Quick Facts

• Total Units: Approximately 130, with 59 units for core courses and 71 units for the emphasis (including core, emphasis-specific, Bible, GE, and electives).
• Core Courses: 19 Computer Science and Mathematics courses, plus a 3-unit science elective, providing a technical foundation.
• Emphasis Courses: 4 courses (12 units) focusing on business and information systems.
• Accreditation & Certification: TMU’s partnership with CompTIA as an Authorized Academy Partner enhances academic and professional development through specialized resources. Accredited by WASC since 1975, with the intent to achieve ABET accreditation (retroactively applicable to alumni).
• Delivery: Primarily on-campus, with some GE and Bible units available through TMU Online.

Program Overview

Our Information Systems program is a 4-year, accredited on-campus program in Santa Clarita, California. Guided by TMU’s mission, “For Christ and Scripture,” the program blends a business-focused approach to computer science with a biblical worldview, preparing students for careers in information systems and related fields.

The program views computing systems as part of God’s ordered creation, with databases and cloud systems reflecting divine logic and efficiency (Psalm 147:5).

The program includes around 130 units, covering core computer science courses, specialized Information Systems courses, Bible studies, general education (GE) requirements, and electives. Students can enhance their experience through TMU’s study abroad options, like the IBEX Israel Semester or Italy Summer program.

The curriculum covers key topics such as Computer Organization, Programming Languages, Algorithms, Calculus I/II, and Discrete Mathematics. It also integrates Bible and worldview courses, GE units, and engineering and computer science (E&CS/CIS) courses, with some GE and Bible units available online for added flexibility.

Courses List

At TMU, we teach computer science through a scriptural lens, seeing technology as part of God’s creation (Colossians 1:16-17) and emphasizing ethical use for Christ’s glory (Psalm 139:14; Proverbs 2:6). Students are equipped to use technology to serve others and address global needs.

59 units are required for Computer Science Core Courses, totaling 71 units including the Information Systems emphasis.

• CS121P Introduction to Computer Programming
• CS122J JavaScript Essentials
• CS132S Data Structures & Algorithms
• CS202H Computer Hardware
• CS301A Computer Organization & Architecture
• CS312N Networking Principles & Architecture
• CS321O Operating Systems
• CS321P Programming Languages & Theory
• CS322A Algorithms & Complexity
• CS322E Software Engineering
• CS342D Database Management Systems
• CS351S Computer Security
• CS490I Internship
• CS492S Senior Seminar
• MA121 Calculus I
• MA122 Calculus II
• MA231 Linear Algebra
• MA253 Discrete Mathematics
• MA260 Elementary Statistics

Three units of the following:

• CH151 General Chemistry I (3)
• GS150 Essentials of Geology (3)*
• LS150 Essentials of Biology (3)*
• PS251 General Physics I (3)

*If not taken to satisfy general education science requirement.

Information Systems Emphasis Courses

• ACC210 Accounting Fundamentals I
• MGT310 Management Theory
• CS311C Cloud Administration
• CS392M Project Management & Enterprise Software

See Academic Catalog

Program Learning Outcomes

The Information Systems emphasis approaches computers from a business-oriented perspective. It emphasizes business processes and how computers can be used to improve them. Analysis and design and an appropriate knowledge of business principles are stressed.

Information Systems Learning Outcomes

1.  Demonstrate a working knowledge of accounting and business management theory, cloud administration, project management, and enterprise software.
2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the protocols and systems necessary to install, configure, and support a website.
3. Display a working knowledge of database principles and technologies.
4. Effectively prepare written and give oral presentations from research literature in the information systems field, including related ethical and moral issues.

B.S. in Computer Science Learning Outcomes

• Analyze, apply, and advance technology for the honor of Christ and Scripture and for the good of all creation.
• Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
• Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
• Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of principles and practices for secure computing.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of local and global impacts of computing solutions on individuals, organizations, and society.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of algorithms and complexity, computer science theory, programming language concepts, and software development.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of two generalpurpose programming languages.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of computer architecture and organization, information management, networking and communication, operating systems, and parallel and distributed computing.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of computing-based systems at varying levels of abstraction.
• Complete a major project that requires integration and application of knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and elementary statistics.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of two different natural sciences.

Requirements are subject to change; please refer to the current academic catalog for the most up-to-date information.

