Graduate Electives

GRADUATE COURSES THAT HAVE BEEN PRE-APPROVED
AS ADVISOR-APPROVED ELECTIVES IN DIGITAL SCIENCES OR RELATED AREA:

The courses listed below have been pre-approved as advisor-approved electives in Digital Sciences or related area for the Master in Digital Sciences.  However, other courses may also count as advisor-approved electives; consult your academic advisor about other specific courses of interest.

The following course descriptions are from a Class Search in the Kent State University 2012 Catalog.  Click on a course name for additional information.

COMM 65661 - COMMUNICATION IN AN INFORMATION SOCIETY
Examines how the development and use of newer communication technologies have influenced human communication. Considers the evolution, social and psychological impact, and culture of newer communication technologies such as the Internet, and how research adapts to these newer media. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

COMM 65675 - COMMUNICATION, UNCERTAINTY AND PRIVACY MANAGEMENT
Communication, uncertainty, and the management of private information examines theory and research about disclosure and uncertainty issues in communication in a variety of contexts. Course content examines disclosure and uncertainty management applications in relational contexts, health contexts, organizational contexts, and contexts involving human interaction occurring through technology. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

CS 53005 - INTRODUCTION TO DATABASE SYSTEMS DESIGN
An introduction to the basic theoretical aspects of database systems, file organization, search methodologies, language design and performance evaluation techniques, initial modeling concepts and their use in hierarchical, network, relational and object-oriented database designs. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

CS 53401 - SECURE PROGRAMMING
Code vulnerabilities, static code analysis, error handling, secure I/O, race conditions and mediation, handling buffer and integer overflow, handling vulnerabilities in web and database programming, privacy and cryptography, random number generators. Prerequisites: C (2.0) or better in CS 33001 and graduate standing.

CS 56101 - DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF ALGORITHMS
Introduction to algorithmic concepts, practical techniques for the design and analysis of algorithms; searching, sorting, integer and floating point arithmetic; vector and matrix manipulation. Prerequisite: CS 33001 and MATH 12003. Graduate standing.

CS 61003 - ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING II
Further exploration into the tools used in computer science. No credit for CS majors. Prerequisite: CS 61002; graduate standing.

CS 63901 - SOFTWARE ENGINEERING METHODOLOGIES
Software process models; modeling languages; software process improvement; requirement analysis and elicitation; advanced systems and architectural design; estimation; verification and validation; reuse; and metrics. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

DSCI 62010 - BUSINESS ARCHITECTURE
Introduction to the concept of business architecture as the critical component of enterprise architecture. Students learn how to develop an enterprise business architecture, to apply business architecture principles, methods, and artifacts to organizational initiatives to ensure they are aligned with organizational business goals and performance standards. Students learn how different enterprise architecture frameworks approach the business layer. Prerequisites: DSCI 61010 and graduate standing.

DSCI 64010 - DATA ARCHITECTURE
Introduction to the concept of data and information architecture as a component of enterprise architecture. Students learn how to distinguish types of data, develop conceptual and logical data models, trace and map the use of data types across business capabilities, roles and applications, and prepare an enterprise level data dictionary. Students learn how to work with enterprise data architecture artifacts as they develop an enterprise information architecture blueprint. Prerequisite: DSCI 61010 and graduate standing.

DSCI 65010 - APPLICATION AND TECHNOLOGY ARCHITECTURE
Introduction to the concept of application and technology architectures in the context of enterprise architecture. Students learn how to define application and technology architecture principles and standards to support business performance, and to evaluate existing architectures in relation to performance goals. Students learn to work with application and technology artifacts and matrices, prepare a technology dictionary and develop an application architecture blueprint. Prerequisites: DSCI 61010 and graduate standing.

ECON 62022 - MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS
Uses economic theory and quantitative methodologies to develop decision-making skills which enable managers of local, national and multinational companies to evaluate problems and allocate resources efficiently. Prerequisite: BAD 64005; and MATH 11012 or MATH 12002 or ECON 62010; and graduate standing.

GEOG 59070 - GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
Introduction to theories and methods for geographic data processing, including data capture and input, data storage and management, and data analysis and displays. Emphasis is on laboratory exercises using GIS software packages for real world applications. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEOG 59080 - ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
Advanced theories and techniques for handling geographic information systems, including 2D and 3D processing of geographic information, detection and analysis of geographic patterns, 2D and 3D mapping of geographic information, modeling of geographic processes and an overview of GIS programming tools. Prerequisite: GEOG 4/59070 and graduate standing.

