2012-13 Catalog

School of Information Technology and Computing

C. Brad Crisp, Director
ACU Box 29353
Abilene, Texas 79699-9353
Mabee Business Building, Room 241

Phone: 325-674-2077
Fax: 325-674-2507
Email: brad.crisp@acu.edu

Faculty
Brian Burton, Assistant Professor
Orneita Burton, Assistant Professor
Robert R. Byrd, Associate Professor
C. Brad Crisp, Associate Professor
John Homer, Assistant Professor
Alfandika Nyandoro, Assistant Professor
Raymond Pettit, Instructor
Brent Reeves, Associate Professor
Dwayne Towell, Assistant Professor

Majors:
Computer Science (BS)
Computer Science-Math 8-12 Teacher Certification
Digital Entertainment Technology (BS)
Information Systems (BBA)*
Information Technology (BS)

Minors:
Computer Science
Digital Entertainment Technology
Information Technology

*A collaborative degree offered with the College of Business Administration. See the Department of Management Sciences section of this catalog for details.

Introduction
Rapid advances in information technology and computing specifically digital technology, have lead to dramatic changes in society and in the global economy. Computer- and technology-related fields claim some of the highest projected job growth in the United States, with software engineers, database and network administrators, game designers and systems analysts among the top-rated careers.

The School of Information Technology and Computing - also known as the iSchool - is the focal point at Abilene Christian University for education and career preparation in today’s fast-paced, high tech arena. We offer our students mentoring from highly-qualified Christian faculty, innovative curriculum and internship opportunities that create high job placement rates, and participation in research, real-world projects and student organizations beginning their freshman year.

The iSchool offers four Bachelor of Science programs:

The computer science major includes two optional concentrations: computing theory and software engineering. The computing theory concentration prepares students for careers in technical or scientific computing and provides the foundation for graduate training, and the software engineering concentration is focused on programming and software applications.
The computer science-math education (8-12 certification) major prepares teachers to certify in math and computer science at the high school level.
The digital entertainment technology major prepares students to enter the game development field as level designers, technical artists or graphic artists, while learning the fundamentals of all the types of software used in developing games--from concept to publishing.
The information technology major is centered on the development, implementation and administration of physical hardware, software, and communications systems and infrastructure. Designed to be interdisciplinary in nature, this major requires a set of core technology courses, a number of elective courses that allow students to pursue their particular information technology interests, and additional electives in a second field of application that the student can use to customize his/her career direction.

The iSchool cooperates with other departments in the College of Business Administration to offer a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in information systems. This major is available for individuals who want to focus on the development and management of strategic information and technology resources that support business functions and initiatives See additional information in the catalog section for the Department of Management Sciences

The iSchool also offers minors in computer science, digital entertainment technology, and information technology.

Accelerated Master of Science in Computer Science
Students with an undergraduate major in computer science may pursue an accelerated master's degree in computer science at Texas Tech University. Through an alliance between the two universities, qualified students may complete both a Bachelor of Science in computer science at Abilene Christian University and a Master of Science in computer science at Texas Tech University in five years. A total of 152 semester hours are required for the combined program. Interested students must declare their intentions early in their academic careers and maintain regular communications with their academic advisors.

Organization, Facilities and Resources
The School of Information Technology and Computing is an academic unit within ACU's College of Business Administration. Students benefit from career development programs within the college while maintaining a primary focus on the computing and technology discipline. For those interested, students also gain access to resources to turn technology ideas into business ventures.

The iSchool utilizes up-to-date computer labs available for teaching and student use, including labs primarily devoted to digital entertainment technologies; networking and security; as well as project-based work. Labs provide access to Windows-, Mac-, and Linux-based machines, with lab equipment being refreshed every three to four years. All classrooms and lecture halls are "smart" facilities, outfitted with Internet connections, video projectors, and other resources that facilitate multi-media instruction. Wireless hot spots are found throughout the academic facilities and students have access to virtual servers and some of the top applications software used in industry (e.g., SAP).

Student Organizations and Activities
The iSchool sponsors student chapters of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Association for Information Systems (AIS). Students may also be eligible for membership in Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE), the honor society for computing professionals. Each year, teams of iSchool students participate in the International Collegiate Programming Contest, and ACU regularly serves as a host site for a variety of computer programming contests. Our students regularly participate in and win awards in campus activities such as Filmfest, SpringBoard Business Competition, and Undergraduate Research Festival.

