Undergraduate Bulletin - Academic Programs and Courses

Department of Statistics and Computer Information Systems

The Faculty

Chair: Albert E. Croker

Professors:

Ann Brandwein
Albert E. Croker
M. Barry Dumas
Martin Frankel
Linda W. Friedman
Shulamith Gross
Michael Palley
Abdullah Uz Tansel

Associate Professors:

Raquel Benbunan-Fich
William Ferns
Elsie S. Gottlieb
Arie Harel
Richard Holowczak
Marios Koutaris
Karl Reiner Lang
Pai-Chun Ma
Yitzhak P. Sabban
Lawrence Tatum

Assistant Professors:

Radhika Jain
Matthew Johnson
Nanda Kumar
Dobrin Marchev
Kannan Mohan
Ronald Noth
Isak Taksa
Roumen Vragov
Rongning Wu

Lecturer:

Robert Blau
Morris Schwartz

Field Description

The department offers courses in the areas of computer information systems (CIS), operations research, and statistics. Courses in each of these areas provide training in problemsolving techniques useful in gaining strategic advantage in the marketplace. CIS students are afforded the opportunity to gain a strong foundation in the business, managerial, and technical issues related to information systems with courses in programming, data management, telecommunications, the Internet and e-commerce, and the analysis and design of computer-based solutions to business problems. Operations research trains students in the application of mathematical models and decision making for business, industry, and government with an emphasis on modeling methods, analysis, and implementation relevant to operational and management planning issues. Statistics students are provided with a skills base for the application of statistical techniques and tools to a wide variety of areas, including computational statistics, sample survey, experimental design, and quantitative methods in marketing.

The Majors

General Information
Computer Information Systems
Quantitative Methods and Modeling major
Statistics: BBA Major
Statistics: BA Major

General Information

The Department of Statistics and Computer Information Systems offers majors in the fields of computer information systems, quantitative methods and modeling, and statistics.

The Computer Information Systems major prepares professionals in the development and use of computer-based technologies to develop systems that fulfill business information needs. Baruch’s program trains students to analyze business needs and to design, implement, and use information systems to satisfy those needs.

The operations research area coordinates the Quantitative Methods and Modeling major that provides basic preparation for students who wish to pursue careers in the decision sciences. The area also provides fundamental quantitative knowledge required by those who major in other business areas. Quantitative methods and modeling majors will develop interdisciplinary skills that will provide them with the technical versatility required to succeed in today’s business environment. Emphasis is placed on modeling methods, analysis, and implementation relevant to operational and management planning issues in many business areas, including marketing, production, finance, accounting, and information technology.

The statistics area not only provides the basic preparation for students who wish to pursue careers in statistics but also provides the quantitative knowledge required by those who major in other business areas. Statistics majors (both BBA majors and BA majors) are provided with the base for the application of statistical techniques to a wide variety of fields.

Computer Information Systems

The CIS program offers students a strong conceptual, theoretical, and practical foundation in the business and managerial issues related to information systems and technologies and their use. Computer information systems are presented in the context of their role as tools for strategic and competitive advantage in the marketplace. The CIS course offerings provide students with computer, technological, and problem-solving skills. The CIS program provides instruction in areas that include systems analysis and design, data management, computer networks and telecommunications, electronic commerce, object-oriented technologies, and Internet-based technologies.

