Department of Engineering & Science
Graduate Certificate
in Information Systems
Objectives:
The Information Systems Certificate is an intermediate level certificate that is intended to provide a breadth of exposure to four major computing technologies. A basic foundation is taught in the areas of software development, database systems, communications networks, and human-computer interaction. Emphasis is given to current hardware and software technologies and related methodologies of analysis and design. The intent of the Information Systems Certificate is:
- to provide an understanding of the theoretical base that supports the areas of software construction, database systems, networks, and human-computer interaction; to provide an understanding of the application of these technologies in solving current information management problems;
- to provide a general understanding of how these four technologies interact and are interrelated in an information systems environment.
Who is the Information Systems Certificate for?
- Professional programmers, analysts, designers, and managers involved in design or implementation of large information management systems; Information systems analysts and programmers who will need the technical knowledge as well as exposure to the theory of database, networks, software, and user interface systems
- Returning M.S. graduates who want to expand and maintain their general knowledge of information systems
- New graduate students with an immediate interest in Information Systems
Program Description:
The Information Systems certificate program comprises applications oriented courses designed for individuals employed, or seeking employment, in an information systems environment. The design and support of a large information management system requires both the theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of computer science. The certificate comprises the following four courses:
ECSE-4670 Computer Communication Networks
A first course in computer communications which introduces the problems, solutions, and limitations associated with interconnecting computers by communication networks (LAN or WAN). The seven layer ISO Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model serves as a framework for the course with major emphasis on the physical layer standards, data link protocols, network and transportation layer protocols. Topics include: modems, baseband and broadband communications, HDLC, Ethernet and token ring LANs, cell and frame relay networks, bridges, routers, services of the upper layers (Session, Presentation, Application), and network security.
CSCI-4380 Database Systems
Principles of database systems. Data independence, storage structures, relational data models, CODASYL and network data models, security, and integrity. Stresses basic concepts and presents many examples from existing database systems. A programming project may be required.
COMM-6420 Foundations of HCI Usability
In this course, we will consider methods for gathering users' requirements for product functions and information, ways to test products and information for usability and suitability, and procedures for incorporating the results learned through testing. We will design and conduct usability tests on products, documents, and interfaces of interest.
Plus one of the following:
CISH-4020 Object Structures
A study of object oriented software component design. Introduces the object oriented paradigm and its use in organizing software structures including arrays, stacks, queues, lists, trees, graphs, and recursion. Programming assignments require the use of an object oriented language.
OR
CISH-6010 Object Oriented Programming & Design
An introduction to the theory and practice of object oriented programming and design. Encapsulation, inheritance, genericity, dynamic binding, and polymorphism. Students use these concepts to design and implement a modest sized system. One object oriented language (chosen by the instructor) is studied in detail and required for the project. Other languages are covered briefly.
OR
ECSE-6770 Software Engineering I
Engineering approach to the development of large programming projects. Successive steps of requirements analysis, specification, design (e.g., top-down modularization), coding (e.g., structured programming), debugging and testing, maintenance, and thorough documentation, as illustrated by examples and papers from current literature. Team project is required.
It should be noted that there are three options for fulfilling the software area course. Object Structures (CISH-4020) is only suggested for students with little exposure to software development, while Object Oriented Programming and Design (CISH-6010) and Software Engineering I (ECSE-6770) are recommended for those students who have prior experience in software construction, data structures, or object structures.
Prerequisites:
A working knowledge of a PC and fluency in either an imperative programming language (e.g., Pascal, C, FORTRAN) or an object-oriented programming language (e.g., C++, Java). In addition, the student is required to fulfill all prerequisites for the given courses.
If you have questions or need further information
please contact the Certificate Program Coordinator:
Roger
Brown
Email: brownr@ewp.rpi.edu,
Phone: (860) 548-2462
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