Program Comparison
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Information for future Graduate Students |
Positioning Document for the Computer Science (CS) and the Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) Programs
- Computer Science– This program provides an in-depth study of the science of computing, including the mathematical foundations and practical applications with the greatest focus on theory and practical use. Strong concentration on the design and testing of various types of computer systems. Understanding of abstract concepts and foundations of computer science and computing models. Emphasis is in the mathematical aspects of computing, including the computer itself, its architecture and techniques for managing its resources. The program is best targeted to those students who love all aspects of computing, and want to understand all that goes on behind the scenes, including the science of computing. Students with this background knowledge are ideally positioned for using their skills to learn new technologies and applications as the world of computing changes.
- IS&T – This program emphasizes computing applications with a strong foundation in all computing technologies. It is applications-oriented, with emphasis on the development of application software and the underlying technologies that assist in this development. It is based on a strong knowledge on computing concepts such as databases, web-based technologies, client-server computing, networking, security, multimedia, project management. The program is targeted to those students who have a strong interest in the applications of computer technology. Students with this background knowledge are very well positioned for using their skills to learn new technologies and applications as the world of computing changes.
Program Comparison Chart
Program Name |
Characteristics |
Requirements outside department (does not include university core courses) |
Requirements within major department |
Job Potential |
CS |
Focuses on in-depth programming, systems and theory. Algorithms, software engineering, computer architecture, data structures, programming techniques . Hands on; mathematically and technically rigorous.
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Two semesters of calculus; two semesters of laboratory science; one communications course. Theory elective may be within or outside the department |
BA: ten CIS courses BS: fourteen CIS courses Note: includes six semesters of programming covering data structures, programming, algorithms, architecture, systems |
Systems programmer, systems analyst, application programmer, computer scientist, consultant. Any technology jobs depending on interests. Graduates have strong programming, analysis and communications skills. Some graduates will continue on to graduate programs in computer science and information science. |
IS&T |
Emphasizes applications for a variety of disciplines. Focuses on systems design, development and implementation with emphasis on systems involving databases and networks.
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One math course, one statistics course, one science course. |
BA: eleven CIS courses BS: fifteen CIS courses |