Course Catalog

Computing and Information Science is concerned with all aspects of computers and computation. The Computing and Information Science Department offers introductory and advanced courses using a Linux server, a Windows server, and networked personal computers. These courses cover computer science and information technology (IT) fundamentals, common applications of computing, and the utilization of computers in society.

The Department offers a major in Computing and Information Science (CIS) with concentrations in Information Technology (IT), Computer Science (CS), and Bioinformatics (BIN). The curriculum is based on the guidelines of several professional societies. Internships are strongly encourages, and students have the opportunity to do "real world" projects in collaboration with various businesses.

A major in CIS is awarded a Bachelor of Science degree. The CIS major is designed to prepare the student for employment (as a software developer, programmer/analyst, IT professional, etc.) or to prepare the student for graduate school.

A non-degree certificate program is offered. It is intended for people who wish to study computing, but not to the extent of a complete CIS major. It is especially helpful for someone who already has a degree in a different field.

The typical first course for a non-major interested in programming would be CS 110 (or CS 270 for a mathematics-oriented student with a calculus background), while the typical first course for a non-major interested in the use of computers would be CS 101 or CS 465.

Students interested in a career in webpage development may choose either the CS or IT concentration. Furthermore, they should choose CS 205 and CS 305 as two of their CIS electives and are strongly encouraged to also take the Communication department’s webpage courses as general electives. Non-majors who would like a career in webpage development are urged to take the same webpage courses in the Communication department and at least CS 110, CS 205, and CS 305 in the CIS department.

Computer Science (CS)

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computing and Information Science
(See Core Curriculum requirements.)
A minor in another field is recommended. A statistics course is also recommended, especially for those considering graduate school. Logic is recommended as one of the courses chosen for the philosophy Core requirement.

Major Requirements (49 credits):
The student must complete the requirements listed in the following three categories:

1) CIS Core Courses (33 credits):

2) CIS Electives (12 credits):
Any CIS department courses numbered 200 or above may be included. One approved computer course from another department may be included, subject to the approval of the CIS department chairperson.

3) CIS Mathematics Requirement (4 credits):

Either choice gives an 8-credit sequence, 4 credits of which can be used to fulfill the Core Curriculum mathematics requirement.

Electives (15 credits)

Information Technology (IT)

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computing and Information Science

A minor in another field is recommended. A statistics course is also recommended, especially for those considering graduate school. Logic is recommended as one of the courses chosen for the philosophy Core requirement.

Major Requirements (49 credits):
The student must complete the requirements listed in the following four categories:

1) CIS Core Courses (33 credits):

2) CIS Electives (12 credits):
Any CIS department courses numbered 200 or above may be included. One approved computer course from another department may be included, subject to the approval of the CIS department chairperson.

3) CIS Mathematics Requirement (4 credits):

Either choice gives an 8-credit sequence, 4 credits of which can be used to fulfill the Core Curriculum mathematics requirement.

4) Required Social Science Courses (0 credits):
This concentration also requires 6 credits chosen from business and/or economics. These credits can be included under the Core Curriculum social science requirement.
Electives (15 credits):

Typical Freshman Year Schedule:
(Actual schedules may vary based on students’ needs, etc.)

All students will take one three (3) credit course designated as a Freshman Seminar which will satisfy a Core Curriculum requirement.

Computing and Information Science Minor (18 credits):

Twelve additional credits in CIS courses, including at least 3 credits at the 300 level or above. At most 6 of these 12 credits may be at the 100 level. One approved computer course from another department may be included, subject to the approval of the CIS department chairperson.
A minor in CIS is offered by the department. The courses for the CIS minor can be chosen so as to specialize in one of the following areas: databases, web technologies, mathematics and computing, computer security and computer languages. See the CIS faculty for assistance in planning the courses for the minor.

Certificate in Computing and Information Science (30 credits):

And complete the following courses:

Of the 30 credits required for the certificate, at least 15 must be taken at Saint Vincent College, including at least 9 credits in CIS courses at Saint Vincent.