The Computing and Information Science Program

Computing and Information Science (CIS) is dedicated to all aspects of computers and information technology, which contributes meaningfully to almost all aspects of science and society. A successful CIS graduate will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Computing and Information Science with a concentration in 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. A degree from this department gives you the background to directly impact our society's future, in how we automate the many tasks of life and work, provide useful services such as voice and data communications, and use technology to achieve things that were only dreams a few years ago.

What Can I Do With a Degree in Computing and Information Science?

With concentrations in Information Technology, Computer Science and Cybersecurity, the Computing & Information Science (CIS) Department prepares students for a wide range of careers and graduate programs.

A few examples of what CIS students can do:

  • write a mobile phone app
  • protect a network from malicious attacks
  • write computer game software
  • set up an ecommerce website along with the code and backend database that support the site
  • set up servers

Because of the increasing computerization of all that we do, graduates in this major are in demand in a wide variety of organizations. 

Resultscis-results
Computing and Information Science Results
  • “The only STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) area in which job openings are projected to exceed the number of college graduates is in Computing and Information Technology.” -CSTA Voice.
  • Thanks to a grant from the Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation, students acquire valuable hands-on networking experience from up-to-date equipment in the new IT projects lab.
  • All students in this major complete a senior capstone project selected in consultation with the faculty. Recent capstone projects have included a computer controlled irrigation system, an enhanced Reminder app for the Android calendar, a game developed for multiple platforms and a research project that included interviews with CIOs and was accepted for presentation at a conference in the fall of 2016.
  • Our graduates have acquired positions in the following organizations: 
    • Allegheny Power
    • Equitable Gas
    • Pytheon
    • Northrop-Grumman
    • Lockheed Martin
    • UPMC
    • US Steel
    • PNC Bank
    • Bank of NY Mellon
    • Dell
    • Kennametal
    • American Eagle Outfitters;
    • IBM
Curriculumcis-curriculum
Major Requirements for Computing and Information Science

All Computing and Information Science majors must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements as well as the requirements for one of the three concentrations: 1) Computer Science; 2) Information Technology; or 3) Cybersecurity. A minor in another discipline such as mathematics, business, communication, graphic arts or criminal justice is a useful complement to this major. A statistics course such as MA 208 or BA 350 is recommended, particularly for those considering graduate school. PL 120 is recommended as one of the courses chosen for the philosophy core curriculum requirement.

College Core (48 credits)
TH 119 First Theology (freshman year) - 3 credits
Theology (200 Level) - 3 credits
Theology (300 Level) - 3 credits
History (100 Level) - 3 credits
History (200 Level) - 3 credits
PL 101 1st Philosophy - 3 credits
Philosophy Elective (PL 215 Ethics suggested) - 3 credits
Natural Science 100 level with lab - 4 credits
Natural Science 200 level with lab - 4 credits
EL 102 Language and Rhetoric (freshman year) - 3 credits
English Elective (Literature Course) - 3 credits
English Elective - 3 credits
Fine Arts (100 Level) - 3 credits
Foreign Language Intermediate Level - 3 credits
Foreign Language Intermediate Level - 3 credits
First-Year Seminar (additional hour) - 1 credit 

Computer Science Concentration (CS) Requirements (53 credits)
CIS Core Courses (37  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 170 Discrete Structures I - 3 credits
CS 171 Discrete Structures II - 3 credits
CS 221 Data Structures - 3 credits
CS 310 Programming Languages - 3 credits
CS 321 Data Communications and Computer Networks - 3 credits
CS 330 Computer Architecture and Operating Systems - 3 credits
CS 350 Database Concepts and Information Structures - 3 credits
CS 355 Software Engineering - 3 credits
CS 357 Computing Science Project I - 2 credits
CS 358 Computing Science Project II - 2 credits
(in a computer science area)

CIS Electives (12  credits)
Any CIS department courses numbered 200 or above may be included. One approved computer course from another department (such as BA 420, CA 235 and CA 285) may be included, subject to the approval of the CIS department chairperson.

CIS Mathematics Requirement (8 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, 4 credits of which can be used to fulfill the core curriculum mathematics requirement.

