& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

86 Bachelor Degree Programs
Required Course Descriptions
IT301
Information Technology Perspectives (3 cr.)
This course provides a context for understanding the information
technology industry. Trends in the industry and viable career options are
identified and explored. Important technological shifts in the industry are
examined. The fundamentals of career management and selfidentification
of a specialized and marketable segment of the information
technology industry are covered.
IT302
Networks and Telecommunications (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: IT 301
This course provides a business and technical overview of voice, data,
and video communication systems. It focuses on basic definitions such
as information sources, media, transmission systems, circuit, packet,
and other switching methods. Network architectures and models are
reviewed. The business importance of networks and examples of
networked applications are examined. The implications of managing a
network infrastructure are introduced.
IT303
Database and Database Management Systems (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: IT301
This course provides an overview of methods used to analyze, capture,
process, and manage data resources. Database structures and models
are examined. Design and normalization of data, database management
systems, relational models, and query interfaces are also studied.
IT304
Business Fundamentals for IT Professionals (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: IT301
This course details how information technology professionals and
business experts work together to make investment and implementation
decisions to support an organization’s overall business goals. Topics
such as organizational structure, business process, and return on
technological investment are examined. Additionally, concepts relatively
new to information technology such as intrapreneuring, intercompany
selling, and revenue generation are defined and discussed. The skills
needed to participate in business process definition, to estimate and
measure return on investment, and to present an effective technology
proposal are covered.
IT305
Enterprise Architecture Fundamentals (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: IT301
This course covers the fundamentals of enterprise architecture concepts,
including the purpose and importance of architecture in the enterprise. It
discusses current problems with efforts to establish and maintain
architectures, and methods to overcome the obstacles.
Required Management Courses
MG306
Information Ethics (3 cr.)
This course provides a foundation in the moral and ethical issues of
doing business in the technological age. Topics include the role of
information in an organization, ownership of information, and the rights
of the corporation and the rights of the employees. Moral and political
implications of doing business globally in an economically sustainable
and culturally sensitive way are also covered.
MG408
Project Management (3 cr.)
This course emphasizes leadership concepts related to directing and
coordinating human and material resources for relatively short-term
projects that have been established to complete specific goals and
objectives. The skills and procedures needed to take a project from
definition through completion are presented.
MG418
Strategic Management (3 cr.)
This course emphasizes short- and long-term planning that is vital to a
healthy, changing organization. Topics include the strategic management
process, the strategic management model, company mission analysis,
environmental impacts, ethical and social responsibilities, and strategy
and implementation control.
Required Communication Courses
CM309
Professional Writing (3 cr.)
This writing course provides strategies for developing a clear, concise
professional writing style. A variety of writing formats, including business
letters and memos, formal research proposals, and reports are
addressed. Voice, style, audience, purpose and the writing process,
including strategies for editing and revision, are examined in the context
of interpersonal and ethical dimensions.
CM310
Oral Communications (3 cr.)
Communication skills pertinent to organizational settings form the
foundation of this course. Effective methods for design and delivery of oral
communication are examined. Other topics include communication styles,
interpersonal communication skills, dynamics of small group
communication and persuasive speaking.
Required Capstone Course
MG490
Bachelor of Science Capstone (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: All other requirements of the program
This course integrates knowledge and skills developed in previous
courses and provides an opportunity to apply them to a selected topic.
Each student selects an issue currently confronting the field of study or
profession, clearly defines the issue using appropriate references and
resources, and creates a paper and presentation which addresses the
issue. The topic must be suitable for formal presentation to a business or
professional organization and the student will present the completed
work to classmates.