Explore the Programmer/Analyst degree program
Do you have a strong desire to work on the latest software or make the next best app or video game on the market? If so, consider the computer programming degree program at Wayne State. In the Programmer/Analyst program, you’ll learn computer programming and computing theories that will prepare you for a careers in information technology.
You will learn principles and concepts of computing along with organizational and business concepts. You’ll learn programming fundamentals and gain practical skills in the areas of introductory networking, systems development, hardware, operating systems, and databases. You’ll be able to work independently, as well as in groups, across a range of diverse situations.
With a computer information systems degree focusing on computer programming, you’ll be ready for a wide variety of careers in the IT sector, or you can choose a more specific path in areas such as software engineering and application development.
Fast facts
Degree options:
- B.A. or B.S. in Computer Information Systems / Programmer/Analyst
- Minor in Computer Information Systems
Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)
Program credit hours: 57
- Computing core and support area (36 credit hours)
- Programmer/analyst concentration (21 credit hours)
Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.
School: Business and Technology
Department: Computer Technology and Information Systems
Opportunities and outcomes
Programmer/analyst topics covered
- Scripting languages
- Object-oriented programming
- Procedural programming
- Mainframe technologies
- Project management
- Networking concepts and technologies
- Analysis and design of computer information systems
- Advanced database design and development using SQL
Student learning outcomes
- Apply the foundational concepts of computer information systems
- Work in team settings found in computer information systems contexts
- Communicate in professional computer information systems contexts
- Establish a plan for maintaining professional relevance in computer information systems
- Apply an appropriate ethical framework to a computer information systems ethical dilemma
Career Scholars Program
Students majoring in Programmer/Analyst are eligible to take part in the Career Scholars Program. The Career Scholars Program offers a generous scholarship package while you embark on a unique cooperative education journey starting your freshman year at Wayne State. During your time here, you’ll participate in career readiness activities, job site visits, job shadowing, and more - all while learning the fundamentals of professional practice. After three years on campus, you’ll complete your senior year by working at a paid job in your chosen field. Job locations include Norfolk or Grand Island, Neb., where you'll live in community housing with fellow Career Scholars students.
Programmer/analyst internships
Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find programmer/analyst internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:
- Beck Ag
- Daycos
- First National Bank of Omaha
- Great West Casualty Company
- Wayne State College
Graduates of the Programmer/Analyst degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.
Jobs of recent graduates:
- Database Developer – KBR (Sioux Falls, S.D.)
- Front-end Web Developer – Firespring (Lincoln, Neb.)
- Internet Customer Service Representative – Charter Communications (St. Louis, Mo.)
- IT Help Desk Support – Faith Regional Health Services (Norfolk, Neb.)
- IT Infrastructure Support Analyst – State of Nebraska (Lincoln, Neb.)
- IT Technician – Wayne State College (Wayne, Neb.)
- Junior Developer – QC Supply (Omaha, Neb.)
- Software Engineer – Nelnet (Omaha, Neb.)
- Systems Developer – Great West Casualty Company (South Sioux City, Neb.)
- Technical Support Analyst – Infor (St. Paul, Minn.)
- Technology Analyst – Fiserv (Omaha, Neb.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey
After graduating from Wayne State College, recent grads pursued advanced degrees at the following schools:
- Information Technology Management (MSOM) – Wayne State College (Wayne, Neb.)
2024-25 Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance
cost per credit hour
Tuition: $5,880
Fees: $2,290.50
Food plan: $4,690
Housing: $4,730
Most Affordable College in Nebraska
- College Affordability Guide, 2024
Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.
Programmer/Analyst degree program courses
Students must complete the computing core, support area, and the programmer/analyst concentration courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.
Computing
core
credits
Support
area
credits
Programmer/analyst
concentration
credits
Total
program
credits
Computing core courses (27 credits)
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction and overview of modern computer systems, software design, information systems, and related technologies. Topics include computer hardware, software, communications, introductory algorithm design, basic networking concepts, computer ethics, and various other timely topics from the fields of computer science and/or computer information systems.
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to networking concepts and technologies. Students will be introduced to the theory and practice of networking computers and various other devices.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of software engineering approaches, tools, and methodologies. In addition, some coverage is provided regarding the structured approach to systems development through use of structured analysis methods within an established life cycle. Topics include: the systems development environment and life cycle, information gathering techniques, feasibility studies, cost/benefit analysis, software development alternatives, software selection techniques, modeling tools, data analysis methodologies, communication considerations and new system design.
Prerequisite: CIS 130 Introduction to Computer/Information Technology or 132 Principles of Computing and Information Systems
