Management Information Systems & Assurance

The MISA concentration is designed to prepare students to plan, design, engineer, and implement networks and information systems in a modern computer environment.  Students learn how to manage information technologies and exploit their full potential. The concentration prepares students for a career in a variety of organizations ranging from the end users to the creators of information technology.

MISA Course Descriptions

General Education *
Writing Intensive Courses WR (must earn C- or better to fulfill requirement)
Speaking Intensive Courses SP

Management Information Systems & Assurance 170 - Computer Applications

The course utilizes several common business software applications to explore how these tools are used in typical business environments. The course enhances the students' knowledge of tools needed for upper-level courses in the School of Business and Economics, as well as their knowledge of computer concepts that are required in the business world. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 272 - Introduction to Business Programming

The course emphasizes analysis of existing systems and designs of new systems using common structured and object-oriented modeling tools. It also includes the development of information systems from the analysis of present information flow, system specifications, and modeling. Prerequisite: MISA 170. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 275 - Web Design for Beginners

An introduction to Web page design and development. Students will be introduced to HTML, Javascript and Vbscript. Students will create a Web site with features such as pictures, video, guestbook, marquees, forms, and other useful tools for Web site creation. In addition, OBNC connectivity, ASP and server/client relationships will be introduced for creating dynamic web pages and understanding Electronic commerce. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 295 - Special Topics in Computer Information Management Systems

The topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit when topics change. 1-3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 311, 312 - Studies Abroad

Primarily intended for transfer of credit earned abroad in courses in management information systems & assurance. 1-18 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 370 - Principles of Management Information Systems

A general over-view of information systems. Planning, designing and implementing information management systems. Emphasis is on application of the systems. Prerequisite: MISA 170. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 372 - COBOL Programming

An introduction to programming in a business oriented language (COBOL) with emphasis on commercial applications and elementary concepts of file processing. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 373 - Database Management

Introduction to theory of data structure, implementation of database models, and applications using a conventional database system. Prerequisites: MISA 370 and one of MISA 272, MISA 372, or CMSC 160. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 375 - Web Design and Development

This course teaches students how to use powerful, sophisticated, commercially-available Web design tools to create interactive multimedia projects in an interdisciplinary team environment. Students build a personal Web site, an interactive portfolio site, and a site for a "real world" client. Other topics include introduction to ASP, CGI, Perl, VBSript, JavaScript, and Jscript. Prerequisites: MISA 170 and 370, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 376 - Cyber Security

This class focuses on cyber security as well as corresponding cyber law, policy, and methods and tools for gaining forensic information from computer systems and networks. It includes case studies of cyber crimes as well as information on the  capabilities and limitations of forensics techniquesused in the analysis of cyber crime. Prerequisite: CMSC 121 or MISA 170, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 377 - Cyber Forensics

This is a fundamental required course as part of an interdisciplinary curriculum that is very much in demand in today's society. This course covers cyber forensics as part of one of the three academic areas in the interdisciplinary curriculum. The three areas covered are cyber security, cyber forensics, and cyber policy and law. This class covers methods and tools for gaining forensic information from computer systems and networks.  It includes case studies of cyber crimes as well as the application and management of cyber forensics.  The course introduces students to forensics tools using hands-on experience and the Internet.  Prerequisite: MISA 376 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 390 - Directed or Independent Study

Must be approved by the head of the department. May be repeated as MISA 391. 1-18 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 471 - Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design

 Development of an information system from the analysis of present information flow, system specifications and equipment selection to implementation. Emphasis on analysis of existing systems and design of new systems. Prerequisite: MISA 370 and MISA 373. 3 credits. SP

Management Information Systems & Assurance 473 - Network Communications

A study of voice and data communications concepts, including network components, strategies, topologies, planning and design issues, security considerations, evaluation/performance criteria, and management control requirements. Topics cover physical components as well as theoretical issues. Course includes in-class lectures as well as hands-on lab experiences with physical media, microcomputer connectors, and network operating systems. Prerequisite: MISA 370. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 475 - Web Programming

An in-depth study of programming techniques used in Web page design. Topics can include HTML and derivative languages, server-side programming, client-side programming, Web server architecture, and Web security. Use of these programming techniques to create contemporary applications will be covered. These applications can include, but are not limited to, shopping carts, guest books, login validation, database access and manipulation, form processing, auctions, and chat rooms. Other applications and techniques may be covered that reflect current trends in Web design and use. Prerequisites: Successful completion of a programming course prior to enrollment in this course is required as well as MISA 373 or CMSC 362 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 476 - Advanced Topics in Cyber Security, Forensics, and Law

This class covers cyber law and policy and its application to techniques for identifying and tracking cyber attacks, as well as yo methods and tools for gaining forensic information from computer systems. It includes case studies of cyber crimes with a focus on the relationship between cyber forensics, cyber security and cyber law and policy today. The course will emphasize the application of law, ethics, conceptual models and hands-on experiences of using forensic tools with personal computers, servers, Internet activity and Web browser usage. Prerequisites: CMSC 355, MISA 376, MISA 377, CRIM 305, and one of the following: both CMSC 360 and 455; or MISA 473; or SOCL 305. 3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 492 - Internship: Management Information Systems & Assurance 

An on-the-job learning experience designed to apply management information systems concepts and principles. Prerequisites: Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater, 60 credits or more, declared business or economics major or minor, MISA 370, and permission of the internship instructor. 2-3 credits per internship placement; limited to a maximum of 6 credits.  *Goal 14

Management Information Systems & Assurance 495 - Special Topics in Management Information Systems & Assurance 

An individually designed course that allows the student to pursue advanced topics in specific management information systems areas. Topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit when topics change. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. 1-3 credits.

Management Information Systems & Assurance 498 - Honors Research in Management Information Systems & Assurance 

Students conduct research in computer information management systems under the direction of a faculty member and the Senior Honors Research Committee. May be repeated as MISA 499. 3 credits.