UMGC Europe

A hands-on, project-based introduction to the tools, concepts, processes, and methods of electronic(desktop) publishing. The aim is to use Adobe InDesign (or another professional electronic publishing software program) to create electronic publications for various media formats following fundamental design principles. Topics include the history and evolution of publishing, working with color, incorporating graphics, principles and elements of design, publication workflow, emerging technologies, careers in the field, ethical and legal considerations, and collaborative design. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 310, CAPP 398B, or CMST 310.

Prerequisite: CMST 310. A hands-on, project-based study of the advanced concepts, tools, processes, and methods of electronic (desktop) publishing. The goal is to use Adobe InDesign to create engaging electronic publications following fundamental design principles for print, online, and mobile devices. Topics include motion and interactivity, PDF (portable document format) publishing, emerging technologies, design issues related to mobile devices, ethical and legal considerations, collaborative work, and print and web-ready Adobe Flash files. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 311 or CMST 311.

A hands-on, project-based introduction to 3D video game design and programming fundamentals. The aim is to use an industry-standard 3D game engine to create a game from concept to final product.  Topics include 3D game engines, 3D game design, gameplay mechanics, sound effects, C# programming, project management, 3D physics and user interface design. 

A hands-on, project-based introduction to illustration graphics using Adobe Illustrator. The goal is to apply fundamental concepts of vector image composition to create professional digital media for delivery across multiple platforms, including print, web, and video following ethical principles and legal guidelines. Topics include terminology, tools, theory, and processes from concept to completion. Discussion covers Bezier curves, shading, depth, paths, drawing tools, vector versus raster images, and color theory.

A hands-on, project-based introduction to illustration graphics using Adobe Illustrator. The goal is to apply fundamental concepts of vector image composition to create professional digital media for delivery across multiple platforms, including print, web, and video following ethical principles and legal guidelines. Topics include terminology, tools, theory, and processes from concept to completion. Discussion covers Bezier curves, shading, depth, paths, drawing tools, vector versus raster images, and color theory.

An introduction to digital image editing using Adobe Photoshop. The aim is to identify established digital image editing tools, techniques, and best practices; create new images; and edit existing images. Topics include terminology, tools, theory, and processes from concept to completion. Discussion covers fundamental concepts and practical techniques, as well as ethical and legal issues. Emphasis is on applying these concepts and techniques to produce high-quality digital works for multiple platforms, including print, web, and other electronic media.

An introduction to digital image editing using Adobe Photoshop. The aim is to identify established digital image editing tools, techniques, and best practices; create new images; and edit existing images. Topics include terminology, tools, theory, and processes from concept to completion. Discussion covers fundamental concepts and practical techniques, as well as ethical and legal issues. Emphasis is on applying these concepts and techniques to produce high-quality digital works for multiple platforms, including print, web, and other electronic media.

Prerequisite: CMST 315. A hands-on, project-based introduction to the theories, best practices, aesthetics, techniques, and workflows used to create immersive augmented reality (AR). The goal is to develop, test, and deploy augmented reality experiences following design theory and industry-standard best practices. Topics include human-computer interaction and user experience, design principles, 3D modeling, game design, storytelling, and AR application development.

A hands-on introduction to the basic concepts, techniques, and principles of digital video and motion graphics effects using Adobe After Effects. The objective is to describe digital video compositing techniques; create digital composites that combine video, text, digital images, and audio; and apply visual special effects to create professional results for use on multiple platforms, such as film, video, multimedia, and the web. Topics include techniques such as basic storyboarding, key framing, transformations, and rendering, as well as effects (including levels, curves, color correction, blur, glow, fractal noise, keying, masking, and cartoon effects).

A study of web design, tools, and technology principles. The goal is to plan and produce a professional website. Topics include internet protocols; usability; accessibility; and social, ethical, and legal issues related to website production. Focus is on Hyper Text Markup Language version 5 (HTML5) and cascading style sheets (CSS). Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 385 or CMST 385.

Prerequisite: CMST 385. Continuation of the study of web design, tools, and technology principles. The objective is to create a website promotion strategy, with search engine optimization, and produce a professional website that incorporates multimedia and scripting. Topics include website marketing, web analytics, performance, privacy, and security issues related to website production. Focus is on Extensible HyperText Markup Language (XHTML), cascading style sheets (CSS), and JavaScript. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 386 or CMST 386.

