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Computer Science

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Minor

Computing and Information Systems (CIS) is concerned with all aspects of computers and information systems. A successful CIS graduate will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in one of three majors: Computer Science, Information Technology or Cybersecurity. The curriculum is based on the guidelines of prominent professional organizations and combines theory with current in-demand technical skills to prepare graduates for continual learning throughout their careers in this fast-paced field.

Undergraduate Programs

What Can I Do With a Degree in Computer Science?

With a degree in Computer Science, the Computing & Information Systems (CIS) Department prepares students for a number of positions with software developer a popular choice.

Because technology contributes meaningfully to almost all aspects of science and society, non-majors may be interested in a Computer Science minor (18 credits).

Curriculum Requirements

  • Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science

    Major Requirements (57-58 credits):
    The student must complete the requirements listed in the following categories:

    1) CIS Core Courses (47-48 credits):
    CS 102 Fundamentals of IT and Computing - 3-4 credits
    CS 110 C++ Programming I - 3 credits
    CS 111 C++ Programming II - 3 credits
    CS 170 Discrete Structures I - 3 credits
    CS 171 Discrete Structures II - 3 credits
    CS 221 Data Structures - 3 credits
    CS 225 Cybersecurity - 3 credits
    CS 292 Engineering and Computing Ethics - 3 credits
    CS 310 Programming Languages - 3 credits
    CS 312 Introduction to Algorithms - 3 credits
    CS 321 Data Communication and Network Security - 3 credits
    CS 330 Computer Architecture and Operating Systems - 3 credits
    CS 335 Computer Organization - 3 credits
    CS 350 Database Concepts and Information Structures - 3 credits
    CS 355 Software Engineering - 3 credits
    CS 357 Computing Science Project I - 1 credit
    CS 358 Computing Science Project II - 2 credits

    2) CIS Electives (9 credits):
    Choose from the following: CS 214, CS 250, CS 255, CS 270, CS 305, CS 315, CS 225, CS 221,
    CS 322, CS 365, CS 366, CS 367, or CS 375

    3) CIS Mathematics Requirement (14 credits):
    MA 111, 112 Calculus I and II - 8 credits
    or
    MA 109, 110 Calculus I and II - 8 credits
    Either choice gives an 8-credit sequence
    MA 251 Linear Algebra - 3 credits
    MA 311 Probability and Statistics - 3 credits

  • Requirements for a Minor in Computer Science

    Minor Requirements (18 credits):

    CS 102 Fundamentals of IT and Computing - 3 credits
    CS 110 C++ Programming I - 3 credits
    CS 111 C++ Programming II - 3 credits
    CS 221 Data Structures - 3 credits

    Six additional credits in CIS courses from the following list are required. (CS 170, CS 171, any 200 or higher. At least one must be 300 or higher). Students should consult with the CIS faculty for assistance in planning the courses for Computer Science minor.

Program Highlights

Program Educational Objectives

Within two to five years of graduation, graduates of the computer science program will:

  1. Practice the discipline of Computer Science  in industry or graduate school by employing aspects of their broad knowledge of the field in problem solving and use of technical skills.
  2. Conduct themselves in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner with respect and awareness for security, social issues and responsibilities inherent in the field.

Results

  • A curriculum based on recommendations from professional organizations.
  • Real-world experience is provided with course projects.
  • Internships for course credit are encouraged.
  • Graduates have been accepted into Master’s and Ph.D. programs.
  • The CIS Department manages its own subnetwork and servers. This allows the department faculty considerable flexibility in determining the software utilized in course projects. 
  • The CIS Department has two additional labs for use by students.  The IT Projects Lab provides CIS students with the opportunity to combine research with practice in areas such as computer networking, computer systems and cybersecurity. The Software Projects Lab enables students to work with multiple operating systems to develop mobile applications or to work collaboratively on software development projects.
  • Graduates from the Computer and Information Systems department have obtained employment in both large and small companies such as:
  • NSA
  • BNY Mellon
  • UPMC
  • PNC
  • Bechtel

CIS graduates have been accepted into masters and doctoral programs at:

  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • College of William and Mary
  • Ohio State University

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
  • An ability to reason about and explain computer-based solutions at multiple levels of abstraction.

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