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We Prepare Computing Leaders of the Future

The College of the Ozarks Computer Sciences Department prepares students for a successful computing career in programming, website design, systems analysis, and other core Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) specified curricula.

What is Computer Science?

Computer science focuses on the study of programming and the creation of software solutions. With a strong understanding of problem-solving and mathematics, students majoring in computer science may follow a career path that results in the design and development of a software system.

Computer Science is:

  • Problem-solving. Computers are built and programmed to solve many types of problems, from scientific to business applications. Therefore, students must take courses in mathematics to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Analyzing and designing new and improved systems, including everything from operating systems to business systems.
  • The study of how things work inside the computer, computer architectures, and assembly languages.
  • Data communications and networks from an engineering point of view, including the design and building of the World Wide Web.
  • The study of artificial intelligence in order to advance modern computing.
  • The study of how computers have impacted society in the past and how they will impact society in the future.

What is Computer Information Science?

Computer Information Science is focused on managing and determining how a software system will benefit those using it and focuses on bringing different applications and tools together to form a whole system. Those wanting to major in CIS are more interested in the relationship between an organization and the data produced by the system.

Computer Information Science is:

  • First and foremost, problem-solving for strategic business systems. Therefore, students must take courses in business — to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills with an understanding of business issues.
  • Much more than just programming, although programming is a large part of it. An understanding of both technology and business allows Computer Information Science students to facilitate communication between these two groups.
  • The study of how computers have impacted society in the past and how they will impact society in the future.

MAJORS

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MINORS

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NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

Tigerhacks


College of the Ozarks Computer Science and Computer Information Science students have the opportunity to participate in Hackathons annually. For several years College of the Ozarks students have participated in Tigerhacks. Tigerhacks is an annual competition held by Missouri University where innovative students from colleges around Missouri compete in creation of the most useful, marketable, or creative program in just 36 hours. Read more about this event in CofO's Press Release.

FACULTY

Careers

Graduates of the Computer Sciences Department consistently maintain a 100% job placement rate. Students have gained employment at well-known companies, including but not limited to:

 

  • Amazon
  • American Century Investments
  • Cerner Corporation
  • Chick-fil-A Corporate
  • Deloitte
  • FedEx
  • Jack Henry & Associates
  • J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.
  • Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center
  • Netsmart
  • SAIC
  • Shoobx
  • Walmart

Internships and Work Experience

Internships are encouraged during the four-year program to allow the students to gain industry experience. Our computer sciences students spend their summers participating in paid internships across the country.

Additionally, College of the Ozark’s work program provides students a unique opportunity to gain work experience prior to graduation. Students working in the Computer Center gain real world development skills as well as IT helpdesk experience. Students working in the Computer Science Department are given the opportunity to assist students in learning how to solve real-world problems through programming.

Internships and the work program both provide College of the Ozarks students with substantial opportunities in the future.

Student Groups