(Formerly CMST 429) A hands-on, project-based introduction to the fundamental concepts, tools, and techniques used in 3D modeling. The aim is to use industry-standard software to design and manipulate models in three-dimensional space and to create 3D assets for virtual and augmented reality, games, animation, architecture, cinematics, and 3D printing. Topics include texturing, lighting, animation, rendering, sculpting, 3D printing, extended reality design, and career paths. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 390 or CMST 429.

Prerequisite: CMST 388. A hands-on, project-based study of web application development using advanced JavaScript technologies. The aim is to create cross-browser-compatible web applications that adhere to industry standards and minimize security risks. Topics include JavaScript libraries, user interfaces, accessibility, usability, and security. Web development projects using advanced JavaScript are included.

Prerequisite: 24 credits within the major. An overview of current trends, technologies, theories, and practices in the web and digital design fields. The aim is to integrate concepts, practical application, and critical thinking acquired through previous study and apply them to professional and postgraduate objectives. Analysis covers innovative and emerging issues in web and digital design. Assignments include industry analysis, résumé design, and portfolio creation.

(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112. An overview of the complex components and relationships involved in today's media. The goal is to understand the technical, political, economic, cultural, and organizational influences on mediated messages. Topics include visual rhetoric, legal and ethical issues, social media, the transactional model, advertising, security, and privacy concerns.¿

A study of the creation and interpretation of visual language. The aim is to understand how images are used to effectively communicate ideas in a variety of channels, including news, advertising, and public relations. Topics include aesthetics, principles of composition, color systems, content awareness, and historical and cultural perspectives. Emphasis is on critical thinking and analysis of images from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

A study of the creation and interpretation of visual language. The aim is to understand how images are used to effectively communicate ideas in a variety of channels, including news, advertising, and public relations. Topics include aesthetics, principles of composition, color systems, content awareness, and historical and cultural perspectives. Emphasis is on critical thinking and analysis of images from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112. An introduction to communication theory. The objective is to apply communication theory and evaluate communication situations. The basic theories of human communication, mass communication, and new media and technology are explored. Focus is on the relationships among communication theory, research, and practice. Topics include intra- and interpersonal communication, public communication, mass media, and contemporary issues associated with mediated communication.

(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112, WRTG 101, or WRTG 101S, and COMM 300. An introduction to communication theory. The objective is to apply communication theory and evaluate communication situations. The basic theories of human communication, mass communication, and new media and technology are explored. Focus is on the relationships among communication theory, research, and practice. Topics include intra- and interpersonal communication, public communication, mass media, and contemporary issues associated with mediated communication.

(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112, WRTG 101, or WRTG 101S. A practicum in the kinds of communication skills that managers need for the workplace. The goal is to develop persuasive managerial communication for organizational decision making and action. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 390, HUMN 390, WRTG 390, or WRTG 490.

(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112, WRTG 101, or WRTG 101S. A practicum in the kinds of communication skills that managers need for the workplace. The goal is to develop persuasive managerial communication for organizational decision making and action. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 390, HUMN 390, WRTG 390, or WRTG 490.

(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112, WRTG 101, or WRTG 101S. A practicum in the kinds of communication skills that managers need for the workplace. The goal is to develop persuasive managerial communication for organizational decision making and action. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 390, HUMN 390, WRTG 390, or WRTG 490.

¿(No previous study of law required. Fulfills the general education requirement in communications but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112.¿ An examination of important legal issues that affect mass media and communications professionals. The objective is to analyze mass media law, its evolution, and its relationship with society, culture, and politics. Topics include copyright, intellectual property, fair use, defamation, privacy, freedom of information, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press, as well as issues raised by the growth of the Internet. Discussion also covers ethics in mass media, digital technologies, and the creation of media content. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 400 or JOUR 400.¿

¿(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112. An advanced study of technical writing, focusing on composing competitive proposals in response to Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and other funding solicitations from the federal government and community and private sources. The aim is to apply skills needed in the proposal development process; assess an RFP to determine evaluation and competitive criteria; and synthesize the required elements into a successful proposal. Discussion covers stages of the proposal-development process, including researching the funding agency for its mission, target populations, and problems of interest; assessing the RFP to determine evaluation criteria; and assembling the required elements of a successful proposal. Assignments include writing a grant request and working in teams to prepare a competitive business proposal. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 492, ENGL 489C, or WRTG 494.