Prerequisite Courses
Completion of BBA math requirements		4-6 credits
STA 2000	Business Statistics I	3 credits
CIS 2200	Introduction to Information Systems and Technologies	3 credits
Required Courses* 18 credits
CIS 3100	Object-Oriented Programming I	3 credits
CIS 3400	Database Management Systems I	3 credits
CIS 4100	Object-Oriented Programming II	3 credits
CIS 4450	Networks and Telecommunications I	3 credits
CIS 4800	Systems Analysis and Design	3 credits
CIS 5800	Information Systems Development Project	3 credits
Elective Courses* 6 credits Any two courses from the following list:
CIS 3200	Business Applications Programming I	3 credits
CIS 3444	E-Business Technologies	3 credits
CIS 4150	Internet Applications Development	3 credits
CIS 4200	Business Applications Programming II	3 credits
CIS 4201	Assembler Language Concepts and Functions	3 credits
CIS 4350	Computer Control and Audit	3 credits
CIS 4400	Database Management Systems II	3 credits
CIS 4500	Networks and Telecommunications II	3 credits
CIS 4550	Networked Information Systems Security	3 credits
CIS 4610	Expert (Knowledge-Based) Systems and Related Technologies	3 credits
CIS 4620	Financial Information Technologies **	3 credits
CIS 4630	Multimedia: Theory and Applications	3 credits
CIS 4650	Operating Systems Concepts	3 credits
CIS 4670	Special Topics in Computer Information Systems	3 credits
OPR 3450	Quantitative Decision Making for Business I	3 credits
*To take any CIS 4000-or-above-level course (except CIS 4367), grades of C or better in CIS 3100 and CIS 3400 are required.

**Changes were published in November 2007 University Chancellor's Report; Effective Fall 2008.

Quantitative Methods and Modeling

The quantitative methods and modeling major is designed to develop quantitative thinking skills that are invaluable in business. The program focuses extensively on mathematical modeling and computer implementation issues applied to business. Students take courses from a variety of quantitative disciplines. The use of the computer for the solution and analysis of business problems is an integral part of the program. Program graduates will have a broad foundation in quantitative methods and modeling and will be well positioned for the development, analysis, and solution of decision problems facing business and industry in the 21st century.

It is essential that the student consult with the area advisor to plan a program prior to taking any courses in the major.

Required Courses 9 credits
CIS 3100	Object-Oriented Programming I	3 credits
OPR 3450	Quantitative Decision Making for Business I	3 credits
Plus one of the following:
OPR 3451	Quantitative Decision Making for Business II	3 credits
STA 3154	Business Statistics II	3 credits
STA 3155	Intermediate Statistical Methods	3 credits
STA 4000	Introduction to SAS Programming	3 credits
Elective Courses 15 credits Courses are to be selected from the following:
CIS 3400	Database Management Systems I	3 credits
CIS 4100	Object-Oriented Programming II	3 credits
OPR 3451	Quantitative Decision Making for Business II	3 credits
OPR 3452	System Simulation	3 credits
OPR 3453	Bayesian Inference	3 credits
OPR 4470	Special Topics in Operations Research	3 credits
OPR 5000	Independent Study in Operations Research	3 credits
STA 3154	Business Statistics II	3 credits
STA 3155	Intermediate Statistical Methods	3 credits
STA 4000	Introduction to SAS Programming	3 credits
ECO 4300	Mathematical Economics	3 credits
MGT 3710	Production Planning Systems	3 credits
MTH 3020	Intermediate Calculus	3 credits
MTH 4120	Introduction to Probability	4 credits
MTH 4125	Introduction to Stochastic Processes	4 credits
MTH 4130	Mathematics of Statistics	4 credits
MTH 4140	Graph Theory	3 credits
MTH 4320	Fundamental Algorithms	3 credits
MTH 4451	Risk Theory	4 credits
MTH 4500	Introductory Financial Mathematics	4 credits
Other quantitative courses may be selected subject to approval of the area advisor. A maximum of three elective courses may be taken outside the Zicklin School of Business.

Statistics: BBA Major

The statistics major provides students with the concepts and skills that form the fundamental base of knowledge essential to all major fields of statistical data analysis used in today’s business, government, and academic environments. The BBA major in statistics focuses on applied statistical analysis. Statistics students choose one of the following tracks:

Data analysis
Quality and productivity methods
Quantitative methods in marketing

Courses to augment study in accounting, management, marketing, and other business fields are also offered.

The department utilizes the computer facilities of the College (the Baruch Computing and Technology Center) and the University and its own microcomputer equipment in its courses.

Note: Some of the courses listed in this major are not offered in the evening; others are offered at infrequent intervals. Evening students wishing to major in this field must consult with the major advisor about their selection of courses. In the event that some required courses are not available, substitute courses may be chosen with the approval of the advisor.

