The Computer Science Department provides both undergraduate and graduate programs focused on solving organizational problems. These programs prepare students to plan, analyze, design and build solutions using information technology.
Programs
The Computer Science Department offers these programs:
Contact Information
Computer Science Courses
Focuses on engaging students in activities that show how computing changes the world. By learning the central ideas of computer science and computational thinking, students will learn to be creative, collaborative, and innovative in developing technical solutions to problems. The course includes learning to create mobile apps to solve those problems, examining how computing has impacted society, and analyzing large data sets.
Examines ways technology challenges traditional ethical, legal and social concepts. This includes issues generated by the use of computers and computer networks, including the Internet and the World Wide Web. Topics for consideration include: privacy, security, computer crime, software piracy, copyrights, intellectual property, free speech, access to information/ censorship, Ecommerce, computers and gender and civil liberties in cyberspace.
Addresses a special need, interest or opportunity and are not a part of the regular curriculum.
Introduces computer architecture, students discover how computers are designed and built as well as how they execute programs. By investigating the mechanism and components of computing, the principles of their operation and the relationship between software and hardware, students formulate an understanding of the basis for current design and enterprise architecture.
Introduces object-oriented programming using the Java language, a cross-platform Internet programming language. The course examines the nature of programming and its use in solving problems. Students learn to read and write programs using standard programming structures, including input/output, control statements, loops and methods.
Addresses a special need, interest or opportunity and are not a part of the regular curriculum.
Selected area of interest on which to concentrate.
Explores the fundamental building blocks of powerful data visualization and the tools and experience needed to create them. Examines the influential data visualization from the past and present along the methods used to critique these works. This includes the ethical issues and bias revolving around data visualizations and the use of data to tell stories from a particular point of view. The course will introduce students to practical applications using current data management and visualization software.
Provides an introduction to creating web applications with a rich client-side interface. The course focuses on the use of standards-compliant programming techniques and innovative approaches to user experience design. Gives students practical experience in working with current and emerging web technologies for the client-side of applications.
Studies fundamental concepts of algorithm analysis and the specification and implementation of data structures and data types are introduced. Topics include linked lists, stacks, queues, binary search trees, sorting, searching and graphs.
Provides an understanding of fundamental concepts in the management of data, hands-on experience with a small-scale database management system, and an awareness of the application of business data base management systems. Lab exercises involve use of a relational DBMS to load, update and retrieve information from a database.
Focuses on the five phases of the systems development life cycle. Topics include: preliminary investigation, physical and logical documentation, detailed investigation of requirements and alternative specifications, analysis and design techniques, implementation considerations, development of logical and physical data flow diagrams, data modeling, prototyping, CASE tools and the use of Gantt and PERT charts. A sample project is introduced and is integrated using the SDLC methodology.
Explores how machine learning algorithms are applied to data science problems. This includes examining how data is used within the scientific method to justify hypotheses, but also how poor data can result in machines the discriminate against some populations. Students will look at a wide range of classification and regression problems from business, healthcare and the arts. Students will implement machine learning algorithms using current tools that require minimal programming and learn to analyze and visualize data and write clear descriptions of their processes and analysis of their work.
Explores the ways computer-based information technologies and systems are used to address specific organizational needs. Students will become familiar with the terms, concepts, and issues in information technology management; become involved in the process of developing and modifying information systems which support crucial problem solving and decision-making in organizations; and conduct data analysis using common techniques.
Introduces the diverse tasks required for 3-D game development. An overview of the game design industry and game development processes lead to development projects that use leading development tools. Sophisticated 3-D models are created using modeling software and incorporated into the development projects. Assessment is based on student's understanding of the methodologies, use of the development tools, and aesthetics of the designs.
Introduces software engineering and the processes for building software systems. The course examines the software lifecycle and the methods used to manage software projects. Students learn to create software designs from user requirements using UML, convert these design into software, and test and maintain this software. Since software design entails significant interactions between parties, people management and team management methods are explored including analysis of the ethical implications of the software design process.
As our society’s dependence on software grows, so does the importance of software quality. Software failures can have catastrophic effects on companies and people. In this course, students learn the principles of Software Quality Assurance, how to write test plans, and how software quality fits into a project’s development methodology.
Develop applications for a variety of resource constrained devices such as cellular phones, pagers and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Students will explore the creation of graphical user interfaces, data storage, network access and game development. Activities include creating applications for mobile devices using both high-level and low-level industry standard interfaces and developing a distributed application over a wireless network.
Allows students to research an emerging technology in the Information Systems field. The student will present a proposal, research, and implement an emerging technology and demonstrate a working project. Research and project management skills will be enforced.
Addresses a special need, interest or opportunity and are not a part of the regular curriculum.
Independent Study.