Prerequisites: COMM 300, COMM 302, and at least 9 additional credits of upper-level COMM, SPCH and/or JOUR courses. A project-based capstone study of communication. The aim is to reflect on the knowledge and skills gained through previous coursework and experiences in the discipline.

(Designed in part to help prepare for the EC-Council Secure Computer User [CSCU] certification.) Prerequisite: Any CMIS, CMIT, CMSC, CMST, CSIA, DATA, IFSM, or SDEV course. A survey of the cybersecurity principles, practices, and strategies required by leaders and managers to become strategic partners in the establishment, management, and governance of an enterprise's cybersecurity program. The aim is to develop both an understanding of how cybersecurity supports key business goals and objectives and the "soft skills" necessary for success in a leadership or managerial role. Topics include the fundamentals of cybersecurity practices and principles; enterprise IT governance processes and security controls; data security; the information life cycle; intellectual property protections; privacy laws and regulations; security education, training, and awareness; and the need for cooperation and collaboration between business units and the organization's cybersecurity program.

(Designed in part to help prepare for the EC-Council Secure Computer User [CSCU] certification.) Prerequisite: Any CMIS, CMIT, CMSC, CMST, CSIA, DATA, IFSM, or SDEV course. A survey of the cybersecurity principles, practices, and strategies required by leaders and managers to become strategic partners in the establishment, management, and governance of an enterprise's cybersecurity program. The aim is to develop both an understanding of how cybersecurity supports key business goals and objectives and the "soft skills" necessary for success in a leadership or managerial role. Topics include the fundamentals of cybersecurity practices and principles; enterprise IT governance processes and security controls; data security; the information life cycle; intellectual property protections; privacy laws and regulations; security education, training, and awareness; and the need for cooperation and collaboration between business units and the organization's cybersecurity program.

(Designed in part to help prepare for the EC-Council Secure Computer User [CSCU] certification.) Prerequisite: Any CMIS, CMIT, CMSC, CMST, CSIA, DATA, IFSM, or SDEV course. A survey of the cybersecurity principles, practices, and strategies required by leaders and managers to become strategic partners in the establishment, management, and governance of an enterprise's cybersecurity program. The aim is to develop both an understanding of how cybersecurity supports key business goals and objectives and the "soft skills" necessary for success in a leadership or managerial role. Topics include the fundamentals of cybersecurity practices and principles; enterprise IT governance processes and security controls; data security; the information life cycle; intellectual property protections; privacy laws and regulations; security education, training, and awareness; and the need for cooperation and collaboration between business units and the organization's cybersecurity program.

(Includes content designed to help in preparing for EC-Council Certified Incident Handler [ECIH] certification.) Prerequisites: IFSM 201 and WRTG 112 or equivalent. A study of the processes and technologies used to implement and manage enterprise IT security operations. The goal is to apply and integrate cybersecurity concepts and best practices with the principles of IT operations and management and to prepare for a government- and industry-recognized intermediate level cybersecurity certification (Certified Incident Handler). Topics include the essential management and operational activities (acquisition, deployment, and operations) required to secure IT technologies and business operations against a wide variety of threats and attacks.

(Includes content designed to help in preparing for EC-Council Certified Incident Handler [ECIH] certification.) Prerequisites: IFSM 201 and WRTG 112 or equivalent. A study of the processes and technologies used to implement and manage enterprise IT security operations. The goal is to apply and integrate cybersecurity concepts and best practices with the principles of IT operations and management and to prepare for a government- and industry-recognized intermediate level cybersecurity certification (Certified Incident Handler). Topics include the essential management and operational activities (acquisition, deployment, and operations) required to secure IT technologies and business operations against a wide variety of threats and attacks.

(Designed to help prepare for the Program Management Institute ¿ Professional Business Analyst (PMI-PBA) certification exam.) Prerequisite: CSIA 310. A study of the application and integration of cybersecurity principles, frameworks, standards, and best practices to the management, governance, and policy development processes for businesses. The aim is to apply business analysis principles and methods to cybersecurity problems in business and industry. Discussion covers the organization, management, and governance of cybersecurity for enterprise IT in business settings; risk and risk management practices; and development and implementation of industry-wide cybersecurity initiatives and programs.