Credits: 3
Description: A study of database theory, design, and management through application development and implementation. Topics include: database planning and organization, common database models, normalization, the total DBMS concept, logical and physical model design, program database strategies control and recovery, security and integrity, query application, and advanced database topics. Emphasis is placed on application assignments that encompass topics/concepts presented in the course.
Prerequisite: CIS 130 Introduction to Computer Information Technology or 132 Principles of Computing and Information Systems, or CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I
Credits: 3
Description: A study of computer hardware and operating systems. This course covers hardware components of a variety of types and explores both proprietary and open-source operating systems. Emphasis is placed on proper design and operation, troubleshooting, and basic management/maintenance of hardware and the operating systems that run on it.
Prerequisite: CIS 130 Introduction to Computer Information Technology or 132 Principles of Computing and Information Systems
Credits: 3
Description: A capstone course with emphasis on the management of information systems. Emphasis is placed on operational, tactical, and strategic issues related to information systems management. Consideration is given to traditional and emerging information systems issues and topics. Students will work with theoretical and practitioner literature from the information systems field in addressing several cases and/or projects and in preparing and delivering presentations.
Prerequisite: Completion of 90 credit hours
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to modern programming and problem-solving methods using a high-level programming language. Emphasis on algorithm development, top-down design, and structured programming. Topics include data types, files, I/O operations, control structures, functions, arrays, strings, and records. Software documentation and testing will be included as an integral part of the course.
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to the development and implementation of pages for the World Wide Web. Introductory use of web programming language(s) and web development tools will be introduced. This course will also address introductory-level development methodologies, layout, functionality, content creation, and basic content management.
Credits: 3
Description: An overview of the structure and design of an operating system – the software interface between the user and the hardware. Topics include process management, memory management, device management, file management, concurrency, distributed systems, and security.
Support area courses (9 credit hours)
Credits: 3
Description: A study of structured computer programming. Topics include: a computer language overview, the program development cycle, the structured programming concept, program documentation, language structure and syntax, and common language commands. Emphasis is placed on development of sequential, batch programs that generate reports. Input to output data transfer, editing, simple and comprehensive arithmetic statement application, single and compound condition testing, sort/merge techniques, single dimensional and multi-dimensional table concepts are some of the processes emphasized in the programs. This course also addresses other concepts in enterprise computing.
Prerequisite: CIS 130 Introduction to Computer/Information Technology or 132 Principles of Computing and Information Systems
Choose 6 hours from the following:
- BUS 142 Survey of Accounting (3 credits) – A course for non-business majors to study the role of accounting as an information development and communication function that supports economic decision-making. This restricted overview of accounting emphasizes development of knowledge and skills to perform basic financial analysis, derive financial information for personal or organizational decisions, and utilize information for better understanding of business, governmental, and other organizational entities.
- BUS 208 Business Communications (3 credits) – Development of critical communication skills used in business and industry. Emphasis on assisting Business students to become more effective and efficient writers. Includes instructions, reports, memos, and letters. Prerequisite: ENG 102 Composition Skills.
- BUS 260 Management Theory and Practice (3 credits) – Develops the management art and science of planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling through people to make ideas materialize within economic constraints of a business enterprise. Develops ability to construct policy, to make scientifically-sound decisions within that policy, and to establish ethical procedures to insure organized productive effort to intended objectives. Develops a management attitude, outlook, and ability.
- BUS 270 Principles of Marketing (3 credits) – This course facilitates students in conquering the essential concepts of product, price, promotion, distribution, segmentation, ethics, and social responsibility, while addressing the evolving digital and social media influences. The fundamentals will be stressed allowing for useful decision processes by managers while encouraging the development of the marketing specialist as one of the key decision makers in a firm. Marketing is critical to implementing strategy, gaining competitive advantages, and ensuring positive organizational results.
- BUS 366 Management Science (3 credits) – Application of quantitative and analytical approaches to management problems within a theoretical framework and behavioral background developed. Prerequisite: BUS 226 Business Statistics.
- BUS 408 Business Ethics (3 credits) – This course will examine theoretical structures that shape or influence Western thought and review specific professional codes of ethics relevant to business majors. Students will learn a decision-making framework for examining and articulating well-reasoned positions on ethical issues in business.