Top Employers Hire TMU CIS Alumni

Graduates of The Master’s University science programs are in high demand by employers and also enjoy a high acceptance rate to the world’s top-ranked graduate schools. Rooted in an unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ and the inerrant Word of God, alumni are equipped to be an exemplary testimony for Christ in any scientific discipline and profession. Our CIS alumni are in high demand by highly competitive employers, including:

• Google
• Amazon
• Oracle
• Tesla
• Comcast
• Intuit
• Cloudflare
• Raytheon
• Nike
• Windstream
• Northrop Grumman
• Answers in Genesis
• Grace Community Church
• Electronic Arts
• NBC Universal
• Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
• Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society

Career Paths & Opportunities

Information Systems Career Pathways

The Information Systems emphasis equips students with the expertise to bridge the gap between business and technology, focusing on leveraging computing solutions to enhance organizational efficiency. Here are some key career opportunities and the relevant skills developed through this program:

1. IT Project Manager

Organizations like Google, Amazon, Intuit, Oracle, and Comcast hire IT Project Managers to oversee technology initiatives. They coordinate teams, budgets, and timelines to implement enterprise software and cloud systems solutions.

Key Skills:

• Project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum) from CS392M Project Management & Enterprise Software
• Leadership principles from MGT310 Management Theory
• Software development processes from CS322E Software Engineering

2. Cloud Administrator/Cloud Solutions Architect

Companies like Amazon (AWS), Cloudflare, Oracle, and Tesla employ cloud specialists to manage infrastructure on platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Their responsibilities include ensuring scalability, security, and performance for business applications.

Key Skills:

• Cloud computing expertise from CS311C Cloud Administration
• Operating systems knowledge from CS321O Operating Systems
• Networking principles from CS312N Networking Principles & Architecture

3. Database Administrator

Employers like Oracle, Intuit, Comcast, and NBC Universal rely on Database Administrators to design, maintain, and secure databases, ensuring seamless access to business-critical data.

Key Skills:

• SQL and relational database management from CS342D Database Management Systems
• Foundational programming skills from CS121P Introduction to Computer Programming

4. Business Systems Analyst

Nike, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and other organizations hire analysts to evaluate business processes and recommend technology solutions, such as SAP or Oracle ERP, to improve efficiency.

Key Skills:

• Business acumen from ACC210 Accounting Fundamentals I and MGT310 Management Theory
• Enterprise software systems knowledge from CS392M
• Solution design expertise from CS322E Software Engineering

5. Web Administrator/Developer

Companies like Google, Amazon, Electronic Arts, and nonprofits like Grace Community Church seek professionals to manage and develop websites. Responsibilities include ensuring functionality, security, and a smooth user experience using JavaScript and cloud platforms.

Key Skills:

• Web development from CS122J JavaScript Essentials
• Networking concepts from CS312N
• Cloud administration from CS311C

6. Information Security Analyst

Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab hire analysts to protect organizational data through cybersecurity techniques like threat analysis and encryption.

Key Skills:

• Cybersecurity principles from CS351S Computer Security
• Networking knowledge from CS312N
• Cloud infrastructure expertise from CS311C

7. ERP Consultant

Organizations like Oracle, Intuit, and Comcast employ ERP Consultants to streamline business operations and implement and customize enterprise resource planning systems like SAP or Oracle.

Key Skills:

• Enterprise software knowledge from CS392M
• Business process understanding from ACC210 and MGT310
• Project management skills from CS392M

8. IT Consultant

Google, Amazon, and Windstream hire IT Consultants to guide businesses in aligning technology strategies with organizational goals and integrating systems to drive success.

Key Skills:

• Business knowledge from ACC210 and MGT310
• Technical expertise from CS342D Database Management Systems and CS311C Cloud Administration
• Communication skills honed in CS492S Senior Seminar

Additional Career Opportunities

• Graduate Studies: The rigorous curriculum, including mathematics and science electives, provides a strong foundation for pursuing graduate degrees in information systems, business analytics, or MBA programs with a technology focus.
• Entrepreneurship: The skills of project management and cloud administration equip graduates to launch tech-based startups.
• Ministry and Nonprofits: With a foundation in biblical principles, students can apply their IT expertise to ministry settings, supporting organizations like Answers in Genesis or Grace Community Church.