covers the topics of representation, transformations, curve and 3-D problems, graphics hardware, and programming considerations. Prerequisite: COSC 336.

COSC 481 CASE STUDIES IN COMPUTER SECURITY (3)

An in-depth study of the practical aspects of computer security, including the study of common computer security vulnerabilities in a laboratory setting. Prerequisites: COSC 440 and COSC 450.

COSC 482 TEACHING COMPUTER SCIENCE IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS (3)

Best practices for teaching computer science at the secondary level, including the design of learning environments that promote effective teaching and learning in computer science classrooms; the development of lesson and unit plans to include real-world computing problems and project-based methodologies; and consideration of how to teach key computer programming concepts, data abstraction, and physical computing. Prerequisite: consent of department.

COSC 483 DESIGN & ANALYSIS ALGORITHMS (3)

Algorithm design methods such as heuristics, backtrack programming, branch and bound, recursion, simulation, divide-and-conquer, balancing, and dynamic programming. Efficiency of algorithms - NP-complete problems. Prerequisite: COSC 336.

COSC 484 WEB-BASED PROGRAM (3)

Applications executing on a client-server system, emphasizing client side. Technologies include HTTP protocol, dynamic HTML, server-side programming, and client-side JavaScript libraries & frameworks. Prerequisite: COSC 336.

COSC 485 REVERSE ENGINEERING AND MALWARE ANALYSIS (3)

Provides students with effective conceptual as well as hands-on knowledge in the areas of Reverse Engineering and Malware Analysis. It follows a progressive approach that introduces relevant concepts and techniques while preparing students to become effective reverse engineering and malware analysts able to use standard methodologies for detecting, analyzing, reverse engineering and eradicating malware in computing systems. Prerequisites: COSC 340; COSC 450.

COSC 490 SOFTWARE PROJECT PRACTICUM (3)

A project-based course for computer science majors that provides students with the experience of working as part of a project team using current software design and development tools and environments. Projects will consist of all aspects of software development, including requirements analysis, design, and implementation. Prerequisites: COSC 412; software engineering track majors only (or by department permission); senior standing.

COSC 492 INTERNSHIP IN SECONDARY EDUCATION - COMPUTER SCIENCE (6)

Internship in public school classrooms under the guidance of a university supervisor. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: COSC 482, SEMS 498, and consent of COSC department and Towson UTeach.

COSC 493 DIRECTED READINGS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (3)

Individual readings and background research, under the direction of a faculty member, in preparation for writing an honors thesis. (Restricted to students in the departmental honors program). Prerequisite: admission to the departmental honors program.

COSC 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3)

Directed study in selected areas of Computer Science for which there is no regular course offered. The use of a proposal and well-defined objectives as well as a formal paper or project report are required. Prerequisites: senior standing in Computer Science and consent of instructor.

ITEC 201 METROPOLITAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE (3)

Technological aspects that drive the Greater Baltimore area and its surroundings by placing them in a social and economic context. Students will be able to evaluate how these technologies affect our metropolitan area's status and development by comparing our systems to the ones of other cities. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.

ITEC 217 COMPUTING HARDWARE AND INFRASTRUCTURE (3)

Provides the foundational principles of computer hardware and IT infrastructure. Topics include electricity and circuits, PC components and organization, system performance and tuning, cloud services and virtualization. Prerequisite: CIS 211.

ITEC 231 FUNDAMENTALS OF WEB TECHNOLOGIES (3)

Introduction to web systems and technologies, including the fundamentals of design, implementation, and evaluation of web-based applications including related software, databases, interfaces, and digital media. Social, ethical, and security issues related to web-based systems are also explored. Prerequisites: CIS 211 and (COSC 236 or ITEC 236).

ITEC 250 FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER NETWORKS (3)

Based upon the Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model developed by the International Standards Organization. Topics include networking basics, network types and topologies, network protocols, reference models, network hardware, network applications and services, network operating systems and basic network security. Virtual lab, network management, and network simulation tools will be used. Prerequisites: COSC 236 or ITEC 236.

ITEC 270 SELECTED TOPICS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (3)

Studies in selected foundational areas of Information Technology. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: 6 units of ITEC, CIS and /or COSC.

