HELP 2018-2019 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG–FOR INFORMATION ONLY] Department of Computer Science and Information Systems Print this Page

Department Chair Nathan Barker – ELC 410 – (435) 586-5415	Faculty & Staff
Administrative Assistant Mary A. Gillins – ELC 407 – (435) 586-5405	Student Success Advisor(s)
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Overview of Programs

The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) provides rigorous, accredited (ABET) programs that enable students to pursue graduate studies and/or careers in computer science and information systems. Graduates are in demand by companies both local and nationwide.

Faculty are dedicated to the success of students in and outside of the classroom and have expertise in various areas of computer science and information systems. Curriculum is founded on providing students with engaged and experiential education, as well as opportunities to participate in undergraduate research.

Mission

The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) supports the mission of the University and the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering by providing high-quality graduate and undergraduate education to students through certificate, associate’s, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs.

The mission of the Department of CSIS is to provide a learning-centered environment that enables students, faculty, and staff to achieve their goals and to empower our students to compete on a global level for careers in government, industry, secondary education, and for acceptance to graduate school.

The department provides programs in computer science and information systems. The curricula are rich with opportunities for students to develop a sound understanding of fundamentals as well as specialized theories, practices, and ethics that enhance their learning.

The CSIS faculty members are committed to providing high-quality education and individual guidance and assistance to students, helping them to develop the attributes of critical thinking, effective communication, lifelong learning, and individual integrity while pursuing their academic goals as well as engaging in scholarly activities to enhance our classes, involve students, and to assist in the economic development of the region through partnerships with industry, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

Department/Program Learning Outcomes

The CS and IS bachelor degrees in the department are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). As such, the CSIS degrees are engineered to provide graduating students with the following:

1. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline;
2. An ability to analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;
3. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs;
4. An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal;
5. An understanding of professional, ethical, and social responsibilities;
6. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
7. An ability to analyze the impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society, including ethical, legal, security, and global policy issues;
8. Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, continuing professional development; and
9. An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
   • (CS Only) An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices; or
   • (IS Only) An understanding of processes that support the delivery and management of information systems within a specific application environment.
10. (CS Only) An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

Other Information

All courses to be counted in the Computer Science and Information Systems Department majors and minors must be completed with a “C” (2.0) or better. Computer Science majors must take an approved comprehensive examination in computer science during their senior year, passing with a score at least in the 25th percentile.

Students who need to strengthen their mathematical backgrounds will need to select appropriate courses from MATH 1010 , MATH 1050 , and/or MATH 1060  before they can begin to take the required mathematical courses.

Computer Literacy Test Out Option

Students have the option to test out of the Computer Literacy course (CSIS 1000 - Introduction to Computer Applications and the Internet ) as part of their General Education  requirements. This test will measure students’ general knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, and several technology areas (i.e., Firefox extensions, e-commerce, audio editing, video editing, 3D computer graphics, cloud computing, Linux Mint, networking, web development, photo editing, image creation using Gimp, cyber crime, Open Office, blogs, etc.). There is a fee to take the Computer Literacy Test. Students who want to take advantage of this option should contact the department for details.

Programs

• General Technology - Information Technology Specialty (A.A.S.) (USTC transfers only)
• Information Technology - Computer and Information Systems Security Emphasis (A.A.S.)
• Information Technology - Information Technology Emphasis (A.A.S.)
• Information Technology - Networking/Telecommunications Emphasis (A.A.S.)

• Computer Science (B.S.)
• Information Systems - Cybersecurity Emphasis (B.S.)
• Information Systems - Management Information Systems Emphasis (B.S.)
• Information Systems - Network Administration Emphasis (B.S.)

• Certificate of Proficiency in Computer Science

• Computer Science (Minor)
• Computer Science - Teacher Education Emphasis (Minor)
• Information Systems (Minor)

• Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance - Cyber and Web Security Emphasis (M.S.) (Online)
• Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance - Government, Regulation, and Compliance (GRC) and IS Controls Emphasis (M.S.) (Online)

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