(Designed to help prepare for the Program Management Institute ¿ Professional Business Analyst (PMI-PBA) certification exam.) Prerequisite: CSIA 310. A study of the application and integration of cybersecurity principles, frameworks, standards, and best practices to the management, governance, and policy development processes for businesses. The aim is to apply business analysis principles and methods to cybersecurity problems in business and industry. Discussion covers the organization, management, and governance of cybersecurity for enterprise IT in business settings; risk and risk management practices; and development and implementation of industry-wide cybersecurity initiatives and programs.

Prerequisite: CSIA 350. A study of cybersecurity management and governance in the context of the missions, functions, and operations of federal, state, and municipal government agencies, departments, and programs. Discussion covers the policy life cycle and the mechanisms used by governments to formulate and implement laws, policies, regulations, and treaties to protect and defend government operations and society as a whole against cyber attacks and crimes, both foreign and domestic.

(Includes content designed to help in preparing for IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional/US certification.) Prerequisite: CSIA 360. A study of the application of cybersecurity principles, frameworks, standards, and best practices to organization-level strategies, policies, programs, plans, procedures, and processes. The aim is to assist students in preparing to take an internationally recognized information privacy certification. Projects include writing security policies and plans, developing metrics and measures for information security programs, planning audits of compliance practices and processes, and developing organization-level security policies for enterprise IT governance. Discussion covers principles and best practices for protecting privacy and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

(Includes content designed to help in preparing for IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional/US certification.) Prerequisite: CSIA 360. A study of the application of cybersecurity principles, frameworks, standards, and best practices to organization-level strategies, policies, programs, plans, procedures, and processes. The aim is to assist students in preparing to take an internationally recognized information privacy certification. Projects include writing security policies and plans, developing metrics and measures for information security programs, planning audits of compliance practices and processes, and developing organization-level security policies for enterprise IT governance. Discussion covers principles and best practices for protecting privacy and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

Prerequisites: CMIT 320 and CSIA 350. A survey of emerging and leading technologies in the cybersecurity field. The aim is to research, evaluate, and recommend emerging technologies and determine secure implementation strategies for best-fit business solutions. Topics include evolutionary technology development and adoption in organizations.

(Intended as a final, capstone course to be taken in a student's last 6 credits; includes content designed to help in preparing students for the EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer [CCISO] and Information Security Manager [EISM] certifications.) Prerequisites: CMIT 320 and CSIA 413. A study of cybersecurity management and policy that integrates knowledge gained from previous coursework and experience. Focus is on developing security strategies, plans, policies, and processes for the protection of an organization's critical information and assets. The goal is to enhance professional skills in cybersecurity management and leadership. Topics also include the ethical integration of cybersecurity best practices and risk management throughout an enterprise.

(Intended as a final, capstone course to be taken in a student's last 6 credits; includes content designed to help in preparing students for the EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer [CCISO] and Information Security Manager [EISM] certifications.) Prerequisites: CMIT 320 and CSIA 413. A study of cybersecurity management and policy that integrates knowledge gained from previous coursework and experience. Focus is on developing security strategies, plans, policies, and processes for the protection of an organization's critical information and assets. The goal is to enhance professional skills in cybersecurity management and leadership. Topics also include the ethical integration of cybersecurity best practices and risk management throughout an enterprise.

An introduction to data and data literacy for students of all majors to enhance their ability to understand and work in today's data-driven world. The aim is to collect, manage, evaluate and apply data in a critical manner and examine the role, significance, and implications of data, including ethical issues within a society, in organizations, or for individuals. Developing skills in data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, students will generate insights from data, build knowledge, and make decisions. Topics include the effective use of cloud-based data storage, collaboration and communication techniques.

An introduction to data and data literacy for students of all majors to enhance their ability to understand and work in today's data-driven world. The aim is to collect, manage, evaluate and apply data in a critical manner and examine the role, significance, and implications of data, including ethical issues within a society, in organizations, or for individuals. Developing skills in data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, students will generate insights from data, build knowledge, and make decisions. Topics include the effective use of cloud-based data storage, collaboration and communication techniques.