ITEC 274 FUNDAMENTALS OF SYSTEM MANAGEMENT (3)

Provides foundational principles of system management along with hands-on experience with operating systems. Topics covered include file and directory management, graphical and command line user interfaces, process and thread mechanics and user management. In addition, students will install, manage and safely remove applications. Prerequisite: COSC 236 or ITEC 236.

ITEC 315 DATA AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (3)

Introduction to data and information management, including the collection, organization, modeling, transformation, presentation, safety, and security of data and information. Prerequisites: CIS 211, MATH 263 and [COSC 236 or ITEC 236] (MATH 263 may be taken concurrently).

ITEC 325 SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE (3)

Essentials for effective administration and maintenance of applications, operating systems and networks, including IT system documentation, policies and procedures, and the education and support of the users of these systems. Prerequisites: ITEC 274 and MATH 263 (MATH 263 may be taken concurrently).

ITEC 336 LEGAL AND POLICY ISSUES IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (3)

An in-depth exploration of the civil and common law issues that apply to information technology. In addition, the course explores statutes, jurisdictional, and constitutional issues related to computer crime and privacy in the digital age. Course content includes addressing the legal system, rules of evidence, evidence seizure and handling, court presentation, individual rights, and free speech. Prerequisite: CIS 211. Corequisite: COSC 236 or ITEC 236.

ITEC 345 SCRIPTING LANGUAGES (3)

Provides students with a solid foundation in the concepts which underlie many scripting languages and environments without focusing exclusively on any on elanguage. The emphasis will be on the underlying concepts behind the development of small programs in various scripting languages commonly found in industry. Student will develop, test, and execute programs in a hands-on environment. Prerequisites: MATH 263 and (COSC 236 or ITEC 236).

ITEC 357 NETWORKING AND SECURITY PRACTICUM (3)

Applies principles of computer networking and security including the OSI model, topologies, network devices, routing protocols, virtualization and wireless networking, auditing, firewalls, malware, cryptography, encryption, wireless security, social engineering and disaster recovery. Tools such as network simulation, virtualization, public key infrastructure and anti-malware programs are used. This course prepares students to take the CompTIA Network + and Security + global certification exams. This course has been offered as a special topic; students who have earned credit for this course as a special topic will not receive additional credit for ITEC 357. Prerequisites: ITEC 250 and CIS 377.

ITEC 397 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP (3)

Opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in information technology by working in a local computing facility with on-site and faculty supervision. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Minimum 2.75 GPA. S/U Grading. Prerequisites: ITEC 315 or ITEC 325 or ITEC 345, and consent of the internship coordinator.

ITEC 411 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE AND INTEGRATION (3)

Architecture and integration of systems. Gathering requirements, sourcing, evaluating and integrating components into a single system. Also covers the fundamentals of project management and the interplay between IT applications and organizational processes. Corequisite: ITEC 325. Prerequisite: ITEC 315.

ITEC 423 EMERGING INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES (3)

Focuses on emerging technologies that are essential in current trends and techniques related to Internet-based applications and their role in the IT field. Surveys the framework and essential elements in emerging Internet technology. Innovative technologies and related topics will be introduced along with the basic foundations required for their implementation and use. Prerequisite: ITEC 231 or consent of instructor.

ITEC 425 IT ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE (3)

Various standards and methodologies in designing and analyzing enterprise architectures including frameworks, layered architectures, strategic alignment between IT and business, modeling processes, and various viewpoints. Prerequisite: ITEC 411.

ITEC 427 CLOUD COMPUTING FOR ENTERPRISES (3)

Focuses on cloud computing and its role in the IT field. Introduces the fundamental elements, frameworks and standards of cloud computing. Students will work on group and individual projects related to cloud computing. Prerequisite: ITEC 231 or consent of instructor.

ITEC 433 CYBER SECURITY RISK MANAGEMENT (3)

Cyber security decisions, from resource management to threat management, require the application of risk management principles to be successful. This course identifies critical risk management components and investigates how they are applied in cyber security decisions utilizing Federal guidelines and regulations. Prerequisites: ITEC 250 and CIS 377.

