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Program Requirements

Course Requirements

Core Computer Courses for Both Programs 18 units
MCIS 250 Operating Systems 3
MCIS 400 Client/Server Technology 3
MCIS 420 Telecommunications and Interfacing 3
Select one of the following:
CISS 315 Structured Programming I 3
MISS 347 Computer Programming II 3
Select one of the following:
CISS 325 Database Management Systems 3
MISS 348 Database Program Development 3
Select one of the following:
CISS 470 Software Engineering I 3
MISS 346 Structured System Design 3
Required Courses for B.S./CIS 12 units
MCIS 330 Systems Programming I (C Language) 3
CISS 335 Systems Programming II (C Language) 3
CISS 350 Computer Algorithms 3
CISS 460 Applied Research 3
Required Courses for B.S./MIS 12 units
MISS 340 Principles of Organization and Management 3
MISS 442 MIS Foundations 3
MISS 443 IT Applications and Management 3
MISS 446 Advanced System Management 3
Required Courses for Both Programs 9 units
BMGT 302 Adult Development and Learning Assessment 3
BMGT 306 The Bible and Business Ethics 3
BMGT 411 A Christian Worldview and the Professions 3
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.

Note: All stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Undergraduate Catalog for the most current and controlling information.

Note: This information is current for the 2008-09 academic year. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.
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