2022-2023 Undergraduate Course Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Systems and Information Science, BS


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Systems and Information Science


Program Directors:

Andrew Chung-Yueng Lee
eecsugradadmit@syr.edu

What is Systems and Information Science?

Students in the SIS program integrate the software engineering aspect of computer science with management courses to address the challenges of overseeing large scale information systems. As the name implies, the focus is on information and how it can be stored, manipulated and retrieved. Implementation of large-scale software systems and working with a group of people in achieving such goals are emphasized in the SIS program.

SIS at Syracuse University

Systems and Information Science (SIS) integrates software and systems knowledge with expertise in business enterprise environment. SIS majors gain hands-on experience in design-oriented laboratories and learn about the social, business and organizational aspects of digital information systems.

Curriculum:

The SIS program requires a total of 120 credits, as follows:

  • 31 credits SIS Core
  • 24 credits SIS Sequences
  • 14 credits Mathematical Foundations
  • 9 credits Communication Skills
  • 39 credits Arts & Sciences
  • 2 credits Free Electives
  • 1 credit First Year Seminar

In the descriptions that follow, all courses are three credits unless otherwise indicated.

Student Learning Outcomes


1. Apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline

2. Analyze/decompose/model a problem, and identify and define computing requirements appropriate to its solution

3. Design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs

4. Function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal and understand group dynamics

5. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences

6. Analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society

7. Use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice

8. Apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and systems analysis in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehensions of the tradeoffs involved in design choices

9. Apply the methods and tools of project management in the construction of systems of varying complexity

III. SIS Sequences (24 Credits)


All SIS students must complete both a Short Technical Sequence (6 credits) and a Focus Area (18 credits).

The Technical Sequence requires a two-course sequence in one of several applied-technology areas: Database Management, Networking, Security Management, Systems, and Web Design and Management.

The Focus Area requires 18 credits in a specific domain, which represents a potential area for the application of a student’s information management and computing skills.

Students may not count the same course towards both their Technical Sequence and their Focus Area.

For details of the Technical Sequence and the Focus Areas, please consult with the SIS Program Directors.

IV. Communication Skills (9 credits)


The Communication Skills requirement provides both writing and presentation experience.

V. Arts & Sciences (39 credits)


Students must take 39 credits of courses from the College of Arts & Sciences and/or the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Specifically, these credits must be distributed as follows:

  • 6 credits Humanities
  • 6 credits Social Sciences
  • 6 credits Natural Sciences & Mathematics
  • 21 credits of any courses from the above A&S divisions or VPA

Note:


  1. NYS Department of Education requires half of the credits for a B.S. degree to be in the liberal arts and sciences. These 39 credits-combined with the Communication Skills and Mathematical Foundations- exceed the necessary 60 credits.
  2. A student’s Focus Area (e.g., a minor in history) may contain courses that satisfy the NYS requirement for liberal-arts content. In such a case, the remaining credits become free electives.

VI. Free Electives (2 credits)


A student has 2 credits of free electives. Any course in the University can be used to satisfy this requirement.

Sample Four-Year Course Flow:


The following shows a fairly typical SIS undergraduate program for a student who arrives with no transfer credits. All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise indicated.

First Year


Second Year


Third Year


Fall Semester

Total credits: 15

Spring Semester

Total credits: 15

Fourth Year


Fall Semester

Total credits: 15

Spring Semester

Total credits: 12

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