Course Directory

:: Course Offerings

The course offerings at Clarion University of PA go through an extensive review process by the Committee on Courses and Programs of Study (CCPS). This course offerings list is a comprehensive list of courses that could be offered; it does not mean they are currently being offered.

For a complete list of courses offered on the current or upcoming schedules, see the Registrar's page Schedule of Classes.

To start a new search enter the course number of the subject or title you are searching in the box below.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)	Course Title	Course Description
CIS 110	Computer Info Process	Surveys the need for, and roles of, computer information systems in contemporary society. Designed to satisfy the need of students from every discipline to be computer literate, and provides the necessary basis for further computer-related studies. Emphasizes computer requirements in organizations, history, hardware concepts, programming, application software, systems development, and computer operations.
CIS 140	Ess Topics Discr Math Comp Sc	An introduction to the discrete mathematics essential for course work in computer science. Elementary coverage of proofs including mathematical induction, sets, functions, relations, boolean algebra, number theory, combinatorics, analysis of algorithms including recursive algorithms, matrices and the logic of control and data storage through hand computation. This course should be taken in a computer science major's first year. It is a prerequisite for upper division required major courses in the Computer Science major. A successful student should be able to apply the concepts taught to problem solving in computer science.
CIS 202	Intro Prog And Algo	Introduces algorithms and translation of algorithms into a programming language. Student will create algorithms and computer programs that implement those algorithms. Will learn programming language syntax and programming fundamentals including var,"iables, input and output, arithmetic and logical operations, control flow (sequence, selection, iteration), file access and modular development. Computer language used may change over time, but an example language would be C# (C Sharp).
CIS 206	Intro To Java Programming	Introduces the Java programming language. Designed to expose Information Systems majors to a second programming language (after C#). Involves programming Java applets and Java applications. Students learn the core of the language including its dat,"a types, arithmetic statements, selection statements, repetition statements, arrays, and string processing features. Object oriented programming concepts are introduced but are not the focus of the course. Other topics include Java's windowing toolkits, file input and output, exception handling, and the Java security model. Prerequisite: CIS 202 with a grade of C or better. Not for credit for CS majors.\|
CIS 217	Appl Of Micro	Introduces the basic concepts of microcomputers and software applications. Includes commonly available software packages and graphics. No prerequisite.
CIS 230	Practicum In CIS	Provides undergraduates with an introduction to the role of computer specialists in the everyday operation of a computer laboratory. Supplies real experience in such routine exercises as interacting with computer users to field problems and complaint,"s, machine event logging, and performing simple tasks to keep machines operating. A maximum of six credits of the practicum may be applied toward graduation. Prerequisite: CIS 217 or permission of the instructor.
CIS 244	Intro Prog & Algo II	Examines complex problem-solving techniques, top down design, and prgram debugginh and testing. Prerequisite: ""B"" or better in CIS 202 or permission of instructor.
CIS 253	Comp Org/Asb Lang	Consists of two major parts: (1) an introduction to assembly language programming and (2) an introduction to computer organization and the structuring of major hardware components. Students develop a basic understanding of the mechanics of informatio,n transfer and control and the fundamentals of logic design. Prerequisite: CIS 202.
CIS 254	Data Structures	Introduces the structuring of data in computer programs. Topics include static, dynamic, and persistent memory, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hash tables. The major concepts are reinforced through programming assignments using algorithms illustrating the power of each data structure. Prerequisite: CIS 244.
CIS 270	Client-Side Web Programming	Student will explore front-end, client-side web development emphasizing programming in a client-side programming language such as JavaScript or VBScript. Human-computer interface issues will also be explored as well as basic web page markup (HTML, XHTML) and display (CSS). Student will also look at HTML validation issues and implications of different browser usage on web page rendering. Prerequisite: CIS 202 with a grade of C or better.
CIS 301	Comp Sys Analysis	Study of informational needs and patterns of information flow within a large organization. Emphasizes the analysis and design of computer software systems. Examines ethical and legal issues related to information systems. Prerequisite: CIS 244 alon,e or both 217 and 202 (with a grade of C or better).
CIS 303	Local Area Networks	Study of the technology of local area networks. Includes LAN design, topology, hardware, standards, protocols, and network operating systems. Includes significant hands-on experience building a LAN; and installing network interface cards and cable. Prerequisites: CIS 202 with a grade of C or better.
CIS 305	Art Intell Decision Make	Surveys the thinking and some of the pioneering efforts in the area of artificial intelligence (AI), integrated with more traditional approaches to decision-making. Applies AI principles through the use of logic programming languages. Prerequisite: CIS 202 with a grade of C or better.
CIS 306	Object Oriented Programming	Introduces a popular object-oriented programming language. Emphasizes object-oriented features of the language: classes and objects, encapsulation, inheritance, and virtual functions. Exposes students to both the syntax and semantics of the language. Applying these features, students complete several small programming projects. Smalltalk and Java are examples of a language that might be chosen. Prerequisite CIS 206 or CIS 244.
