Department of Computer and Information Sciences

The Department of Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) offers three Bachelor of Science degrees and three minors in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, and Information Technology. The bachelor degree programs are project oriented. Students are required to carry out all phases of the software lifecycle, including systems analysis, design and development. Graduates earning the Bachelor of Science degree will be equipped to make immediate contributions as professional programmers and systems analysts or IT specialists. Students are encouraged to participate in internships and cooperative education experiences. Finally, students may select elective courses which, in conjunction with required courses, will prepare them for graduate study in computing related fields. A brief description of each Bachelor of Science degree program follows.

Computer Science: This major is designed for students who plan to apply their computing knowledge in scientific or engineering environments including software engineering. This major is also designed for students who plan to seek advanced degrees in computer science or a related discipline.

Computer Information Systems: This major is designed for students who plan to apply their computing knowledge in business environment as applications programmers and system analysts. This major is also designed for students who plan to seek advanced degrees in business administration, management, or management information systems.

Information Technology: The goal of the undergraduate IT program is to prepare students to use and support the appropriate use of computer technology to meet diverse needs of business, government, education and other organizations. IT graduates will possess the skills and knowledge to assume appropriate entry-level professional positions, and to grow into leadership positions or pursue graduate study.

Computer Science, Computer Information Systems and Information Technology are demanding programs that require academic preparation, personal discipline and academic progression while demonstrating a high level of technical proficiency. All CIS students are subject to a uniform set of academic and proficiency requirements established to ensure that CIS graduates receive a quality education.

Faculty

Professors: Harmon, Marion; Jones, Edward
Associate Professors: Allen, Clement; Chi, Hongmei; Evans, Deidre; Granville, Bobby; Prasad, Bhanu; Riggs, Ken
Instructor: McQueen, Arlisha
Office Manager: Gurley, Myra

Course Prerequisites Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the prerequisites of a CIS course prior to enrollment in that course. A student may contact his or her advisor or the department chair for additional information concerning course prerequisites and this policy. Failure to fulfill course prerequisites may result in the administrative cancellation of enrollment in the course at any time during the semester with no refund of tuition or fees.

Major Electives

A major elective must be an upper division CIS Department course that is not required by the degree program and does not have the CGS prefix. Consult with the CIS academic advisor or department chair for additional information concerning major electives.

Internships and Cooperative Education

Internships and cooperative education assignments provide valuable “real world” work experiences. Professional Development courses (CIS 1920 and CIS 4920) help prepare students for these work experiences. Students gain credit for internships by enrolling in CIS 2942 or CIS 4942 and cooperative education by enrolling in CIS 2949 or CIS 4949.

Work experiences in the field of computing greatly enhance a student’s employment prospects. Therefore, the department encourages internships and cooperative education work experiences for its majors. Major corporations, federal agencies, and state agencies actively recruit CIS majors for paid summer internships (8-12 weeks), and for semester-long co-ops. Student work experiences, however, must be planned in advance, recognizing that internships or co-ops that occur during the school year may delay completion of the CIS degree.

Outside Minors and Concentrations

A number of minors are possible and compatible with the CIS majors. In many cases, course work already required for the major can be credited toward such a minor. In addition to the business minor, students in the Information Systems major may minor in Health Information Management. Students in the Computer Science major may minor in Mathematics (See math minor requirements); a minor in Physics is also possible with this major. Students may also minor in Computer Education by taking an additional 21 hours of education courses leading to Florida teacher certification in computer science, grades K-12.

For further information on these or other minors, including specific course requirements, consult the University General Catalog, or contact the chair of the applicable department.

Programs

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Minor