IAKM 60101 - INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
Introduction to the fundamental concepts and practices of information architecture (IA). Students develop practical skills for comparing, analyzing, critiquing and designing information architectures. Major topics include organization, navigation, labeling, search and other core IA concepts. Students learn to create blueprints, wireframes, process flows and other documents used to communicate an information architecture design. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

IAKM 60102 - INFORMATION AND VISUAL DESIGN
This course provides a cultural and technological context for understanding the information design process. Topics include: basic design and typographic principles, aesthetics and information design, functional integration of visual and verbal elements, creation and use of information graphics visualization of quantitative information and visual navigation systems. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

IAKM 60104 - USABILITY I
Provides a conceptual and practical overview of the processes and methods of usability testing, such as Think Aloud protocols, performance measurements and eye-tracking analysis. Actual usability testing is performed, using quantitative and qualitative methods and employing current and emerging software tools to facilitate data collection and analysis. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

IAKM 60105 - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
Covers four aspects of information technology: essential technology concepts, the making of software, the social consequences of information technology and the role of non-programmers in technology design. Topics include operating systems, networks, search engines, markup languages, social software, dynamic languages, cloud computing, open source software, technology trends and the history of computing. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

IAKM 60110 - CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
This course provides an overview of the concepts and practices of Content Management (CM) and Content Management Systems (CMS), including understanding the parts and branches of a CMS criteria for selecting a CMS, CMS configuration, and evaluating and implementing CMS software. Prerequisite: IAKM 60105 or 80105; and graduate standing.

IAKM 60302 - FOUNDATIONS OF DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT
Covers three main themes: Principles, which covers the document and records management conceptual framework, relationships with information policy, definitions and industry standards; Practices, which covers the management and procedural framework for effective planning and implementation of document and records management solutions; Technologies, which provides a business-oriented analysis of the nature of the enabling information systems available to support effective document and records management solutions. Prerequisite: IAKM 60301 and graduate standing.

IAKM 60401 - HEALTH INFORMATICS MANAGEMENT
Covers the areas encompassing health informatics management including the planning, selection, deployment, and management of electronic medical records (EMR), management decision-support and tracking systems (DSS), and other health information technologies (HIT). Prerequisite: graduate standing.

IAKM 60410 - HEALTH RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Conceptual foundations and practicum for health records management, including the planning, implementation and operation of electronic medical records (EMR); the management of EMR in management and enterprise systems; identifying, selecting and evaluating EMR and health information systems, applications, and repositories; and issues of data quality, integrity, migration, and interoperability. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

ITEC 57413 - DIGITAL VIDEO IN EDUCATION
Design/production of instructional TV programming. Planning and scripting techniques. Hands-on experience with TV equipment. Students will digitize video footage, learn nonlinear editing techniques, export productions to tape/cd. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

ITEC 57427 - TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING
Overview of technology used in education. Focuses on implementing and facilitating learner- centered curriculum with computer technology. Students develop web-based instructional materials. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

ITEC 57430 - COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN EDUCATION
Preparation for use of computers effectively in variety of educational settings. Students should have some expertise with computers. Focus on advanced applications in education. Macintosh and Windows. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. 

ITEC 67410 - SIMULATION-GAMES IN EDUCATION
Provides students with opportunities to explore simulation and games as a strategy for learning. Experiences in both group role-playing simulations and computer simulations will be included. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and special approval.

ITEC 67417 - ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN
Compares selected models of instructional design and discusses their advantages and disadvantages for designing instruction. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

ITEC 67425 - MANAGING TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
Analysis and evaluation of change process are explored, particularly as they relate to use of instructional technology. Management role for facilitating planned change as studied through communication and management models. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. 

ITEC 67435 - VIRTUAL REALITY
Virtual reality provides promise as a tool for educators. Students will learn to create and evaluate instructional applications. Activities will include actual production of virtual worlds as well as virtual experiences on the Internet. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. 