CIS 312	Special Topics In Computing	Provides for focused study of a special interest topic in computing using learning formats selected by the instructor as best suited for the particular course. Prerequisites for particular course set by the instructor.
CIS 317	Microcomp Maint Conc & Tech	Covers the installation, configuration, upgrading, troubleshooting and repair of microcomputer hardware. Includes basic networking concepts and printers. Knowledge of safety and common preventive maintenance procedures is stressed. Prerequisite: CIS 217
CIS 330	Info Systems Programming	In-depth study of event-driven programming with a concentration on the retrieval, updating and reporting of information stored in a database. Prerequisite: ""C"" or better in CIS 202 or permission of instructor.
CIS 333	Info Sys Auditing & Security	Analyzes the information system audit process, provision and evaluation of controls in all aspects of information system operation, and the provision and maintenance of computer security. Stresses internal controls while examining specific controls and security. Prerequisites: CIS 303.
CIS 340	Discrete Math Structures	Introduces sets, relations, functions, combinations, graphs, and trees, emphasizing concrete models. Includes computer algorithms and mathematical structures useful in computer science. Designed for students in both mathematics and computer science.Prerequisites: MATH 300 and CIS 202.
CIS 355	Operating Systems I	Covers the functions of operating systems, the design of operating systems at the register transfer and programming levels, and the important relationships between operating systems and computer hardware. Prerequisites: CIS 253 and 254.
CIS 356	Analysis Of Algorithms	Analysis of algorithms represented in computer programs. Topics include correctness and performance of code used in searching, sorting, and solving mathematical problems. Prerequisites: CIS 254 and MATH 260 or 270.
CIS 370	Server-Side Web Programming	Covers web programming focusing on the web server side of the client/server architecture. Students will learn the fundamentals of secure, dynamic, web application development using one or two of the most popular tool sets. Topics covered include web server setup, database setup, user authentication, session management, client/server interaction, and using the tool set to develop database driven web sites. One example of a tool set would be PHP as the programming language, MySQL as the database, and Apache as the web server. Prerequisite: CIS 270: Client-Side Web Programming\|
CIS 375	Software Engineering	Introduces the student to the basic concepts and ideas surrounding the discipline of software engineering. The student will analyze and design and implement one or more software projects. The language used will vary. Prerequisites: CIS 254 and 306.
CIS 377	Computer Graphics	Provides an overview and application of the principles and tools of computer graphics. Includes characteristics of graphical display devices, graphics software primitives, representation, manipulation, and display of two- and three-dimensional objects, interactive graphics and the graphical user interface, and animation. Includes graphics programming projects. Prerequisites: CIS 254.
CIS 402	Data Base Sys Mgt	A study of data base management systems with hands-on experience. Students investigate the analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of a modern data base management system. Prerequisite: CIS 301.
CIS 403	Data Communications	Focuses on the OSI model of data communications and uses the model as the basis for discussions of protocols, topologies, transmission media, and communications security. The TCP/IP protocol suite is examined in detail. Prerequisite: CIS 303.
CIS 411	Systems Devlmt Project	Students develop a computer-based solution to a real problem obtained from the university or the community. Working as a member of a group/team, students evaluate an existing system; identify alternative solutions; select a solution; develop a project plan; and design, implement, test, and document the system. Utilizes current technology whenever possible, including microcomputers, and a relational database. Prerequisites: CIS 217, 301, and 402.
CIS 412	Parallel Processing	Studies the architecture, algorithms, and programming that are involved with parallel processing. Students will learn how parallel architecture affects the design of parallel algorithms and parallel programming. Architectures shall include the prevailing message passing and shared memory achitectures. Students will learn how to design parallel algorithms and how to think in parallel. Students will learn how to write parallel programs, using a prevailing parallel programming language. Programming may be done by remotely using an account at a supercomputer center, using serial computers that are working together to solve a problem (a cluster), or using an individual computer which has multiple processors within it. Prerequisites: CIS 2\|
CIS 422	Internship In Computers	Provides students the opportunity for practical computer experience in commercial, industrial, governmental, or other participating organizations. Prerequisite: CIS 253 or 330. Junior or senior standing.
CIS 460	Programming Lang & Comp Theory	Introduces automata theory and Turing machines as well as the associated formal languages. Students will explore the construction and implementation of programming languages allowing the student to chooseand use programming languages in a competent,"manner. Students will also explore different programming paradigms, such as robotics programming and parallel programming. Prerequisites: CIS/MATH 140 and CIS 254.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)

Course Title

Course Description

CIS 110

Computer Info Process

Surveys the need for, and roles of, computer information systems in contemporary society. Designed to satisfy the need of students from every discipline to be computer literate, and provides the necessary basis for further computer-related studies. Emphasizes computer requirements in organizations, history, hardware concepts, programming, application software, systems development, and computer operations.

