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Computer and Information Science

Students may seek an academic major in Computer and Information Science.

Major in Computer and Information Science

The computer and information science major provides a coherent, sequential, and integrated academic program of in-depth study that furnishes a body of knowledge and methods, as well as practice in the area of computer and information science. The curriculum focuses on the problem-solving skills and techniques needed to provide computer-based solutions to practical problems, including fundamental practical knowledge in the fields of software engineering, relational databases, programming languages, operating systems, computer networks, and distributed systems.

Objectives

The student who graduates with a major in computer and information science will be able to

• Incorporate relevant theory, techniques, and knowledge of programming languages and computer systems in developing computer-based solutions to practical problems in the field of information systems and technology.
• Effectively use object-oriented programming languages, such as Java or C++, in developing computer-based solutions to practical problems.
• Pursue careers as programmers and programmer analysts, software engineers, and system/network administrators working with operating systems such as UNIX/Linux and Windows; programming languages such as Java, C++, and Perl; and relational and object-oriented database systems such as Oracle.
• Develop clear and precise oral and written communications and enhance skills in the analysis, definition, and documentation of problems and solutions in the field of computer and information science.
• Apply knowledge of the concepts and principles of computer and information science to the management of changes and developments in information systems and technology.
• Discuss the environmental, ethical, and social implications of the rapidly changing field of information technology.
• Identify current and historical trends and patterns in computer and information science and the individuals and organizations that influence and foster these global patterns of change.
• Apply the tools and techniques in research and analysis required to evaluate computer and information science products.
• Discuss the implications and significance of computer and information science for other disciplines and fields of scholarship.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in computer and information science requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework including 30 credits for the major (indicated by ); 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs), and 49 credits in the minor, electives; and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for the Computer and Information Science Major

Coursework for a major includes the following:

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all of the requirements for the BS in computer information science. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an academic advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.
Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) and cross-curricular requirements (in civic responsibility, historical, and international perspectives) may be found on the GER page.

First Courses
(to be taken within the first 18 credits)
Note: Placement tests are required for math and English composition courses.

LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)

ENGL 101/101X Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 107 College Algebra (3)
or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses
(to be taken within the first 30 credits)

CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (3)
or CMIS 102A Fundamentals of Programming I

CMIS 141 Introductory Programming (3)
or CMIS 141A Fundamentals of Programming II PHIL 140

Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
or ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the first general education requirement in arts and humanities

BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
or other course(s) to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences with related laboratory

CMIS 160 Discrete Mathematics for Computing (3)

ENGL 291 Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ writing

GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences

Foundation Courses
(to be taken within the first 60 credits)

CMIS 241 Data Structures and Abstraction (3)

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences
(discipline must differ from first)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences

HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or other course(s) to fulfill the second general education requirement in arts and humanities
(discipline must differ from first) and the cross-curricular requirement for historical perspective

IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3)
or other course to fulfill the cross-curricular requirement in civic responsibility

ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3)
or a foreign language course
or other course to fulfill the cross-curricular requirement in international perspective

SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3)
or COMM 390 Writing for Managers
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ writing or speech

CMIS 310 Computer Systems and Architecture (3)

Additional Required Courses
(to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

COMM 393/393X Technical Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ upper-level intensive writing

CMIS 325 UNIX with Shell Programming (3)
or other supplemental major course (see Requirements for the Major)

CMIS 330 Software Engineering Principles and Techniques (3)
or other supplemental major course (see Requirements for the Major)

CMIS 320 Relational Databases (3)
or CMIS 370 Data Communications
or other supplemental major course (see Requirements for the Major)

CMIS 415 Advanced UNIX and C (3)
or CMIS 460 Software Design and Development
or other 400-level supplemental major course (see Requirements for the Major)

CMIS 420 Advanced Relational Databases (3)
or CMIS 435 Computer Networking
or other 400-level supplemental major course (see Requirements for the Major)

Minor and/or Elective Courses
(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (49)

Recommended minor:
Computer studies

Total credits for BS in computer and information science (120)

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, students should refer to the overall bachelor's degree requirements.

Last updated: 16 October 2006