Math Requirement
The required mathematics courses for all statistics majors are MTH 2301 or MTH 2001 and MTH 2206. Students may also opt to take either MTH 2610 or MTH 2630 if they intend to major in statistical analysis or in quantitative methods in marketing. These courses do not count toward the major.

Not more than 5 credits of advanced mathematics may be included in the 24-credit major. All students are strongly urged to take as many additional mathematics courses as possible as free arts and sciences electives.

Track Descriptions and Objectives

Data Analysis
This track is designed to train students in the concepts and methodology of applied statistics leading to professional positions as statisticians engaged in the design and analysis of sample surveys, industrial research, experimental design, and other areas. The extensive computer facilities of the College are utilized throughout the statistics courses so that students will have a broad knowledge of the computer packages and programming necessary for statisticians.

Quality and Productivity Methods
This track offers specialized training for those wishing to engage in statistical research with an emphasis in the management of quality products and processes within the manufacturing and service industries.

Quantitative Methods in Marketing
This track offers intensive training for those wishing to engage in statistical research or in the development of quantitative decision models in marketing and related fields.

Major
Required Courses 12 credits
STA 3154	Business Statistics II	3 credits
STA 3155	Intermediate Statistical Methods	3 credits
STA 4000	Computational Methods in Data Analysis	3 credits
OPR 3450	Quantitative Decision Making for Business I	3 credits
Data Analysis Track Electives
Choose any four of the following:
STA 3156	Sampling Theory and Practice	3 credits
STA 3253	Categorical Data Analysis	3 credits
STA 3551	Theory of Statistics	3 credits
STA 3560	Nonparametric Statistics	3 credits
STA 4157	Design and Analysis of Experimental Data	3 credits
STA 4158	Analysis of Time Series	3 credits
STA 4256	Advanced Sampling Methods	3 credits
STA 4370	Special Topics in Applied Statistics	3 credits
STA 4552	Theory of Statistical Inference	3 credits
STA 5559	Introduction to Multivariate Analysis	3 credits
OPR 3453	Bayesian Statistical Inference and Decision Making	3 credits
Quality and Productivity Methods Track Electives
STA 3255*	Statistical Quality Control Methods	3 credits
Choose any three of the following:
STA 3156	Sampling Theory and Practice	3 credits
STA 4157	Design and Analysis of Experimental Data	3 credits
STA 4158	Analysis of Time Series	3 credits
STA 4370	Special Topics in Applied Statistics	3 credits
MGT 4780	Quality Assurance Management	3 credits
Note: Using all of the above listed courses, a track may be custom made to accommodate the special interests of majors.
Quantitative Methods in Marketing Track Electives
MKT 3600*	Marketing Research	3 credits
Choose any three of the following:
STA 3156	Sampling Theory and Practice	3 credits
STA 3253	Categorical Data Analysis	3 credits
STA 3560	Nonparametric Statistics	3 credits
STA 4157	Design and Analysis of Experimental Data	3 credits
STA 4158	Analysis of Time Series	3 credits
STA 5559	Introduction to Multivariate Analysis	3 credits
*This course must be taken for this major track.
Relevant Free Electives in Other Fields Since statistics constitutes a tool applied to all fields of enterprise, it is urged that students majoring in this field select, as free elective courses, various background courses in other fields of business or government, such as:
MKT 3520	Promotional Strategy
MKT 4600	Advanced Marketing Research
POL 2310	Political Opinion and Propaganda
ECO 4000	Statistical Analysis for Economics and Finance

Statistics: BA Major

Arts and sciences students can major in one of the following three programs in the Department of Statistics and Computer Information Systems:

Statistical Theory
Psychometrics
Sociometrics

The department offers courses for students who are primarily interested in mathematics, psychology, and sociology. Statistical theory, using the College’s extensive computer installations, provides professional training for those who desire a career in operations research, quality control and reliability, health sciences and governmental statistics, design and analysis of surveys, and computer information systems. Joint major programs in conjunction with the Departments of Psychology and Sociology and Anthropology are offered and include courses to augment study in psychometrics and sociometrics.