Information Technology Concentration (IT) Requirements (49 credits)
CIS Core Courses (37 credits):
CS 102 Fundamentals of IT and Computing - 3 credits
CS 109 Introduction to Visual Basic Programming - 3 credits
CS 110 C++ Programming I - 3 credits
CS 111 C++ Programming II - 3 credits
CS 170 Discrete Structures I - 3 credits
CS 265 Information Systems Management - 3 credits
CS 321 Data Communications and Computer Networks - 3 credits
CS 322 Advanced Networking - 3 credits
CS 330 Computer Architecture and Operating Systems - 3 credits
CS 350 Database Concepts and Information Structures - 3 credits
CS 351 Information Systems Analysis and Design - 3 credits
CS 357 Computing Science Project I - 2 credits
CS 358 Computing Science Project II - 2 credits
(in an information technology area)

CIS Electives (12 credits)
Any CIS department courses numbered 200 or above may be included. One approved computer course from another department (such as BA 420, CA 235 and CA 285) may be included, subject to the approval of the CIS department chairperson.

CIS Mathematics Requirement (8 credits)
MA 111 Calculus I* - 4  credits
or
MA 109 Calculus I* - 4  credits

*Either choice gives an 4-credit sequence,  which can be used to fulfill the core curriculum mathematics requirement.

Required Social Science Courses (6 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.

Cybersecurity Concentration (SEC) Requirements (49 credits)
CIS Core Courses (43  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 170 Discrete Structures I - 3 credits
CS 221 Data Structures - 3 credits
CS 225 Cybersecurity - 3 credits
CS 265 Information Systems Management - 3 credits
CS 310 Programming Languages - 3 credits
CS 321 Data Communications and Computer Networks - 3 credits
CS 325 Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity - 3 credits
CS 330 Computer Architecture and Operating Systems - 3 credits
CS 350 Database Concepts and Information Structures - 3 credits
CS 351 Information Systems Analysis and Design - 3 credits
     or CS 355 Software Engineering - 3 credits
CS 357 Computing Science Project I - 2 credits
CS 358 Computing Science Project II - 2 credits
(in a computer security area)

CIS Electives (6 credits)
Any CIS department courses numbered 200 or above may be included. One approved computer course from another department (such as BA 420, CA 235 and CA 285) may be included, subject to the approval of the CIS department chairperson.

CIS Mathematics Requirement (4  credits)
MA 111 Calculus I* - 4  credits
or
MA 109 Calculus I*  - 4 credits

*Either choice gives an 4-credit sequence,  which can be used to fulfill the core curriculum mathematics requirement. 
Student Work and Researchcis-student-work
Student Work and Research

All students in this major complete a senior capstone project selected in consultation with the faculty. The senior capstone project is normally done in the area of one’s concentration and when possible, for a real-life client. The capstone projects require students to demonstrate their ability to solve problems independently as well as to learn new technologies and skills on their own. A good capstone project and accompanying professional documentation showcases a student's talent and abilities for future employers.
Program Prerequisitescis-prerequisites
Prerequisites

Although there are no formal course prerequisites for this major, the following more general skills are important to student success: 

  • Good, logical thinking skills 
  • Ability to deal with both low-level detail and high-level abstraction 
  • Enthusiasm for producing solutions to problems utilizing computer technology 
  • Interest in learning valuable teamwork and communications skills  
  • Proficiency in mathematics and the sciences are generally good predictors of the ability to succeed in this field 
Internships and Careers in Computing and Information Science

Internships done by our students have included:

  • software development internships
    • military communications software
    • software that provides customized care instructions for a doctor's patients
    • web applications at a startup founded by recent CIS graduates
    • ticketing software for campus plays
     
  • create a database for a department on campus
  • internships in IT departments of several companies
  • redesign the network for an organization to provide greater speed and security

Typical careers for our graduates include:

  • web developer
  • software engineer
  • software testing
  • network administrator
  • security consultant
  • database administrator
  • server administrator
  • bioinformatics
  • computer systems analyst
  • Learning Objectives

    Upon graduation, computing and information science students will have attained:

    • An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline; 
    • An ability to analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;  
    • An ability to design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component or program to meet desired needs;  
    • An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal;  
    • An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities;  
    • An ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences;  
    • An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society;  
    • Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development;  and
    • An ability to use current techniques, skills and tools necessary for computing practice.