CIS 140

Ess Topics Discr Math Comp Sc

An introduction to the discrete mathematics essential for course work in computer science. Elementary coverage of proofs including mathematical induction, sets, functions, relations, boolean algebra, number theory, combinatorics, analysis of algorithms including recursive algorithms, matrices and the logic of control and data storage through hand computation. This course should be taken in a computer science major's first year. It is a prerequisite for upper division required major courses in the Computer Science major. A successful student should be able to apply the concepts taught to problem solving in computer science.

CIS 202

Intro Prog And Algo

Introduces algorithms and translation of algorithms into a programming language. Student will create algorithms and computer programs that implement those algorithms. Will learn programming language syntax and programming fundamentals including var,"iables, input and output, arithmetic and logical operations, control flow (sequence, selection, iteration), file access and modular development. Computer language used may change over time, but an example language would be C# (C Sharp).

CIS 206

Intro To Java Programming

Introduces the Java programming language. Designed to expose Information Systems majors to a second programming language (after C#). Involves programming Java applets and Java applications. Students learn the core of the language including its dat,"a types, arithmetic statements, selection statements, repetition statements, arrays, and string processing features. Object oriented programming concepts are introduced but are not the focus of the course. Other topics include Java's windowing toolkits, file input and output, exception handling, and the Java security model. Prerequisite: CIS 202 with a grade of C or better. Not for credit for CS majors.|

CIS 217

Appl Of Micro

Introduces the basic concepts of microcomputers and software applications. Includes commonly available software packages and graphics. No prerequisite.

CIS 230

Practicum In CIS

Provides undergraduates with an introduction to the role of computer specialists in the everyday operation of a computer laboratory. Supplies real experience in such routine exercises as interacting with computer users to field problems and complaint,"s, machine event logging, and performing simple tasks to keep machines operating. A maximum of six credits of the practicum may be applied toward graduation. Prerequisite: CIS 217 or permission of the instructor.

CIS 244

Intro Prog & Algo II

Examines complex problem-solving techniques, top down design, and prgram debugginh and testing. Prerequisite: ""B"" or better in CIS 202 or permission of instructor.

CIS 253

Comp Org/Asb Lang

Consists of two major parts: (1) an introduction to assembly language programming and (2) an introduction to computer organization and the structuring of major hardware components. Students develop a basic understanding of the mechanics of informatio,n transfer and control and the fundamentals of logic design. Prerequisite: CIS 202.

CIS 254

Data Structures

Introduces the structuring of data in computer programs. Topics include static, dynamic, and persistent memory, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hash tables. The major concepts are reinforced through programming assignments using algorithms illustrating the power of each data structure. Prerequisite: CIS 244.

CIS 270

Client-Side Web Programming

Student will explore front-end, client-side web development emphasizing programming in a client-side programming language such as JavaScript or VBScript. Human-computer interface issues will also be explored as well as basic web page markup (HTML, XHTML) and display (CSS). Student will also look at HTML validation issues and implications of different browser usage on web page rendering. Prerequisite: CIS 202 with a grade of C or better.

CIS 301

Comp Sys Analysis

Study of informational needs and patterns of information flow within a large organization. Emphasizes the analysis and design of computer software systems. Examines ethical and legal issues related to information systems. Prerequisite: CIS 244 alon,e or both 217 and 202 (with a grade of C or better).

CIS 303

Local Area Networks

Study of the technology of local area networks. Includes LAN design, topology, hardware, standards, protocols, and network operating systems. Includes significant hands-on experience building a LAN; and installing network interface cards and cable. Prerequisites: CIS 202 with a grade of C or better.

CIS 305

Art Intell Decision Make

Surveys the thinking and some of the pioneering efforts in the area of artificial intelligence (AI), integrated with more traditional approaches to decision-making. Applies AI principles through the use of logic programming languages. Prerequisite: CIS 202 with a grade of C or better.

CIS 306

Object Oriented Programming

Introduces a popular object-oriented programming language. Emphasizes object-oriented features of the language: classes and objects, encapsulation, inheritance, and virtual functions. Exposes students to both the syntax and semantics of the language. Applying these features, students complete several small programming projects. Smalltalk and Java are examples of a language that might be chosen. Prerequisite CIS 206 or CIS 244.

