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Prerequisites

There are several program prerequisites which may come from academic, personal, or professional experiences that will be assessed by a Background and Prerequisite Questionnaire, including:

Microcomputer Software Tools* 3
Microcomputer Programming* 3
Elective units in MIS or CIS* 3

*May be met through prior course work taken at APU or another accredited college or university, work experience, or examination.

Course Requirements

Core Courses 27 units
Core Computer Courses for Both Programs 18 units
MCIS 250Operating Systems3
MCIS 400Client/Server Technology3
MCIS 420Telecommunications and Interfacing3
Select one of the following:
CISS 315Structured Programming I3
MISS 347Computer Programming II3
Select one of the following:
CISS 325Database Management Systems3
MISS 348Database Program Development3
Select one of the following:
CISS 470Software Engineering I3
MISS 346Structured Systems Design3
Required Courses for Both Programs 9 units
BMGT 302Adult Development and Learning Assessment3
BMGT 306The Bible and Business Ethics3
BMGT 411A Christian Worldview and the Professions3
Required Courses for B.S. in CIS 12 units
CISS 330Systems Programming I, C++ Language3
CISS 335Systems Programming II, C++ Language3
CISS 350Computer Algorithms3
CISS 460Applied Research I3
Required Courses for B.S. in MIS 12 units
MISS 340Principles of Organization and Management3
MISS 442MIS Foundations3
MISS 443IT Applications and Management3
MISS 446Advanced System Management I3
Total 39 units

Portfolio Requirement

During an Adult and Professional Studies Program, all students must create a portfolio that summarizes the learning acquired from academic, personal, and professional experiences. Students receive materials on developing the portfolio before classes begin. Program representatives and assessment counselors assist students in completing this portion of the program.

The portfolio serves several purposes:

  1. Provides a means by which students may petition for life-learning credit applicable to their degree.
  2. Assesses extracollegiate learning.
  3. Determines the progress of the student's career and personal development.
  4. Provides a vehicle to explore growth patterns and formulate future academic and career plans using this knowledge.

The portfolio consists of five sections:

  • Section 1: Autobiography
  • Section 2: Transcripts and A.C.E./military documents
  • Section 3: Résumé
  • Section 4: Professional/technical experience and continuing education
  • Section 5: Experiential learning essays

Since it is an integral part of the course work, all students must complete the portfolio. Students must write at least two experiential-learning essays. This is mandatory regardless of the number of transcript credits accumulated prior to beginning the program. Essays are used to determine the significance of the learning experiences. Documentation is required to verify the experiences described in the essays.

Letter grades are not assigned to prior learning credit earned through the portfolio. They appear on the APU transcript as "CR" for credit received. Students may earn a maximum of 30 units through portfolio assessment. Credit awards may differ among individuals.

Concurrent Project

All CAPS programs deliver practical, relevant skills through more than traditional course work. Each student participates in a major project throughout the program which applies theory and knowledge to real-world situations.

Students in the Management Information Systems/Computer Information Systems Program complete a major Capstone Project, integrating the knowledge and methodology learned by designing, developing, and implementing a software project or a comprehensive institution related project. This project serves as a connection between study and experiential learning and develops problem-solving skills utilizing concepts from both MIS and CIS.

The Capstone Project allows students to:

  • Work as a member of a team to develop a relevant, state-of-the-art, Web-based software product.
  • Creatively contribute to the production of all parts and aspects of the Capstone Project, including problem selection, feasibility study, requirements, planning, specification, design, coding, testing, integration, and implementation.
  • Learn software engineering and systems analysis by creating a practical, real-world product for an Internet business.
  • Investigate, analyze, select, and learn powerful Internet programming tools and methods.
  • Integrate and apply skills and knowledge from prior learning, experience, course work, research, and other class members.
  • Learn team dynamics and strategies from actual involvement and course teaching.
  • Develop insight, skill, and knowledge about Internet businesses and sites from various levels and perspectives.
  • Participate in team presentations and defense of the Capstone Project and its various deliverables.

The primary instructor and a full-time faculty member evaluate projects. This evaluation provides the student with helpful feedback and ensures consistent high quality.

Transfer Work Accreditation

Azusa Pacific University will accept credit for equivalent courses from schools accredited by regional agencies recognized by Council for Higher Education Administration (CHEA).

Correspondence Course Credit

A maximum of nine semester units of correspondence credit may be applied toward an Azusa Pacific University degree. Students must receive prior approval from the CAPS Office of the Registrar.

Graduate Courses Taken by Undergraduate Students

An undergraduate student may enroll in a graduate course only if:

  • The student is a senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • The department chair of the student's major approves.
  • The request is submitted with the form provided by the Office of the Undergraduate Registrar.

A qualified undergraduate student is not limited in the number of graduate courses that they may take.

Graduate courses taken by an undergraduate student may not apply toward an APU graduate degree unless the grade received in the graduate course is 3.0 or higher. No more than eight graduate units earned as an undergraduate student may be counted toward an APU graduate degree. Some departments may allow fewer units to be counted. A student who will be applying to an APU graduate program should obtain information from the appropriate department before taking graduate courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units are in this program?
The program requires 39 semester units. A total minimum of 126 units are required for graduation with the B.S. degree.

How many hours does each class session require?
Each class requires that students meet for four hours, from 6-10 p.m., once a week.

Are scholarships available?
Several types of financial aid are available. The resources range from federal loans and state grants, to fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid programs, please contact Office of Student Financial Services in the Center for Adult and Professional Studies at (626) 815-5301.

How soon can I finish this program?
This program can be completed in 15 months.

What is the cost per unit?
Current tuition is $505 per unit for the 2009-10 academic year. Accelerated degree programs also incur additional fees: Prior Learning Assessment Credit ($30 per unit), Portfolio Advisement ($100), and Project Advisement ($485).

Whom do I contact if I have more questions?
Accelerated degree programs include requirements, procedures, and policies unique to the university's more traditional programs. For expert information on your accelerated degree, please call the Center for Adult and Professional Studies at (626) 815-5301.

Note: This information is current for the 2009-10 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for the most current and controlling information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.