ITEC 67436 - DISTANCE EDUCATION
This course explores various approaches to delivering instruction to distant sites and examines a variety of critical issues, such as planning, choice of technology, cost, teaching strategies, evaluation, etc. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

ITEC 67444 - TEACHING ONLINE COURSES
Course explores using pedagogical approaches appropriate to online learning, including facilitating synchronous and asynchronous discussions, facilitating embedded assessment, enhancing online interactivity, collaboration and community and incorporating self-directed learning. Students discuss, analyze and use these strategies in online teaching and learning. Course is presented online. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

ITEC 67449 - RESEARCH IN ONLINE LEARNING
Course reviews current research issues in online teaching and learning and explores potential new areas of research. Students engage in guided inquiry to identify, understand, apply and critique current research in online learning and to discover and construct new areas. Students participate in a constructive online learning environment. Course in presented online. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

LIS 60638 - DIGITAL LIBRARIES
Issues related to the development and maintenance of digital libraries, including technology, collection development and management, project management, digital preservation, user-centered design, public services, rights management and funding. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

MIS 64045 System Development Methodologies (3)
Critical comparative analysis of various technological and organizational methods for design, construction and maintenance of information systems. Survey of contemporary technologies and extrapolation to possible futures. Prerequisite: special approval.

MIS 64080 - EMERGING HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES
Investigation of selected emerging hardware and software technologies such as parallel processing systems, computer languages and operation systems, artificial intelligence, neural networks and chaos theory. Prerequisite: graduate standing and special approval of instructor.

MIS 64081 - DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING IN BUSINESS
An introduction to telecommunications and computer networks. Topics include telecommunications technologies and services communication standards and protocols local area networks and network management. Prerequisite: graduate standing and special approval of instructor.

MIS 64082 - DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
In-depth investigation of intelligent database management systems in support of business decision making. An understanding of relational databases is assumed. Object-oriented and semantic database will be explored. Prerequisite: graduate standing and special approval. 

MIS 64083 - INFORMATION SECURITY: A MANAGERIAL PERSPECTIVE
Introduction to the information security areas that managers must understand in order to deal with today's security threat-laden environment. The emphasis is on the important principals and concepts that managers utilize to develop effective security risk management programs. Prerequisite: Admission to MBA program or admission to MS IAKM program; and graduate standing.

POL 70387 - ELECTRONIC GOVERNANCE
An introduction to electronic governance with an emphasis on public administration. Examines the implications of information and communication technology in public organizations with regard to democracy, civic engagement, and performance improvement. Through case studies from the United States and across the world, students become familiar with the factors and issues surrounding the implementation of electronic governance on a comparative basis. Prerequisites: political science (POL) major and doctoral standing. 

TECH 56330 - VISUAL BASIC PROGRAMMING IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Concepts of object-oriented, event-driven programming with hands-on application of those concepts to solve engineering-related problems utilizing the current version of visual basic. Includes a graduate-level VB programming project. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

TECH 63020 - FIBER OPTIC SYSTEMS
Principles and characteristics of fiber optics, fiber optic system components and applications of fiber optics in electronic communication systems. Prerequisites: TECH 33220 and graduate standing.

TECH 63050 - TRIZ-THEORY OF INVENTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, TRIZ, is a collection of powerful problem-solving tools for a broad range of inventive problems. The theory originated in Russia by the study of over 2 million patents. Web-based capstone for students finishing their master's degree. Students utilize material learned in earlier courses to solve real world problems in multiple disciplines. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

TECH 64312 - ADVANCED WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES
Describes technologies associated with wireless and telecommunications systems. Topics covered include Public Switch Telephone Network Infrastructures, Intelligent Networks, Wireless Technologies in Manufacturing Enterprises, 3GPP Standards, ITU Standards. Prerequisites: TECH 56312 and graduate standing.

TECH 65330 - ADVANCED VISUAL BASIC PROGRAMMING IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Advanced concepts in Visual Basic Programming for solving engineering problems. Topics covered include classes and objects; SQL server databases, Language Integrated Query, creating web apps, programming web forms, and security. Familiarity with Visual Basic Programming in Engineering Technology (TECH 56330) is strongly recommended. Prerequisites: graduate standing and TECH 56330. 

TECH 66380 - ADVANCED NETWORKING
Provides student with experience in fundamental and advanced computer networking techniques including network architectures, LAN systems, network security, and network management and administration. Prerequisite: graduate standing.