CIS 312

Special Topics In Computing

Provides for focused study of a special interest topic in computing using learning formats selected by the instructor as best suited for the particular course. Prerequisites for particular course set by the instructor.

CIS 317

Microcomp Maint Conc & Tech

Covers the installation, configuration, upgrading, troubleshooting and repair of microcomputer hardware. Includes basic networking concepts and printers. Knowledge of safety and common preventive maintenance procedures is stressed. Prerequisite: CIS 217

CIS 330

Info Systems Programming

In-depth study of event-driven programming with a concentration on the retrieval, updating and reporting of information stored in a database. Prerequisite: ""C"" or better in CIS 202 or permission of instructor.

CIS 333

Info Sys Auditing & Security

Analyzes the information system audit process, provision and evaluation of controls in all aspects of information system operation, and the provision and maintenance of computer security. Stresses internal controls while examining specific controls and security. Prerequisites: CIS 303.

CIS 340

Discrete Math Structures

Introduces sets, relations, functions, combinations, graphs, and trees, emphasizing concrete models. Includes computer algorithms and mathematical structures useful in computer science. Designed for students in both mathematics and computer science.Prerequisites: MATH 300 and CIS 202.

CIS 355

Operating Systems I

Covers the functions of operating systems, the design of operating systems at the register transfer and programming levels, and the important relationships between operating systems and computer hardware. Prerequisites: CIS 253 and 254.

CIS 356

Analysis Of Algorithms

Analysis of algorithms represented in computer programs. Topics include correctness and performance of code used in searching, sorting, and solving mathematical problems. Prerequisites: CIS 254 and MATH 260 or 270.

CIS 370

Server-Side Web Programming

Covers web programming focusing on the web server side of the client/server architecture. Students will learn the fundamentals of secure, dynamic, web application development using one or two of the most popular tool sets. Topics covered include web server setup, database setup, user authentication, session management, client/server interaction, and using the tool set to develop database driven web sites. One example of a tool set would be PHP as the programming language, MySQL as the database, and Apache as the web server. Prerequisite: CIS 270: Client-Side Web Programming|

CIS 375

Software Engineering

Introduces the student to the basic concepts and ideas surrounding the discipline of software engineering. The student will analyze and design and implement one or more software projects. The language used will vary. Prerequisites: CIS 254 and 306.

CIS 377

Computer Graphics

Provides an overview and application of the principles and tools of computer graphics. Includes characteristics of graphical display devices, graphics software primitives, representation, manipulation, and display of two- and three-dimensional objects, interactive graphics and the graphical user interface, and animation. Includes graphics programming projects. Prerequisites: CIS 254.

CIS 402

Data Base Sys Mgt

A study of data base management systems with hands-on experience. Students investigate the analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of a modern data base management system. Prerequisite: CIS 301.

CIS 403

Data Communications

Focuses on the OSI model of data communications and uses the model as the basis for discussions of protocols, topologies, transmission media, and communications security. The TCP/IP protocol suite is examined in detail. Prerequisite: CIS 303.

CIS 411

Systems Devlmt Project

Students develop a computer-based solution to a real problem obtained from the university or the community. Working as a member of a group/team, students evaluate an existing system; identify alternative solutions; select a solution; develop a project plan; and design, implement, test, and document the system. Utilizes current technology whenever possible, including microcomputers, and a relational database. Prerequisites: CIS 217, 301, and 402.

CIS 412

Parallel Processing

Studies the architecture, algorithms, and programming that are involved with parallel processing. Students will learn how parallel architecture affects the design of parallel algorithms and parallel programming. Architectures shall include the prevailing message passing and shared memory achitectures. Students will learn how to design parallel algorithms and how to think in parallel. Students will learn how to write parallel programs, using a prevailing parallel programming language. Programming may be done by remotely using an account at a supercomputer center, using serial computers that are working together to solve a problem (a cluster), or using an individual computer which has multiple processors within it. Prerequisites: CIS 2|

CIS 422

Internship In Computers

Provides students the opportunity for practical computer experience in commercial, industrial, governmental, or other participating organizations. Prerequisite: CIS 253 or 330. Junior or senior standing.

CIS 460

Programming Lang & Comp Theory

Introduces automata theory and Turing machines as well as the associated formal languages. Students will explore the construction and implementation of programming languages allowing the student to chooseand use programming languages in a competent,"manner. Students will also explore different programming paradigms, such as robotics programming and parallel programming. Prerequisites: CIS/MATH 140 and CIS 254.