Provides an introduction to web site administration and the use of a web development IDE for the creation of database driven web applications. The course focuses on server-side programming and database access for web applications; giving students practical experience with current development environments. Pre- or co-requisite: CIS 2087 and CIS 3107 or consent of instructor.
Explore the design principles that characterize successful Web sites and use modern tools for creating Web sites. Design issues will include the differences between print and electronic media, working within the limits of the technology, and how the user's contexts and goals affect Web design. Web sites will be critiqued from both an aesthetic and functional standpoint and students will be required to design and build fully functional Web sites.
Overview of different computer security threats and measures that can be taken to make computers more secure. Hands on experience with a wide range of security techniques will be used to show the various threats to computer systems. Both technical and management solutions to security problems will be discussed. Student will be required to sign a code of conduct at the start of class given the sensitive nature of the material covered. This course will attempt to cover the major aspects of security including: risk management, access control, security architecture, physical security, telecommunications security, cryptography, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
An introduction to project management and the supporting techniques and tools. The course exposes students the project management process, the deliverables produced while managing a project, and the collaborative nature of the project environment.
An in-depth systems development lifecycle practicum. Students work in teams to analyze, design, implement and document a complete information system. Most projects come from systems design requests from the local community.
Gives students an in depth understanding of modern artificial intelligence methodologies, techniques, tools and results. Students learn the theoretical and conceptual components of this discipline. Topics covered: history of AI, search techniques, knowledge representation, reasoning, natural languages, machine learning, robotics, neural networks and expert systems. Students implement the above topics by means of computer programs written in laboratory. Interactions between artificial intelligence and other disciplines will be explored.
Provides an introduction to creating and administrating web applications with a rich client-side interface, database access, and standard server-side programming techniques. Students gain practical experience in working with current and emerging web technologies.
(1) Design and carry out their own research project in an area of special interest or (2) participate in an ongoing research project developed by a faculty member. For student-initiated projects, the student develops the research proposal, conducts the research and reports the research in standard APA format. For faculty-initiated research, students work one-on-one with the faculty member as part of his/her research team of students. Students will present the results of their research to other CIS students and faculty.
A capstone experience integrating knowledge and skills gained through other programming and systems development courses. Involves significant participation in software development projects in a real or simulated business setting. The experience must be equivalent to 150 hours of work experience for each block of 4 credits.
Addresses a special need, interest or opportunity and are not a part of the regular curriculum.
Selected area of interest on which to concentrate.
Examination of the use of data to achieve new insights and improved decision making. In this course, students study, transform, and analyze data using modern technologies and methods. Topics include structuring business processes and rules, planning data projects, preparing data for analysis, applying statistical methods, and evaluating the results in the context of decision making.
An in-depth study of data storage supporting data analytics and the methods used to extract and combine data from multiple data sources. Topics include relational database design, SQL, data warehouses, non-SQL databases, parallel processing, and the cloud service environment.
An in-depth examination of the use of data to achieve new insights and improve decision-making. In this course, students apply predictive analytics methods and modern technologies to generate new knowledge from data and effectively communicate the results to a broad audience. Topics include analysis design, predictive analysis methods and data models, statistical concepts, and using data to respond to action-oriented business questions.
A comprehensive overview of data governance principles and practices essential for managing data assets in a data-driven organization. Students explore the frameworks, policies, and processes that ensure data quality, integrity, security, and compliance. The course covers key topics such as data stewardship, data privacy, regulatory requirements, and ethical considerations in data management.
Exploration of machine learning algorithms applied to data analysis. Students apply a wide range of classification and regression methods across several problem domains. Students will implement machine learning algorithms to analyze both categorical and temporal data.
Application of analytics on a corpus of unstructured text data for the purpose of generating new insight and action-oriented decision making. In this course, students define business problems, select text sources, and analyze documents using modern technologies and methods. Topics include text mining, data extraction, sentiment analysis, and other modern text analytics methods.
Application of large-scale data sets to create new insight and improved decision making. In this course, students differentiate large-scale data management approaches from traditional methods and leverage modern tools to conduct analysis on high volume data. Topics include data architecture, large-scale data preparation and analysis, and integration of qualitative and quantitative data for analysis.
An organization-wide perspective of data and its use in supporting organizational goals and strategies. In this course, students align data strategies with organizational strategies, assess an organization's ability to leverage data, design a data governance structure, and leverage organizational data to answer enterprise-level questions. Topics include strategic alignment, data strategies, data valuation, and data governance.
An in-depth examination of the use of data, visualizations, and storytelling to generate new insights and improved decision making. In this course, students apply analytics methods and modern technologies to generate new knowledge from data and effectively communicate the results to a broad audience. Topics include visualization best practices, design fundamentals, presenting data stories, and data culture.
