2021-2022 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG–FOR INFORMATION ONLY]
Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
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Overview of Programs
Undergraduate
The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) provides rigorous programs that enable students to pursue exciting careers in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, and/or attend graduate programs. Graduates are recruited by local companies in Utah’s booming tech sector and even by many of the top global tech firms, including Microsoft and Amazon.
Faculty members are dedicated to the success of students inside and outside of the classroom, and have expertise in various areas of computer science, cybersecurity, and information technology. The curriculum is founded on providing students with engaged and experiential education, as well as opportunities to participate in undergraduate research.
Graduate
The Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance program focuses on the design, planning, and management of cyber systems and procedures for protecting these systems and infrastructure from external threats, including terrorism. The program is delivered online and includes instruction in cyber security and IT policy; information, vulnerability and threat assessment; physical, personnel, and operational security; and contingency, redundancy, emergency, and disaster planning.
Mission
The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) supports the mission of the University and the College of Engineering and Computational Sciences 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 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, cybersecurity, and information technology. 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, preparing them to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners. CSIS faculty uphold individual integrity while pursuing academic goals, as well as engage in scholarly activities to enhance their classes, involve students, and assist in the economic development of the region through partnerships with industry, inventors, and entrepreneurs.
Department/Program Learning Outcomes
Undergraduate
The CS bachelor’s degrees is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the department is currently pursuing accreditation for the cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. As such, the undergraduate degrees are engineered to provide graduating students with the following learning outcomes:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to 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.
Graduate
The master’s degree is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). As such, the master’s degree is designed to provide graduating students with the following learning outcomes:
- Explore security risks, threats, and vulnerabilities while designing and building working solutions to protect the computing assets of an organization.
- Develop, apply, and institutionalize risk management practievs and assessment from cyber security perspectives.
- Examine, analyze, and interpret legal and ethical aspects from cyber security perspectives.
- Explore the role information assurance plays in cyber security, particularly in the development and deployment of frameworks and how one must account for this in security planning.
- Design and implement technical solutions to secure systems.
Graduate Admission and Graduation Requirements
Admission
Admission to the CSIA program and determining if you will need to take the CSIA 6000 foundation course is based on your GPA, standardized tests, and work experience. The following criteria and requirements will be used to assess admission to the program:
| GPA |
GRE* |
Work Experience** |
CSIA 6000 - Foundation to Cyber Security & Information Assurance*** |
| 3.3 or greater |
No |
No |
No+ |
| 3.0 - 3.29 |
Test score or waiver |
Yes |
Yes |
Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 GPA will have their applications reviewed by the admission committee.
* GRE: The completion of a standardized test, such as the GRE, GMAT, Miller Analogies Test (MAT), or LSAT are required for applicants with 3.29 GPA or lower, unless waived by the Program Director or admissions committee. Test scores should be sent directly to Southern Utah University (code: 003678).
Applicants may either submit an official GRE or GMAT score OR submit a 500-word essay which will be submitted within the application form explaining why they should be admitted into the program without taking the exam. The final decision will be made by the Director or/and admission committee.
** Work Experience: Proof or evidence of a minimum two (2) years of professional technology-related work experience, or submission of cybersecurity certificates.
*** Foundation to Cyber Security & Information Assurance (CSIA 6000): Students must enroll in this course in their first semester and must pass with a minimum “B” (3.0) grade or successfully test out in order to continue in the program.
+ Applicants who have graduated without an IS/CS/CYBER or related undergraduate degree from an accredited institution will be required to take CSIA 6000.
Admission Application
A complete application will include the following:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Official transcripts must be mailed or emailed directly from the accredited institution(s) to:
Mailing Address
Graduate Admissions Office
Southern Utah University
PO Box 8008
Cedar City, UT 84720
Email Address
gradapps@suu.edu
Applicants who have graduated from SUU do not need to submit a transcript.
- Statement of Intent. In 500 words or less, describe your goals and expectations in pursuing this degree from Southern Utah University. Also discuss how this degree will aid in your professional development. Any additional information that is not stated in your resume will add value to your application. This statement will be submitted directly on the application form.
- References. You must enter the contact information for three (3) references on your application form. Please select people who can provide details about your academic and/or professional work and ability to be successful in the CSIA program.
- Application Fee. A $60 nonrefundable application fee must be paid by credit card in the online application form with the submission of your application.
The following items should be emailed to gradapps@suu.edu to complete your application:
- Resume. Submit a professional resume that includes employment history, academic accomplishments, and certifications, and highlights cybersecurity experience.
- Certifications. Submit copies of security-related certifications, if applicable (e.g., CompTIA Security+; Certified Information Systems Security Professional - CISSP; Certified Ethical Hacker - CEH; Certified Cloud Security Professional - CCSP, Certified Information Systems Auditor - CISA).
Information for International Students
Questions?
If you have questions about the application process or application status, please contact the Graduate/Online Admission Office. Submit all materials by sending them to the email address or postal mail address below:
Southern Utah University
Graduate/Online Admission Office
P.O. Box 8008
Cedar City, UT 84720
(435) 865-8297 | gradapps@suu.edu
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 - Intermediate Algebra , MATH 1050 - College Algebra , and/or MATH 1060 - Trigonometry before they can begin to take the required mathematical courses.
ProgramsAssociate’s DegreeBachelor’s DegreeCertificate of Proficiency (Undergraduate)Institutional Certificate (Undergraduate)MinorMaster’s Degree
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Interim Department Chair
CSIA Program Director
Administrative Assistant