An introduction to data and data literacy for students of all majors to enhance their ability to understand and work in today's data-driven world. The aim is to collect, manage, evaluate and apply data in a critical manner and examine the role, significance, and implications of data, including ethical issues within a society, in organizations, or for individuals. Developing skills in data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, students will generate insights from data, build knowledge, and make decisions. Topics include the effective use of cloud-based data storage, collaboration and communication techniques.

Prerequisites: STAT 200 and MATH 115 (or MATH 107 and MATH 108) or higher. A practical introduction to the mathematical principles applied within the context of data science. The aim is to understand the mathematical basis of data science and increase awareness of machine learning algorithm assumptions and limitations. Machine learning topics include linear regression, dimensionality reduction, and classification. Projects involve application of linear algebra, probability, vector calculus, and optimization to build data science solutions.

Prerequisites: STAT 200 and MATH 115 (or MATH 107 and MATH 108) or higher. A practical introduction to the mathematical principles applied within the context of data science. The aim is to understand the mathematical basis of data science and increase awareness of machine learning algorithm assumptions and limitations. Machine learning topics include linear regression, dimensionality reduction, and classification. Projects involve application of linear algebra, probability, vector calculus, and optimization to build data science solutions.

Prerequisite: STAT 200. An examination of the role of data science within business and society. The goal is to identify a problem, collect and analyze data, select the most appropriate analytical methodology based on the context of the business problem, build a model, and understand the feedback after model deployment. Emphasis is on the process of acquiring, cleaning, exploring, analyzing, and communicating data obtained from variety of sources. Assignments require working with data in programming languages such as Python, wrangling data programmatically and preparing data for analysis, using libraries like NumPy and Pandas.

Formerly DATA 220. Prerequisite: STAT 200. A practical introduction to the methodology, practices, and requirements of data science to ensure that data is relevant and properly manipulated to solve problems and address a variety of real-world projects and business scenarios. Focus is on the application of foundational statistical concepts to describing datasets with summary statistics, simple data visualizations, statistical inference, and predictive analytics. The objective is to use data to draw conclusions about the underlying patterns that drive everyday problems through probability, hypothesis testing, and linear model building.

Formerly DATA 220. Prerequisite: STAT 200. A practical introduction to the methodology, practices, and requirements of data science to ensure that data is relevant and properly manipulated to solve problems and address a variety of real-world projects and business scenarios. Focus is on the application of foundational statistical concepts to describing datasets with summary statistics, simple data visualizations, statistical inference, and predictive analytics. The objective is to use data to draw conclusions about the underlying patterns that drive everyday problems through probability, hypothesis testing, and linear model building.

Prerequisite: DATA 320. An overview of the fundamentals of data visualization principles in the context of business and data science. Practical focus on data visualization of different data types including time series, multidimensional data, creating dynamic tables, heatmaps, infographs, and dashboards. Hands on projects will require exploring data visually at multiple levels to find insights to create a compelling story and incorporating visual design best practices to better communicate insights to the intended audience, such as business stakeholders. Projects are selected from a wide range of content areas such as retail, marketing, healthcare, government, basic sciences, and technology.

Prerequisite: DATA 300. A hands-on introduction to machine learning principles and methods that can be applied to solve practical problems. Topics include supervised and unsupervised learning, especially linear regression, logistic regression, decision tree, naïve Bayes, and clustering analysis. Focus is on using data from a wide range of domains, such as healthcare, finance, marketing, and government, to build predictive models for informed decision-making. Discussion also covers handling missing data, performing cross-validation to avoid overtraining, evaluating classifiers, and measuring precision.

Prerequisites: DATA 230 and DATA 430. A project-based study of advanced concepts and applications in machine learning (ML) such as neural networks, support vector machines (SVM), ensemble models, deep learning, and reinforced learning. Emphasis is on building predictive models for practical business and social problems, developing complex and explainable predictive models, assessing classifiers, and comparing their performance. All stages of the machine learning life cycles are developed, following industry best practices for selecting methods and tools to build ML models, including Auto ML.

Prerequisites: DATA 335 and DATA 430. A project-based introduction to the concepts, approaches, techniques, and technologies for managing and analyzing large data sets in support of improved decision making. Activities include using technologies such as Spark, Hive, Pig, Kafka, Hadoop, HBase, Flume, Cassandra, cloud analytics, container architectures, and streaming real-time platforms. Discussion covers how to identify the kinds of analyses to use with big data and how to interpret the results.