Advising FAQs

This page provides answers to the most frequently asked advising questions. If the information provided here does not answer your question, please contact your advisor.

Q: What IS and CS major electives will be offered next term?
A: View the Fall 2005 major electives.

Q: What is the first class I should take in the CS or IS degree programs?
A: CSIS 2300 is the first required class in both degree programs.

Q: When should I take my first CS or IS class (CSIS 2300)?
A: As soon as possible, preferably in your sophomore (or even freshman) year.

Q: Should I wait until I have completed my General Education Core before starting my degree courses?
A: Absolutely not! The prerequisite structure for both the CS and IS degree can delay graduation unless you begin taking the first few classes at least in your sophomore year.

Q: I'm a transfer student and I've had some computer classes, what should I sign up for first?
A: If you've had an introduction to computing class, contact your advisor as soon as possible to get a COURSE SUBSTITUTION for CSIS 2300, this will allow you to sign up for the next course 2301.

Q: I've just transferred in and haven't received my "evaluation of transfer credit". Can I still enroll in CS/IS coursework.
A: Yes! If you have never had a computer course, enroll in CSIS 2300 as soon as possible. If you have any previous college-level computer course, see your advisor to determine if you will get credit for CSIS 2300, allowing you to sign up for CSIS 2301.

Q: I've just transferred in and just received my "evaluation of transfer credit". What are all these CSIS 2290's and CSIS 4490's?
A: CSIS 2290 is the number assigned by the registrar's office when they cannot absolutely determine an equivalent course in our programs. It gives you, at a minimum, a free elective credit, and may be converted to a major requirement or elective. See your advisor for details, and bring the form with you.

Q: I've had programming classes at another university, can I get credit for CSIS 2301 (or CSIS 2302)?
A: Unless you have had extensive classes in programming principles with C++ (effective Fall 2001 with Java), you should still sign up for CSIS 2301, otherwise you may have difficulties in the following courses (CSIS 2302 and CSIS 3100).

Q: What is the difference between CS and IS?
A: Computer Science is a mathematically founded software oriented degree program. Information systems is a business-oriented, systems focused degree program. In CS you focus on the development of software (and hardware) while in IS you focus on applying technology solutions to business problems. CS requires a strong mathematics background, while IS requires additional business coursework.

Q: What are the first-semester requirements for each major?
A: The degree requirements for each program are available as Word documents: BS in IS; BS in CS.

Q: Who's my advisor?
A: View a list of assigned advisors. You are assigned to an advisor alphabetically. However, during registration we use an open advisement policy, where students are required to sign up to see the next available advisor regardless of who is their regular advisor.

Q: I REALLY need to get into a class that's full! Can I talk to the instructor to see if I can get into it?
A: NO! Sorry but the only way to get into a class that's full is to fill out an overload request. The instructor CAN NOT add you to a full section even if they wanted to. The department chair has the sole authority to add you to a full class, and each student's request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It's a long shot, but submit the form and state you case clearly.

Q: I tried to register for a class but Banner wouldn't let me. It said something about not having the necessary prerequisites. What does that mean? Can I get around this problem?
A: Each class (except 2300) has a course that is required before you can enroll in it. These are the prerequisites. With VERY FEW exceptions, you cannot get around prerequisites. If you feel your case warrants exceptional handling (like a transfer student who can only take one or two classes because of the prerequisite structure, or a MSIS-Conditional student) see your advisor.

Q: I heard you have to have a "C" or better in all upper level major courses, but the system let me register for the next class anyway. Does this mean I don't have to retake a class with a "D"?
A: Absolutely not, the grade requirements ("C" or better in all upper division (3000-4000 level) courses if you enrolled at Kennesaw prior to Fall 2000, "C" or better in ALL CSIS coursework if you enrolled after Fall 2000), are checked manually before graduation. They are not checked by the Banner registration system. The system will allow you to take a follow-on class, but that does not mean you don't have to retake a "D" to graduate.

Q: Is it possible to test out of CSIS 2300?
A: Yes, but the test is difficult. It is recommended that most students either enroll in or receive transfer credit for the course. Please click here for information about the CSIS 2300 Credit by Examination test.