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Computer Science / Computer Information Science Degree Requirements and Course Descriptions
What is Computer Science?
We are often asked that question by prospective Computer Science majors. We usually begin to answer this question by telling them what Computer Science IS NOT, as follows:
- Computer Science IS NOT trouble shooting and fixing computers.
- Computer Science IS NOT building PCs and networks.
- Computer Science IS NOT running a help desk for some .com company.
- Computer Science IS NOT just programming -- it IS much more.
If this is what you want to do, then Computer Science IS NOT for you.
Then, we explain what Computer Science IS, as follows:
- Computer Science IS first and foremost problem solving. After all, that’s what a computer is for, right? Computers are built and programmed to solve all sorts of problems, from scientific to business problems. This is why you must take courses in mathematics -- to develop your problem solving and critical thinking skills.
- Computer Science IS much more than just programming, although programming is a large piece of it.
- Computer Science IS analyzing and designing new and improved systems, including everything from operating systems to business systems.
- Computer Science IS the study of how things work inside the box as in the study of computer architectures and assembly languages.
- Computer Science IS data communications and networks from an engineering point of view, including the design and building of the World Wide Web.
- Computer Science IS the study of artificial intelligence in order to make computers smarter and to go places the we humans cannot go, as in robotics.
- Computer Science IS the study of how computers have in the past and will likely impact society in the future.
If all this sounds pretty exciting, the Computer Science IS for you.
What is Computer Information Science?
- Computer Information Science IS NOT trouble shooting and fixing computers.
- Computer Information Science IS NOT building PCs and networks although they are frequently involved in the planning of them.
- Computer Information Science IS NOT running a help desk for some .com company although they are frequently involved in the planning of the software to do so.
- Computer Information Science IS NOT just programming -- it IS much more.
If this is what you want to do, then Computer Information Science IS NOT for you.
- Computer Information Science IS first and foremost problem solving for strategic business systems. This is why you must take courses in business -- to develop your problem solving and critical thinking skills with an understanding of business issues.
- Computer Information Science IS much more than just programming, although programming is a large piece of it. You cannot work with technology and business clients unless you understand both worlds!
- Computer Information Science IS the study of how computers have in the past and will likely impact business and society in the future.
Students with a degree in Computer Information Science graduate with an understanding of and the ability to leverage technology for competitive advantage in a global economy. Typical jobs would include Systems Analysts, Programmer Analysts, Business Systems Analysts, Web Site Designer, Database Administrator, etc.
If all this sounds pretty exciting, the Computer Information Science IS for you.