ITEC 437 DISASTER RECOVERY AND ENTERPRISE CONTINUITY (3)

Focuses on assessing vulnerabilities to the organization and taking appropriate countermeasures to avoid or mitigate disruption of IT services. Emphasis is on techniques for developing an enterprise continuity plan and building an IT infrastructure to sustain organizational operations. Prerequisite: ITEC 325.

ITEC 450 ADVANCED COMPUTER NETWORKING (3)

Provides thorough grounding in advanced topics in computer networking. Focus is on wired and wireless networking, including technologies in application, transport, and network layers, multimedia networking, and network management and security. Prerequisites: ITEC 250 and ITEC 325.

ITEC 451 ADVANCED DATA MANAGEMENT & ANALYSIS (3)

Data-centric approach of information management and analysis. Students will become familiar with data standards, manipulation, analysis, and management techniques. A survey of popular tools. Prerequisite: ITEC 315.

ITEC 457 APPLIED NETWORK SECURITY (3)

Covers network security principles and applications to understand the methods that detect, prevent, and mitigate network security attacks. Topics include cyber attacks, symmetric/asymmetric cryptography, TCP/IP, secure socket layer, malicious software, mitigation and prevention systems, denial of service, email security, IP security, web security, spam, and email viruses. Prerequisites: ITEC 250, CIS 377, major/minor standing.

ITEC 464 WEB DEVELOPMENT (3)

Focuses on client/server side processing, with emphasis on client-server applications. Students are introduced to design and implementation of client-side scripting and server-side database connectivity using a content management system, including dynamic HTML, CSS, scripting, and databases, as well as emerging technologies. Also integrates web security and accessibility as they pertain to advanced web development. Prerequisite: ITEC 231.

ITEC 470 SPECIAL TOPICS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (3)

Studies in selected areas of information technology. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is taken. Prerequisites: 12 units of ITEC, CIS, or COSC courses.

ITEC 485 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SENIOR PRACTICUM (3)

Design and implement an IT project with consideration for real-world issues including cost, safety, efficiency, and suitability for the intended user. Display ability to integrate and apply critical technical skills with a variety of management concepts, principles, techniques, and practices, while effectively managing people, information, information and communication technologies, and business processes for the organizational strategic goals. Prerequisites: ITEC 411, senior standing in Information Technology.

ITEC 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (3)

Directed study in selected areas of Information Technology for which there is no regular course offered. The use of a proposal with well-defined objectives and a formal paper or project is required. Prerequisites: Senior standing in Information Technology and consent of department.

Faculty

Professors: Nadim Alkharouf (Program Director, MB3), Suranjan Chakraborty (Director, School of Emerging Technologies), Joshua Dehlinger (Program Director, BS in CS), Jinjuan Feng (Program Director, BS in IS), Ramesh Karne, Siddharth Kaza (Associate Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies), Yanggon Kim, Chao Lu (Graduate Program Director), Michael McGuire (Chairperson), Yeong-Tae Song, Blair Taylor (Director, Center for Interdisciplinary and Innovative Cybersecurity), Alexander Wijesinha, Wei Yu (Program Director, Ph.D. in IT), Marius Zimand

Associate Professors: Joyram Chakraborty (Program Director, BS in IT), Lin Deng, Charles Dierbach, Sung-Chul Hong, Nam Nguyen, Ziying Tang (Program Director, MS in CS), Yuanqiong Wang (Assistant Chair)

Assistant Professors: Omar Badreddin, Yifan Guo, Xin Huang, Woosub Jung, Wasilla Lalouani, Qingquing Li, Weixian Liao, Dastyni Loksa, Jeba Rezwana, Neda Saeedloei, Md Sajidul Islam Sajid, Qianlong Wang

Lecturers: Terry Downing-Harris, Alex Hornberger, Jal Irani

Clinical Professor: J. Scott Hilberg

Clinical Associate Professor: Jinie Pak

Clinical Assistant Professors: Adam Conover, Willie Sanders, Mona Tavakolan

Lecturer II: Cheryl T. Brown (Program Director, MS in AIT), Robert Eyer, Tina Kelleher, Iliana Zimand