An exploration of the project management process through the framework prescribed by a project management governing body. Providing ahands-on experience with planning, estimating, leading, and monitoring projects. In addition, students explore the influence of strategic planning on projects and project management.
A practical examination of adopting data analytics methods to change how new insight is developed and decisions are made. In this course, students evaluate an organization’s operations to integrate data analytics into current processes, turn data into insight, and gain support for data-based decision making. Topics include process and data evaluation, gap analysis, data analytics pilot programs, and organizational change management.
An evaluation of artificial intelligence technologies and their promises to advance an organization. The field of artificial intelligence continues to evolve resulting in new technologies and new AI-related features in vendor products. In this course, students survey the current market of AI products, assess these offerings against organizational needs, and develop an AI strategy. Additionally, students design policies to ensure an effective, productive, and ethical application of AI technologies.
An exploration of Intelligent Agent software programs that perceive the environment, take actions autonomously in order to achieve goals, and improve performance with learning or acquiring knowledge. These agents can act on behalf of users to undertake tasks, retrieve information, and automate business processes. This course covers the underlying theory of agents, common agent architectures, methods of cooperation, ethical and responsible use, and potential applications for agents. Students will evaluate, use, and propose their own agents to solve different types of problems, gaining practical experience for the current and future professional landscape.
Application of research design to data analytics projects. In this course, students evaluate data sources and analytics methods to design valid and reproducible data analysis studies that fully address defined business problems and research questions.
A special offering presented by the CIS graduate program to present emerging developments in the field.
Working with a project advisor, students begin a data analytics capstone project. The analytics project synthesizes knowledge of material from across the program curriculum to leverage data analytics as a means of gaining new insight and solving business problems. In this course, students define a business problem and research questions, develop a conceptual model, synthesize knowledge in a literature review, and construct a research design.
Working with a project advisor, students complete a data analytics project and present the findings to student colleagues and faculty. The completed project is also expressed as a formal written manuscript and submitted for approval and publication. In this course, students define and execute a research methodology, evaluate and apply the research findings, translate the results into actionable recommendations, and communicate the research and recommendations.
Continuing Enrollment of the Final Applied Project. This is a zero-credit course billed at one credit.
Independent research and reading in an area of special interest. Students initiate study in form of a written proposal and complete it under faculty supervision.
Project Management Courses
An examination of project leadership, emphasizing the strategic integration of effective leadership communication within project management. Students study the multifaceted role of the project leader, focusing on the development of skills necessary to lead, manage, and communicate effectively in various project environments. Key topics include essential project management concepts, leadership theories, and practical communication strategies to engage diverse stakeholders, lead dynamic project teams, and make impactful decisions and how to navigate complex project challenges, utilizing both leadership judgment and communication competence to drive project success in alignment with organizational goals.
Examines the processes of initiating and planning projects and the tools and methods to support these processes. Students study and apply current techniques to obtain project sponsorship and resources, develop project metrics, and prepare detailed plans to guide project execution. The course integrates industry standards and practices into project initiating and planning while aligning with the outcomes of current professional certifications.
Investigates industry standards as fundamentals for practicing project management. Students hone skills in Project Execution, Project Monitor and Control, and Project Closing. Students explore the industry standard project management framework and apply common project management tools and practices. The course integrates industry standards and practices into project execution, monitoring, controlling, and closing while aligning with the outcomes of current professional certifications.
Examines the use of agile project methodologies focusing on foundational principles, processes, techniques, and tools. Students study common implementations of agile methodologies and compare and contrast them with the traditional waterfall methodology. The methodologies are explored in the context of the industry project management framework and evaluated for adoption at the project and organizational levels.
An examination of the methods used to make informed and ethical strategic decisions. The course provides a review of qualitative and quantitative methods applied to the decision making process. Topics include goal setting, systems thinking, cost-benefit analysis, contingency planning, decision trees, risk assessment, and decision evaluation.
Special Topics.
An examination of the research process designed for students preparing for the Capstone Project. Using scholarly and professional literature, students will identify current problems facing organizations and propose potential solutions. Topics include topic selection, research methodologies, scholarly writing, APA formatting, library research, evaluation of scholarly and professional literature, and the process of giving and receiving effective peer review feedback. The course will result in the creation of a project proposal for the Capstone Project.
Working with an assigned project advisor, the students begin the work to complete the capstone project. The project synthesizes knowledge of course materials within their respective program. The project consists of the identification of a business problem and corresponding research questions, extensive research of the problem domain, development of a solution based on the findings from the research, and a detailed implementation plan. (16 weeks).
Working with an assigned project advisor, students complete the remaining work on the Final Applied Project by synthesizing a solution to the defined business problem. The course concludes with an approval, publication, and oral presentation of the Final Applied Project. (16 weeks)