Statistical Theory

Base Courses

CIS 2200	Introduction to Information Systems and Technologies	3 credits
STA 2100	Statistical Methods for Social Science	3 credits
MTH 2630	Analytic Geometry and Calculus I	5 credits
MTH 3030	Analytic Geometry and Calculus II	5 credits

Major
The major consists of 24 credits, with up to 9 credits in mathematics.

Required Courses

STA 3551	Theory of Statistics I - Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory	3 credits
STA 4552	Theory of Statistics II - Statistical Inference	3 credits

Electives

CIS 3100	Object-Oriented Programming I	3 credits
STA 3156	Sampling Theory and Practice	3 credits
STA 3255	Statistical Quality Contro l	3 credits
STA 3560	Nonparametric Statistics	3 credits
STA 4158	Analysis of Time Series	3 credits
STA 4256	Advanced Sampling Methods	3 credits
STA 5559	Introduction to Multivariate Analysis	3 credits
MTH 4010	Advanced Calculus I	3 credits
MTH 4020	Advanced Calculus II	3 credits
MTH 4100	Linear Algebra and Matrix Methods	3 credits
MTH 4120	Introduction to Probability	3 credits
MTH 4130	Mathematics of Statistics	3 credits
MTH 5010	Advanced Calculus III	3 credits
OPR 4652	Introduction to Mathematical Programming	3 credits
OPR 4653	Introduction to Statistical Decision Theory and Game Theory	3 credits
OPR 4654	Queueing Theory and Inventory Models	3 credits

Psychometrics

Base Courses

CIS 2200	Introduction to Information Systems and Technologies	3 credits
STA 2100	Statistical Methods for Social Science	3 credits
MTH 2030	Analytic Geometry and Calculus I	5 credits

Major: 24 credits

Required Courses

STA 2555	Applied Methods I - Probability and Statistics	3 credits
STA 3556	Applied Methods II - Statistical Inference	3 credits
STA 4561	Factor Analysis and Classification Techniques	3 credits
PSY 3053	Tests and Measurements	3 credits

Electives

STA 3156	Sampling Theory and Practice	3 credits
STA 3560	Nonparametric Statistics	3 credits
STA 5559	Introduction to Multivariate Analysis	3 credits
MTH 3030	Analytic Geometry and Calculus II	5 credits
MTH 4100	Linear Algebra and Matrix Methods	3 credits
OPR 4653	Introduction to Statistical Decision Theory and Game Theory	3 credits
PSY 3056	Social Psychology	3 credits
PSY 3180	Vocational Psychology	3 credits
PSY 3181	Business and Industrial Psychology	3 credits
PSY 3182	Interviewing Techniques	3 credits
PSY 3183	Psychology and Urban Problems	3 credits
PSY 4092	Special Problems in Psychology	2 credits
PSY 4282	Advanced Psychological Testing	3 credits

Sociometrics

Note: A number of the courses listed below are not currently offered. Students interested in sociometrics should consult with a department advisor.

Base Courses

CIS 2200	Introduction to Information Systems and Technologies	3 credits
STA 2100	Statistical Methods for Social Science	3 credits
MTH 2030	Analytic Geometry and Calculus I	5 credits

Major: 24 credits

Required Courses

STA 2555	Applied Methods I - Probability and Statistics	3 credits
STA 3556	Applied Methods II - Statistical Inference	3 credits
STA 3563	Design of Social Research	3 credits
SOC 4032	Methods of Sociological Research	3 credits

Electives

STA 3156	Sampling Theory and Practice	3 credits
STA 3560	Nonparametric Statistics	3 credits
STA 5559	Introduction to Multivariate Analysis	3 credits
MTH 3030	Analytic Geometry and Calculus II	5 credits
MTH 4100	Linear Algebra and Matrix Methods	3 credits
OPR 4653	Introduction to Statistical Decision Theory and Game Theory	3 credits
SOC 3051	Urban Sociology	3 credits
SOC 3052	Social Stratification	3 credits
SOC 3055	Population and Society	3 credits
SOC 3064	Modern Organizations	3 credits
SOC 3082	Small Groups	3 credits

Equivalent courses in the arts and sciences and business curricula:

The following pairs of courses are considered as equivalent for purposes of credits. Students can be given credit for either course but not for both:

STA 2000 and STA 2100
(STA 2000 may be used for either the BA or BBA)

STA 3154 and STA 3556

STA 3155 and STA 4554

STA 4157 and STA 4557

OPR 3453 and OPR 4653

The Minors

General Information

The Department of Statistics and Computer Information Systems offers three minor concentrations. These are in the fields of computer information systems, quantitative methods and modeling, and statistics. Each is outlined below.

