Program requirements
Students learn to program in ICS 140 Computational Thinking with Programming and ICS 141 Programming with Objects using Python and Java programming languages, and learn client-side web development skills in ICS 225 Web Design and Implementation. Mathematics courses should be taken concurrently with lower-level computer science courses. Students should note individual course prerequisites and enroll in the proper sequence of courses. All prerequisite courses should be completed before upper division (300-level) classes are taken in the major.
Transfer credit for prerequisite courses is common, as is demonstrating competency through previous work experience.
Programming skills erode when left unused for long periods of time. As a consequence, programming classes taken more than five years ago may not be applied to meet the requirements for this major. Since programming ability is crucial for success as an application developer, the ICS Department invites students without recent transcripted credits in programming courses for one-on-one sessions with their advisor to discuss their programming background.
Students may take waiver exams for introductory courses to help determine their appropriate placement in the introductory programming sequence.
Students must do a residency consisting of six-credits of ICS 350I Information and Computer Sciences Individualized Internship. These 6 credits must span either two or three semesters. Fusion IT Residencies are one option to meet the internship requirements for the CApp major.
Lower-Division/Upper-Division Elective Courses
A student must take a minimum of 20 credits of major electives as part of the CApp major, of which at least 12 must be at the upper division. All 200, 300, and 400-level ICS courses that are not required for the major may be taken as electives (assuming the student has completed the necessary prerequisites), with the following exceptions: ICS 381, ICS 390, CFS 499, ICS 499.
A minimum of 20 semester credits of major requirements must be completed at Metropolitan State. At least 24 credits of coursework must be completed at the upper division.
A class used to meet program requirements cannot be used as an elective.
Courses required for your specific program are listed in course requirements section of this page. They include prerequisite, foundation, core and elective courses. Contact your advisor with questions concerning your degree plan.
Course requirements
Prerequisites (16 credits)
College Math introduction (4 credits)
Choose one
This course develops the fundamental concepts of algebra with an emphasis on the classification and analysis of linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions. Applications to the natural and social sciences are given throughout. It aims to provide insights into the nature and utility of mathematics, and helps students develop mathematical reasoning skills.
Full course description for College Algebra
This course is designed to prepare students for calculus. Topics include polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; the algebra of functions; multiple function representations; and an introduction to analytic geometry.
Full course description for Precalculus
An introduction to the formulation of problems and developing and implementing solutions for them using a computer. Students analyze user requirements, design algorithms to solve them and translate these designs to computer programs. The course also provides an overview of major areas within the computing field. Topics include algorithm design, performance metrics, programming languages and paradigms, programming structures, number representation, Boolean algebra, computer system organization, data communications and networks, operating systems, compilers and interpreters, cloud computing, data analytics, mobile computing, internet of things, and artificial intelligence) database, internet, security, privacy, ethics, and other societal and legal issues. Lab work and homework assignments involving flow charting tools and programming using a language such as Python form an integral part of the course.
Full course description for Computational Thinking with Programming
Structure, design, and implementation of object-oriented computer programs. Topics include objects, classes, GUI, and layout managers. Introduction to containment, inheritance, and polymorphism. Programming projects involving multiple classes. Emphasis on methods, parameter passing, and arrays of objects. Exploration of problem-solving and algorithm-design techniques using pseudocode, Unified Modeling Language (UML) class diagrams, and simple patterns. Design of good test cases and debugging techniques.
Full course description for Programming with Objects
This course focuses on how to design and implement information services over the Internet from the client side. The course focuses on both usability and client-side scripting. Topics include the principles, strategies and policies of web page design, including the rules of good interface design, human factors, ethical concerns and information security. Through labs and programming projects, students also learn how to use current scripting and markup languages and how to employ state-of-the-art tools to embed interactive pages into Web-based applications.
Full course description for Web Design and Implementation
This course covers a variety of important topics in math and computer science. Topics include: logic and proof, sets and functions, induction and recursion, elementary number theory, counting and probability, and basic theory of directed graphs.
Full course description for Discrete Mathematics
Requirements (120 credits)
Core (14 credits)
This course prepares students for effective employment in the IT workplace. Through readings, activities, case studies, and assignments, the student will develop competency with interpersonal skills, teamwork, professionalism, adaptability, flexibility, communication, planning, organizing, entrepreneurial thinking, problem solving and decision-making.
Full course description for IT Work Skills
Covers concepts and methods in the definition, creation and management of databases. Emphasis is placed on usage of appropriate methods and tools to design and implement databases to meet identified business needs. Topics include conceptual, logical and physical database design theories and techniques, such as use of Entity Relationship diagrams, query tools and SQL; responsibilities of data and database administrators; database integrity, security and privacy; and current and emerging trends. Use of database management systems such as MySQL. Coverage of HCI (Human Computer Interaction) topics. Development of GUI front ends to databases with application of HCI principles to provide a high level usability experience. Overlap: ICS 311T Database Management Systems.
Full course description for Database Management Systems
Client Server Computing
Choose one
This course focuses on how to design and establish information services over the Internet from the server side. Topics include advanced concepts and issues on Internet architecture, server-side design strategies, current technologies and Internet security. Through labs and programming projects, students learn how to use current scripting and markup languages to build nontrivial state-of-the-art applications.
Full course description for Internet Application Development
This course is a study of scaling client/server applications enterprise-wide. The course examines why ordinary client/server tools do not scale enterprise wide, and examines the extensions necessary in DB linkage, OS extensions, and networking connections necessary for scaling. The MVC II (Model-View-Controller) design pattern and other useful design patterns will be used to explain typical architectural approaches.
Full course description for Client/Server Architectures
The course focuses on how to design and build process, object and event models that are translatable into project specifications and design. Topics include an overview of systems analysis and design; a framework for systems architecture; design and development using data modeling; object modeling, entities, relationships, attributes, scope rules and influences; and event models, messaging and application activation.
Full course description for Software Design Models
Residency (6 credits)
Students must do a residency consisting of six-credits of ICS 350I Information and Computer Sciences Individualized Internship. These 6 credits must span either two or three semesters.
Students obtain internships in selected areas of study to gain deeper understand of knowledge, skills and the context of a given field. Site supervisors give guidance and direction to customized internship projects. Faculty members serve as liaisons between the internship sites and the university, providing information to students and potential supervisors and supervising the learning experience. Students interested in internships within the Information and Computer Science department should work with their advisor and/or faculty internship coordinator to discuss the process for your specific major.
Full course description for Information and Computer Sciences Individualized Internship
Electives (20 credits)
A student must take a minimum of 20 credits of major electives as part of the CApp major, of which at least 12 must be at the upper division.All 200, 300, and 400-level ICS courses that are not required for the major may be taken as electives (assuming the student has completed the necessary prerequisites), with the following exceptions: ICS 381, ICS 390, CFS 499, ICS 499.
Updated 7/30/18
--Rearranged course lists