- BUS 418 Legal Environment of Business (3 credits) – This course focuses on public, administrative, and regulatory law, and the relationship of business to the legal structure. Topics include employee and consumer protection, environmental regulation, labor law, monopolies, price-fixing, and the regulation of domestic and international trade.
- CNA 346 Organizational Communications I (3 credits) – Explores the nature and function of communication in organizations. Emphasis on concepts, skills for effective management of communication, analysis, and evaluation of formal and informal patterns of communication in organizations.
- CNA 352 Organizational Presentations (3 credits) – Develop expertise, poise, and confidence in presenting professional informative, persuasive, deliberative, and epideictic speeches for public, private, or business organizations. Emphasis is placed on both theory and application of public speaking, speech criticism, and listening skills in culturally diverse business and professional settings. Students employ presentation software when delivering a variety of business presentations such as informative, after dinner, persuasive, sales advertising, and team speeches.
- CNA 426 Public Relations Through Social Media (3 credits) – An introduction to current systems and practices used in public relations to create and maintain internet-based interactive communications with customers and constituents. Students will create content hands-on and will be able to apply a conceptual framework including branding programs, integrated marketing communications, and other professional, legal, and ethical standards and practices. This course draws from the fields of public relations writing, photography, video production, and/or other types of multimedia content creation.
- BUS 142 Survey of Accounting (3 credits) – A course for non-business majors to study the role of accounting as an information development and communication function that supports economic decision-making. This restricted overview of accounting emphasizes development of knowledge and skills to perform basic financial analysis, derive financial information for personal or organizational decisions, and utilize information for better understanding of business, governmental, and other organizational entities.
Programmer/analyst concentration courses (21 credits)
Credits: 3
Description: A study of software engineering approaches, tools, and methodologies. In addition, some coverage is provided regarding the structured approach to systems development through use of structured analysis methods within an established life cycle. Topics include: the systems development environment and life cycle, the systems design process, I/O design activities and strategies, file and database design, project management techniques, foundations and strategies of software design, software testing methods, CASE tools, user training, installation techniques, and evaluation process.
Prerequisite: CIS 360 Computer Information Systems: Analysis and Design
Credits: 3
Description: An advanced study of database planning, design, implementation, evaluation, and administration. Topics include: the ANSI/SPARC model for database development, exploration of advanced considerations related to various types of database structures, the use of databases for strategic advantage in the organization, management of all phases of the database life, query and human factors considerations. Student will apply theory to a database project.
Prerequisite: CIS 366 Introduction to Database or equivalent
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides an introduction to the management of projects. Emphasis is placed on both the technical aspects of the project management process and the management of the human behavioral/situational aspects of projects. The nature of projects is explored. The techniques and tools of project management are introduced. Operational, tactical, and strategic implications of project management approaches are considered. The use of current project management software is incorporated. Students are also provided with an understanding of the many environmental and behavioral issues surrounding project management, and approaches to dealing with these issues. Graduate students in these courses have additional requirements beyond those for the undergraduate students.
Credits: 3
Description: This course is an exploration of the object-oriented paradigm as a means of creating and maintaining computer applications. In addition to providing instruction in object-oriented programming concepts and methodologies, this course will provide students with syntax.
Prerequisite: CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I
Credits: 3
Description: This course is a study of modern scripting languages and their role in traditional and emerging information systems. Focus is in the ability of these server-side languages to extend the capabilities of HTML by providing greater control over content, style, and functionality. In addition, special emphasis will be placed on the integration of these languages with a popular database engine and/or other information systems technologies.
Prerequisite: CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I or instructor approval
Upper division committee-approved electives (3 credits) – For a complete listing of courses and their descriptions, view the course catalog.
Popular pairings
Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study, or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Programmer/Analyst at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:
- Business Administration (minor)
- Computer Science (major or minor)
- Networking and Cybersecurity (major)
- Web and Mobile App Design (minor)
Related programs
Students interested in the Programmer/Analyst program may also be interested in:
Computer Science (B.A. or B.S.)
Networking and Cybersecurity (B.A. or B.S.)
Web Specialist (B.A. or B.S.)