Scholarships and Internships
Outstanding scholarship opportunities are available for students with strong academic credentials and who demonstrate promise for continued success in a technology field. Students with financial need are especially encouraged to apply. All scholarship inquiries should be directed to the School of Information Technology and Computing.

Student participation in internships is one of the most important aspects of the hiring decision of potential employers in the computer technology arena. Excellent internship opportunities are available for qualified students.

Study Abroad Expectations
All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year.

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Bachelor of Science Degree (BS)

Admission Requirements
Before being admitted to one of the programs offered by the School of Information Technology and Computing, a student must satisfy the requirements listed in the ACT/SAT Placement Information section of this catalog.

COMPUTER SCIENCE (BS)

BS: COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE PLAN (CS)
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
Please see the University Requirements section of this catalog.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Computer Science CS 111 Introduction to Computer Science CS 120 Programming I CS 130 Programming II: Data Structures CS 220 Computer Organization and Single-User Systems CS 230 Object-Oriented Programming CS 332 Design and Analysis of Algorithm CS 352 Programming Languages CS 355 Compiler Construction CS 356 Operating Systems CS 374 Software Engineering CS 495 Computer Science Senior Seminar (writing intensive course) Advanced CS/IT selections (including IS 405 and PHYS 342/343) (300-499) Students may optionally choose one of the following concentrations: Computing Theory CS 320 Database Programming and Design CS 365 Theory of Computation CS 467 Introduction of Artificial Intelligence Software Engineering IT 325 Web Development II CS 474 Object-Oriented Design IS 405 Systems Analysis and Design Information Technology IT 220 Introduction to Databases and DBMS IT 221 Fundamentals of Networking and Data Comms Science PHYS 335/336 Introduction to Electronics with Lab Social Sciences/Humanities PHIL 486 Ethics TOTAL ¹Hours (in parentheses) may also fulfill university requirements and are not included in total major hours	1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 17 9 9 3 3 (3)¹ (3)¹ 54
SUPPLEMENT FOR MAJOR
Mathematics MATH 185 Calculus I MATH 186 Calculus II MATH 227 Discrete Mathematics MATH 325 Linear Algebra MATH 361 Ordinary Differential Equations or MATH 377 Statistical Methods I TOTAL ¹Hours (in parentheses) may also fulfill university requirements and are not included in total major hours	(3)¹ 3 3 3 3 12
ELECTIVES
Open electives	6
TOTAL MAJOR HOURS	72
OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Minimum grade in CS 111, 120, 130, 220, 230; IT 220, 221; MATH 227 Minimum GPA in major and concentration courses Minimum GPA for graduation Minimum advanced hours Minimum total hours Courses numbered 0** do not count in minimum hours required for degree.	C 2.00 2.00 33 128

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DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY (BS)

BS: DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY (DET)
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
Please see the University Requirements section of this catalog.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Computer Science CS 115 Introduction to Programming CS 116 Applied Programming Using Scripting CS 330 Human Computer Interface DET 210 Introduction to Digital Entertainment DET 310 Digital Entertainment Technologies II DET 350 Game Development DET 410 Digital Entertainment Technology III (capstone) IT 225 Web Development I TOTAL Choose 12 hours from: ART 351 Typography I ART 352 Typography II ART 454 Information Graphics ART 457 Interactive Design CS 315 Mobile Computing I CS 316 Mobile Computing II IT 220 Introduction to Databases and Database Management Systems IT 325 Web Development II or courses approved by department chair Digital Design Concentration ART 351 Typography I ART 352 Typography II ART 454 Information Graphics ART 457 Interactive Design Mobile Development Concentration CS 315 Mobile Computing I CS 316 Mobile Computing II IT 220 Introduction to Databases and Database Management Systems IT 325 Web Development II	3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 24 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
SUPPLEMENT FOR MAJOR
Mathematics ART 105 Two-Dimensional Design ENGL 322 Fiction Workshop or ENGL 472 Film and Belief JMC 488 Communication Law MGMT 459 Project Management TOTAL ¹Hours (in parentheses) may also fulfill university requirements and are not included in total major hours	3 3 3 3 12
SUPPORT AREA
An approved 6-course area of emphasis or minor (excluding courses used to satisfy other degree requirements)	18
ELECTIVES
Minimum	6
TOTAL MAJOR HOURS	72
OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Minimum grade in DET 210, 310, 410 Minimum GPA in major requirements Minimum GPA for graduation Minimum advanced hours Minimum total hours Courses numbered 0** do not count in minimum hours required for degree.	C 2.00 2.00 33 128

