Computer Science

The B.S. degree in Computer Information Technology (CIT) is designed for students who are interested in a professional career that involves solving the informational technology infrastructure needs of companies and organizations. An IT professional is able to understand computer systems and solve the computer-related problems of the people they serve. An IT professional assumes responsibility for selecting, installing and maintaining hardware and software products to meet organizational culture and needs. The Computer Information Technology degree consists of a set of core requirements plus a Domain Emphasis that can be satisfied by completing a minor in a related field of study or 15 units of senior electives related to the computing profession. The program focuses on the technology and service aspects of the industry rather than information content. Graduates of the program will have an applied knowledge of such fields as web programming, system infrastructure, databases, networking, e-business, project management, data center management, security and information assurance.

The B.S. in Computer Information Technology program requires a total of 120 units, including General Education requirements, major core courses and a Domain Emphasis. To graduate, a student must complete a minimum of 18 residency units from the list of upper division required courses listed below, in addition to all other institutional residency requirements.

Laptop Requirement

All incoming freshmen and transfer students in the Computer Information Technology major are required to have personal and continuous access to a laptop computer when they enter the program. This laptop must meet the minimum requirements of the Computer Science department. For questions about this requirement, please contact the Department of Computer Science at (818) 677-3398. See Laptop Requirement—Minimum Specification for detailed information regarding the laptop and software specifications. Students receiving financial aid are encouraged to consult with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Department for assistance associated with required technology costs.

Special Grade Requirements

No grade lower than a “C” will be accepted on transfer from another institution to satisfy the graduation requirements in Computer Information Technology. Where specific grade requirements are not specified, no CSUN grade lower than a “C-” will be accepted for courses required in the B.S. CIT program.

1. Lower Division Required Courses (26-28 units)

2. Lower Division Electives (6-9 units)

a. Math Course (3-5 units)

Select one of the following courses:

MATH 103 Mathematical Methods for Business (3)
MATH 150A Calculus I (5)
MATH 255A Calculus for the Life Sciences I (3)

b. Statistics Course (3-4 units)

Select one of the following courses:

MATH 140 Introductory Statistics (4)
SOM 120 Basic Business Statistics (3)

3. Upper Division Required Courses (33 units)

CIT 360/L CIT System Management and Lab (2/1)
CIT 384/L Web Development and Hosting and Lab (2/1)
CIT 425/L Information and Systems Security and Lab (2/1)
CIT 480/L CIT System Design and Implementation I and Lab (2/1)
CIT 481/L CIT System Design and Implementation II and Lab (2/1)
COMP 485 Human-Computer Interaction (3)
IS 312 Systems and Technologies for Managers (3)
IS 431 Systems Analysis and Design (3)
IS 435 Business Data Networks and Cybersecurity (3)
IS 441 Database Management Systems (3)
IS 451 Enterprise Systems and Project Management (3)

4. Domain Emphasis (15-18 units)

To prepare graduates from the B.S. CIT program to work effectively with individuals from cross disciplines and to apply information technology (IT) principles, students in the B.S. CIT program are required to engage in an in-depth study of a subject that uses computing in a substantive way and that emphasizes collaboration and communication with other individuals.

This requirement can be satisfied by completion of one of the following:

1. Completion of an appropriate minor at CSUN (cannot be a minor in Computer Science or Information Systems.) A minor must consist of at least 18 units, but some requirements in a minor might also be applied toward meeting General Education requirements or requirements of the major.
2. Completion of 15 units of upper division elective courses in Computer Science and/or CIT. The upper division electives must consist of 300-, 400- or 500-level courses in Computer Science (not COMP 300, 482, 484, 485, 490/L, 491/L, 492, 494, 499, and 502) or Computer Information Technology (not CIT 360/L, 384/L, 425/L, 480/L and 481/L). No more than 6 units of COMP 488/CIT 488 may be applied as part of the 15 units. All prerequisites to selected upper division electives must be met.

5. General Education (48 units)

Undergraduate students must complete 48 units of General Education as described in this Catalog, including 3 units of coursework meeting the Ethnic Studies (ES) graduation requirement.

12 units are satisfied by coursework in the major. Completion of the Computer Information Technology major satisfies A3 Critical Thinking. MATH 103 or MATH 150A or MATH 255A satisfies Basic Skills B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning; CIT 360/L satisfies B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning; and COMP 110/L or COMP 111B/L satisfies E Lifelong Learning.

Total Units in the Major: 80-88

General Education Units: 36

Additional Units: 0-4

Total Units Required for the B.S. Degree: 120-124