Transfer to Wayne State
Our generous transfer credit policy will allow you to get credit for what you've already earned.
- If you've taken courses at other institutions, you can transfer those credits to Wayne State.
- Already have an associate degree? Seamlessly transfer your full degree through one of our transfer pathways.
- Military or veteran student? You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.

The wonderful thing about this program is that the professors are willing to help no matter what and are really committed to the students. They know not everyone had the ability to dive into computer studies prior to college and might not have much experience, but they help us get our foot in the door. Coming to Wayne, I have learned about so many opportunities in technology-related fields. I found that what I really wanted to do was become a systems analyst. As a systems analyst, understanding the ins and outs of not just the software, but the people, environment, and system makes the job seem all that more interesting to me.
Kyla Phillips
Arcadia, Nebraska
Major: Programmer/Analyst



The wonderful thing about this program is that the professors are willing to help no matter what and are really committed to the students. They know not everyone had the ability to dive into computer studies prior to college and might not have much experience, but they help us get our foot in the door. Coming to Wayne, I have learned about so many opportunities in technology-related fields. I found that what I really wanted to do was become a systems analyst. As a systems analyst, understanding the ins and outs of not just the software, but the people, environment, and system makes the job seem all that more interesting to me.


Kyla Phillips
Arcadia, Nebraska
Major: Programmer/Analyst
Computer Technology and Information Systems Department faculty

Molly Curnyn, Ed.D.
Professor
Dr. Molly Curnyn is a computer technology professor at Wayne State College. She teaches web development, hardware, and robotic courses.

Timothy Garvin, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Tim Garvin is a computer technology professor at Wayne State College and the department chair of the Computer Technology and Information Systems Department.

Debbie Johnson, MSOM
Instructor
Debbie Johnson teaches computer courses at Wayne State College. She has a wide range of technology experience ranging from microcomputer support to programming in numerous languages utilizing a variety of databases and hardware platforms.

Lori Nicholson, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Lori Nicholson is a computer technology professor at Wayne State College. Nicholson's academic interests include data structures, computer graphics, and computer architecture.

Jeremy Wynia, MSOM
Instructor
Jeremy Wynia teaches computer courses in the Computer Technology and Information Systems Department at Wayne State College, focusing on the networking and hardware classes.
Get in touch
Department of Computer Technology and Information Systems
Gardner Hall, Room 106
Phone: 402-375-7245
Student clubs for computing and information technology
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) - WSC's chapter of ACM, the world's largest computing society
Delta Sigma Pi - A coed professional organization for business, computing, sport management, fashion merchandising, and industrial management majors
SkillsUSA - National career and technical student organization
Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE) - International honor society for computing and information technology

Rankings and accolades
Recognized for excellence
A Best College of Distinction
Wayne State was recognized as a Best College of Distinction for our excellence in student engagement, teaching, community, and successful graduate outcomes.

A Top Public College in the Midwest
WSC was identified as one of the top public universities in the Midwest for 2025 by U.S. News & World’s Best Colleges ranking report.

Where you'll learnDepartment facilities

Center for Applied Technology (CAT)
The CAT is home to the Department of Technology and Applied Science and features state-of-the-art labs and tech-savvy classrooms.

Gardner Hall
Gardner Hall is home to the Department of Business and Economics at WSC and connects to advanced computer labs in the Center for Applied Technology by skywalk.
Your next steps