Computer Information Systems
Quantitative Methods and Modeling
Statistics

Computer Information Systems

Computer Applications in Business
Revised for Spring 2005 - See 2004-06 Undergrad Bulletin for previous CIS minor requirements

This minor is designed to prepare students majoring in other areas of business to be competent end users and decision makers in a computer information systems environment. The focus is on using microcomputers and higher-level applications software to implement useful applications in a wide range of business areas.

Required Courses 9 credits
CIS 3367	Microcomputer Applications in Business I	3 credits
plus two of the following:
CIS 3400	Database Management Systems I	3 credits
CIS 3444	e-Business Technologies	3 credits
CIS 4367	Microcomputer Applications in Business II	3 credits
OPR 3300	Quantitative Methods for Accountancy	3 credits
Quantitative Methods and Modeling The minor in quantitative methods and modeling is designed to prepare students majoring in other areas of business with a background of quantitative skills that facilitate the decisionmaking process. In addition to one required course, two elective courses are selected with the approval of the area advisor to complement the student’s major and provide the student with an appropriate background.
Required Courses 9 credits
OPR 3450	Quantitative Decision Making for Business I	3 credits
or
OPR 3300	Quantitative Methods for Accountancy	3 credits
Plus two courses selected with the approval of the area advisor from the following list::
CIS 3400	Database Management Systems I	3 credits
CIS 4100	Object-Oriented Programming II	3 credits
OPR 3451	Quantitative Decision Making for Business II	3 credits
OPR 3452	System Simulation	3 credits
OPR 3453	Bayesian Inference	3 credits
OPR 4470	Special Topics in Operations Research	3 credits
OPR 5000	Independent Study in Operations Research	3 credits
STA 3154	Business Statistics II	3 credits
STA 3155	Intermediate Statistical Methods	3 credits
STA 4000	Computational Methods in Data Analysis	3 credits
Other quantitative courses may be selected subject to approval of the area advisor. It is essential that the student consult with an area advisor to plan a program prior to taking any courses in the minor.
Statistics The minor in statistics consists of four required courses as listed below.
Required Courses 9 credits
STA 3154	Business Statistics II	3 credits
plus two courses selected from the following:
OPR 3450	Quantitative Decision Making for Business I	3 credits
STA 3155	Intermediate Statistical Methods	3 credits
STA 3156	Sampling Theory and Practice	3 credits
STA 4000	Computer-Intensive Data Analysis	3 credits
STA 4370	Special Topics in Applied Statistics	3 credits

Tier III Courses

Information Technology and Social Responsibility

The Tier III minor in Information Technology and Social Responsibility will help you gain:

an understanding of the principles and issues of social responsibility, including, but not limited to: a respect for the environment, cultural issues, access for individuals with disabilities, ethical issues
an understanding of today's web-based new media technologies and the interconnected environment that supports them
an understanding of the many ways in which social responsibility may be enhanced by information technology; and, conversely, the ways in which information technology may contribute to the weakening of social responsibility.
an understanding of the ways in which advances in information technology must be informed by a sense of social responsibility

Choose any two of the following:

CIS 3810	Principles of New Media [webpage]
CIS 3270	Computer Ethics (or PHI 3270)
BLS 3013	Mass Media And The Black American
COM 3060	Media Analysis And Criticism
COM 3076	International Communication
ENG 3220	Media Ethics
ENG 3500	Advanced Reporting And Writing: Cyberspace, etc.
LIB 3040	Information and Society (or COM 3040 or PAF 3040)
PHI 3040	Mind and Computers
PHI 3050	Ethics, Economics, and the Business System
Plus the Required Capstone Course:
CIS 4910	Information Technology and Social Responsibility

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