Major in Computer & Information Science
The Computer and Information Science major provides an in-depth study of computer and information science through a hands-on approach that enables students to explore computer-based solutions to challenging problems. The curriculum focuses on problem-solving skills and techniques that can be applied to many disciplines and covers software and Web engineering, relational databases, programming languages, operating systems, computer networks, and distributed systems. Students are prepared for careers in various computing areas, including applications in programming, databases, software engineering, and networking.
The student who graduates with a Major in Computer & Information Science will be able to
- Design, implement, secure, and maintain databases that meet user requirements for both transaction processing and data warehouses.
- Design, develop, implement, secure, and maintain software applications that meet user requirements, using current best practices and tools for all application interfaces and domains.
- Design, implement, and maintain a reliable and secure network and services infrastructure.
- Plan, manage, and provide appropriate documentation and communication through all phases of the software development life cycle to ensure successful implementation of an information technology (IT) project that is on time and within budget.
- Identify, learn, and adapt to local and global IT trends, technologies, legalities, and policies, as well as appropriately communicate their impact to key stakeholders.
- Work independently or as an effective member of an application development team to determine and implement systems that meet customer requirements.
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; 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs); and 49 credits in the minor, elective, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).
The following course sequence outlines all the requirements for the BS in Computer and Information Science. Coursework for the major is indicated by Δ. 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 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) may be found on the GER page.
Requirements for the Computer & Information Science Major
- Introductory course (3 credits) CMIS 170 or CMIS 111
- Programming language sequence (6 credits): Chosen from
- PC/Java: CMIS 141 and 242 - Mac/Objective C: CMIS 115 and 215 - PC/Microsoft: CMIS 125 and 225 - Core courses (6 credits) CMIS 320 and 330
- Supplemental major courses (6 credits): Chosen from CMIS 102 (for students with no prior programming experience), 255, 310, 315, and 325 (Note: Students should take CMIS 102 before core courses and may apply it toward the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement rather than toward the major.)
- 400-level supplemental major courses (6 credits): Chosen from any 400-level CMIS courses (except CMIS 486A and 486B)
- Required capstone course (3 credits): CMSC 495
Recommended Sequence
The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the Major in Computer & Information Science. Since some recommended courses fill 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 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) may be found on the GER page.
Computer & Information Science Degree Courses
First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)
Note: Placement tests required for MATH and WRTG courses.
LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)
WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
or WRTG 101S Introduction to Writing
MATH 103 College Mathematics (3)
or MATH 107 College Algebra (3)
or a higher-level math course
CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (3)
(prerequisite for later courses; also fulfills the general education requirements in computing)Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)
IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)
or CMST 301 Digital Media and Society
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in computing
PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
orHUMN 100 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
Δ CMIS 170 Introduction to XML (3)
or CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices
BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to fulfill the general education requirements in biological and physical sciences with related laboratory
Δ CMIS 115 Programming in Objective-C for the Mac (3)
or CMIS 125 Programming in C#
or CMIS 141 Introductory Programming
GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or BEHS 103 Technology in Contemporary Society
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 sciencesFoundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)
WRTG 293 Introduction to Professional (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/writing
Δ CMIS 215 Programming for the iPhone and iPad (3)
or CMIS 225 Developing Windows Presentation Foundations Applications Using C#
or CMIS 242 Intermediate Programming
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 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 HIST 125 Technological Transformation
or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the general education requirement in arts and humanities for historical perspective (discipline must differ from the other humanities course)
SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)
or SPCH 101 Introduction to Pubilc Speaking
or COMM 202 Media and Society
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communication, writing or speech course
Δ CMIS 320 Relational Database Concepts and Applications (3)
Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)
WRTG 393 Advanced Technical Writing (3)
or other communications/upper-level advanced writing requirement
Δ CMIS 330 Software Engineering Principles and Techniques (3)
or other supplemental major course
Δ CMIS 310 Computer Systems and Architecture (3)
or other supplemental major course
Δ CMIS 325 UNIX with Shell Programming (3)
or other supplemental major course
Δ CMIS 420 Advanced Relational Database Concepts and Applications (3)
or other 400-level supplemental major course
Δ CMIS 485 Web Database Development (3)
or other supplemental major courseCapstone Course for Major (to be taken in the last 15 credits)
Δ CMSC 495 Current Trends and Projects in Computer Science (3)
Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (49)
Recommended minor:
ComputingTotal credits for BS in Computer and Information Science: 120