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND MATH (8-12 TEACHER CERTIFICATION) (BS)

BS: COMPUTER SCIENCE AND MATH (8-12 TEACHER CERTIFICATION) (CMST) (BS)
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
Please see the University Requirements section of this catalog.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Computer Science CS 111 Introduction to Computer Science CS 120 Programming I CS 130 Programming II CS 220 Computer Organization CS 230 Object-Oriented Programming CS 332 Design and Analysis of Algorithms CS 495 Senior Seminar (writing-intensive course) 2 course selections from the following options: CS 352 Programming Languages CS 355 Compiler Construction CS 356 Operating Systems CS 374 Software Engineering TOTAL Mathematics MATH 185 Calculus I MATH 186 Calculus II MATH 187 Calculus Computer Laboratory MATH 227 Discrete Mathematics MATH 286 Calculus III MATH 309 Algebraic Concepts for Teachers MATH 311 Geometric Concepts for Teachers MATH 325 Linear Algebra MATH 377 Statistical Methods I TOTAL Professional Education Requirements EDUC 211 Educ. Found. and Multicultural Perspectives EDUC 221 Educational Psychology EDUC 412 Secondary Curriculum and Media EDUC 432 Secondary Management and Methods EDUC 490 Student Teaching READ 322 Reading in Secondary Content Areas SPED 371 Teach. Students w/ Special Needs (writing-intensive) TOTAL	1 3 3 3 3 3 3 6 25 (3)¹ 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 22 3 (3)¹ 3 3 6 3 3 21
ELECTIVES
Minimum	6
Other Required Courses
PHYS 379 Philosophy, Religion and Science	(3)¹

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO TEACHER EDUCATION

In accordance with Texas state law, the ACU Teacher Education Program has established the following criteria for admission to Teacher Education. Before taking more than 6 hours EDUC a student must first be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, a student must:

Complete and submit an application for admission into the Teacher Education Program;
Have completed the first 45 semester hours of credit;
Successfully complete with a C or better 12 hours in the candidate's chosen content field;
Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 (2.75 or higher in the content field);
Complete 6 hours of University Requirements English with no grade lower than a "C" (In order to maintain admission status the candidate must earn a C or better in all university required English courses.);
Pass all three sections of the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test, with a score on reading section of 260 or higher, a score on the math section of 230 or higher and a score on the writing section of 240 or higher; Students may retake the THEA once if the required level is not earned in the first administration. Acceptance of scores from a third administration of the THEA are subject to review by the Teacher Admissions Committee;
Successfully complete (C or better) EDUC 211 - Educational Foundations and Multicultural Perspectives;
Successfully complete first submission of the Teacher Education E-portfolio as described in the ACU Teacher Education Student Handbook;
A declared major that includes certification;
Receive approval from the Teacher Education Admissions Review Committee. An interview with the committee may be required.

English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Students:
International students with primary languages other than English must demonstrate English language proficiency by the following:

Obtain an official (TOEFL) score of at least 600 (computer-based score of number 250, iBT of 100).

Any exemptions or modification to the above requirements due to special circumstances must be requested through the chair of the Department of Teacher Education. All requests will be reviewed and must be approved by the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. In addition, admission to teacher education is not the final step in the process. In order to remain in the program the prospective teacher must continue to meet the GPA requirements (2.75). Approval to take Education Block classes (411/412 and 431/432) and to enroll in student teaching must be obtained from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee before enrolling in those classes.

Additional requirements for maintaining program admission status:

In order to remain in the Teacher Education Program, an overall GPA of 2.75, 2.75 in the content field, and continued approval of the Teacher Education Admissions Committee must be maintained.
A grade of C or better is required for all major courses.
Junior and senior transfer students must take the THEA and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program during their first semester at Abilene Christian University to continue in professional education course work. Arrangements to take the THEA should be made as quickly as possible by contacting the Office of Career and Academic Development.

Note:
A candidate who does not have an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher may be conditionally admitted to the program if all other admissions criteria are met and if all of the following are true:

An overall GPA of 2.7 or higher in the last 60 hours;
A GPA of 2.75 in the teaching content field;
No university disciplinary actions filed-academic or otherwise;
A formal letter of request submitted to the admissions committee describing the candidates academic history and articulating motivations for wanting to enter the teaching profession;
An interview with the Teacher Education Admissions Committee.

OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum GPA in major                                                                                                              2.75
Minimum GPA for graduation                                                                                                    2.75
Minimum advanced hours                                                                                                            33
Minimum total hours                                                                                                                    130

Courses numbered 0** do not count in minimum hours required for degree.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (BS)

Students pursuing the information technology degree are required to select and complete an 18-hour approved area of support as part of their academic program. This requirement can be satisfied by selecting an approved 6-course (18-hour) area of emphasis that complements information technology.

Some approved technical/vocational courses may be transferred from a technical school, junior college, or other two-year degree granting institution. A maximum of twelve semester hours (or four courses) may be transferred for lower-level credit. Up to twelve hours of lower-level credit may also be assigned on the basis of documented work experience, military training, and/or competency testing. The combination of transferred hours or assigned credit may not exceed twelve semester hours

BS: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEGREE PLAN (IT)
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
Please see the University Requirements section of this catalog.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Computer Science CS 115 Introduction to Programming CS 116 Scripting II Information Systems IS 405 System Analysis and Design IS 430 Management of Information and Technology Resources (writing-intensive course) Information Technology IT 120 Introduction to Information Technology IT 220 Introduction to Databases and Database Management Systems IT 221 Fundamentals of Networking and Data Communication IT 225 Web Development I IT 310 Introduction to Computer and Information Security IT 410 Systems Integration and Administration Management MGMT 459 Project Management Advanced Selections Choose four courses from: CS 315, 316, 320, 420, IS 330, 415, 432, DET 310, 410, IT 300 - 499 (prerequisites may apply) TOTAL	3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 12 45
SUPPLEMENT FOR MAJOR
Mathematics MATH 131 Calculus for Applications MATH 377 Statistical Methods I or IS 322 Business Statistics Social Sciences/Humanities ECON 261 Principles of Microeconomics PHIL 486 Ethics TOTAL ¹Hours (in parentheses) may also fulfill university requirements and are not included in total major hours	(3)¹ 3 (3)¹ 3 6
SUPPORT AREA
An approved 6-course area of emphasis or minor (excluding courses used to satisfy other degree requirements)	18
ELECTIVES
Minimum	6
TOTAL MAJOR HOURS	72
OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Minimum grade in CS 115, 116; IT 120, 220, 221, 225, 310 Minimum GPA in major requirements Minimum GPA for graduation Minimum advanced hours Minimum total hours Courses numbered 0** do not count in minimum hours required for degree.	C 2.00 2.00 33 128

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Minors in Information Technology and Computing

A minor in computer science, digital entertainment technology, or information technology may be added to other degrees.

MINOR: COMPUTER SCIENCE (CS)

CS 111 Introduction to Computer Science

CS 120 Programming I

CS 130 Programming II and Data Structures

CS 220 Computer Organization and Single-User Systems

CS 230 Object-Oriented Programming

CS 332 Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Choose one of:

CS 352 Programming Languages

CS 356 Operating Systems

CS 365 Theory of Computation

CS 374 Software Engineering

TOTAL

MINOR: DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY (DET)

CS 115 Introduction to Programming

DET 210 Introduction to Digital Entertainment

DET 310 Digital Entertainment Technology II

DET 410 Digital Entertainment Technology III

ART 105 Two-Dimensional Design or

ART 106 Three-Dimensional Design

ENGL 322 Fiction Workshop or ENGL 472 Film and Belief

DET 350 Game Development or MGMT 459 Project Management

TOTAL

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MINOR: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

3 hours of programming: CS 115 or higher (CS 116-130)

IT 220 Introduction to Databases and Database Management Systems

Directed selection (with at least 6 advanced hours) from:

CS 116-130, 315, 316, 330; IT 100-499, IS 405, 415, 430

Selections may be used toward one of the following concentrations:

Application Development
3 additional hours of programming (CS 116-130)
6 hour sequence: IT 225 and IT 325 or CS 315 and CS 316
3 hour from CS 330, IT, 221, IS 405, IS 415

IT Administration
IT 221 Fundamentals of Networking and Data Communications
IT 310 Introduction to Computer and Information Security
6 hour menu: IT 320, 330, 400-430, IS 430

TOTAL

3

12

Course Descriptions

Please see the Course Descriptions section of this catalog. Courses offered by the School of Information Technology and Computing include those with the following designations: CS, IT, DET. Courses in information systems offered through the College of Business Administration have the following designation: IS.

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