The Computer Science program supports the mission of the University by providing education in computing through baccalaureate degrees in computer science and computer information systems. The computer science major is a generalist curriculum following currently accepted guidelines. Computer information systems offers an undergraduate curriculum of applied skills and concepts. Because computing professionals must be lifelong learners, the faculty is committed to preparing students with substantial knowledge, practical skills, critical thinking skills, and an awareness of the social and ethical impacts of their work.
Computer Science (B.S.)
The major in computer science is a classic generalist program enhanced by support courses in mathematics. The emphasis of study in this program is on problem solving and computer science theory. Graduates of this program will be prepared for entry into graduate schools and for entry into a variety of positions in business and industry with a sound foundation for future advancement based on technical competence, programming, coding skills, liberal education and effective communication skills. Decisions concerning the nature of each student's study in computer science are made with particular attention to previous preparation and individual educational plans. Majors in computer science will find courses in mathematics, business, natural science and physics are good selections to complement this program of study. Along with a major in Computer Science, students can choose a concentration in Game Development, Web Design, and Cybersecurity.
Requirements for a Major in Computer Science (55 credit hours)
A bachelor of science degree is awarded in computer science.
The 55 credit hours must consist the following:
-
Required courses:
- CMPSC 112: Survey of Computer Science (3)
- CMPSC 202: Principles of Programming I (4)
- CMPSC 203: Principles of Programming II (4)
- CMPSC 255: Introduction to Networks (3)
- CMPSC 301: Operating Systems (3)
- CMPSC 309: Issues in Computing (3)
- CMPSC 311: Data Structures and Algorithms (4)
- CMPSC 321: Relational Database Theory and Design (4)
- CMPSC 345: Computer Systems and Organization (4)
- CMPSC 390: Software Engineering (4)
- MATH 135: Introduction to Statistics (4)
- MATH 200: Introduction to Discrete Mathematics (3)
- PLUS at least four CMPSC courses offered by the department at the
200-level or above.
Note that both MATH 200 and CMPSC 202 require MATH 112 as a prerequisite. Therefore, computer science majors must either complete MATH 112 (3 credits) or place into 200-level math.
A grade of C or better is required in all courses counting toward the major.
Cybersecurity Concentration
Students electing to complete the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity must complete the University general education requirements, Computer Science program requirements, and the required concentration courses listed below:
- CMPSC 281: Introduction to Cybersecurity I
- CMPSC 282: Introduction to Cybersecurity II
- CMPSC 265: Network Security
- CMPSC 285: Digital Forensics
Game Development Concentration
Students electing to complete the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Game Development must complete the University general education requirements, Computer Science program requirements, and the required concentration courses listed below:
- CMPSC 171: Introduction to Games
- CMPSC 271: Content and Systems Design
- CMPSC 275: Unity I: Working with Unity
- CMPSC 372: C# Programming
- CMPSC 375: Unity II: Advanced Unity Programming
- CMPSC 397: Capstone Project: Building a Game (Note that CMPSC 397 replaces CMPSC 395)
Web Design Concentration
Students electing to complete the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Web Design must complete the University general education requirements, Computer Science program requirements, and the required concentration courses listed below:
- CMPSC 132: User Experience I: Understanding User Experience
- CMPSC 232: User Experience II: Building Compelling User Experiences
- CMPSC 393: Goal-Oriented Web Design (Note that CMPSC 393 replaces CMPSC 390)
Computer Information Systems (B.A.)
The major in computer information systems is a program specifically designed to create a career-ready graduate. The emphasis of study in this program is on acquiring the knowledge and skills required to design, implement and manage technology for the IT-enabled organization. Graduates of this program will be prepared for entry into a variety of positions in business and industry with a sound foundation for future advancement based on technical competence, liberal education and effective communication skills. Along with a major in Computer Information Systems, students can choose a concentration in Web Design and Cybersecurity.
Requirements for a Major in Computer Information Systems (44 credit hours)
A bachelor of arts degree is awarded in computer information systems.
The 44 credit hours must consist the following:
- Required courses:
- CMPSC 112: Survey of Computer Science (3)
- CMPSC 126: Business Programming (4)
- CMPSC 206: World Wide Web Applications I (3)
- CMPSC 222: Visual Data (3)
- CMPSC 235: Systems Analysis and Design (3)
- CMPSC 255: Introduction to Networks (3)
- CMPSC 256: Operating Systems for the Practitioner (3)
- CMPSC 281: Cybersecurity I (3)
- CMSPC 309: Issues in Computing (3)
- CMPSC 321: Relational Database Theory and Design (4)
- CMPSC 395: Computer Information Systems Capstone (3)
- Elective courses: three other CMPSC courses offered by the department at the 200-level or above or on the approved list of interdisciplinary electives (or a combination of both).
Many of the required courses are the first course in a sequence of courses that provide more depth in the computer information systems field. Majors are encouraged to deepen their knowledge by completing any of the following sequence:
- Cybersecurity: CMPSC 281, CMPSC 282, CMPSC 285
- Cisco CCNA Networking Certification: CMPSC 255, CMPSC 266, CMPSC 267, CMPSC 268
- Web App Development: CMPSC 206, CMPSC 306
Alternatively, majors may broaden their study by applying knowledge to other fields. The following courses also count toward the computer information systems major:
- Digital Marketing: MKTG 350, MKTG 355
- IT Management: MGMT 370, 330
As stated in the Catalog, MGMT 350 and MGMT 355 have a prerequisite of MGMT 300. However, this prerequisite is waived for Computer Information Systems majors who have at least junior standing.
A grade of C or better is required in all courses counting toward the major.
Cybersecurity Concentration
Students electing to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity must complete the University general education requirements, Computer Information Systems program requirements, and the required concentration courses listed below:
- CMPSC 281: Introduction to Cybersecurity I
- CMPSC 282: Introduction to Cybersecurity II
- CMPSC 265: Network Security
- CMPSC 285: Digital Forensics
Web Design Concentration
Students electing to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Web Design must complete the University general education requirements, Computer Information Systems program requirements, and the required concentration courses listed below:
- CMPSC 132: User Experience I: Understanding User Experience
- CMPSC 232: User Experience II: Building Compelling User Experiences
- CMPSC 393: Goal-Oriented Web Design (Note that CMPSC 393 replaces CMPSC 390)
Cisco Certification
As a Cisco Local Academy, we provide courses in preparation for the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) examination. These courses are CMPSC 255: Introduction to Networks, CMPSC 266: Routing and Switching Essentials, CMPSC 267: Scaling Networks and CMPSC 268: Connecting Networks.
Requirements for a Minor in Computer Science
- Required computer science courses: CMPSC 112, a programming course (CMPSC 126 or 202), and 12 credit hours at the 200 level or above (excluding CMPSC 350).
- A grade of C or better is required in all courses counting toward the minor.
Note: The computer science minor is NOT available for Computer Information Systems majors.