Computer Information Systems, B.S.

Computer Information Systems Mission Statement
Consistent with the mission of the College, the Computer Information Systems major provides programs that:

Foster knowledge of a rich and diverse set of ideas in mathematics and computer sciences (quantitative science).
Develop intellectual curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Develop problem solving skills: creative imagination, logical reasoning, critical evaluation, mathematical modeling and common sense.
Develop effective communication skills.
Develop an appreciation of interrelations of computer science and mathematics
Stimulate an aesthetic appreciation of the discipline.
Generate modes of analytical thinking that can be extended to all areas of human thought and exploration.

Learning Outcomes: Computer Information Systems

Develop a working knowledge of and problem solving strategies for a variety of subdisciplines in the field.
Learn the techniques and skills of computer programming, testing, and debugging.
Be able to read, write and speak effectively to a wide variety of audiences about technical ideas.
Develop the skills to identify and design opportunities for IT-enabled organizational improvement, such as designing and comparing high-level solution and sourcing options.
Develop the skills to design, implement and manage information systems solutions.
Understand general business organizations and models; for example, organizational theory, business strategy, and business intelligence.

Computer Information Systems (CIS) is concerned with the relationship between information systems and the organizations that they serve. This relationship includes not only the theory and principles of such, but also the application and development. CIS professionals are involved in: 1) systems deployment and configuration work, 2) user training, 3) tailoring application technologies (especially databases) to the needs of the enterprise, and 4) the development of systems that utilize other software products to suit their organizations’ needs for information.

The Major in Computer Information Systems

60 semester hours, comprising:

Plus, one of the following:

Plus, 8 semester hours of CS electives, comprising:

At most, 4 semester hours from the CS 11x series
At most, 4 semester hours from any CS 200-level course
At least 4 semester hours from any 300-level or above CS course

CS and CIS Program Notes

Computer Science and Computer Information Systems majors must take MTH 335 to satisfy the statistics requirement (unless they are dual majors and their other major already includes a course that satisfies this requirement).

CS 341 has significant prerequisites and is most appropriate for Computer Science majors. Computer Science majors can chose either CS 238 or CS 341 .

Internship/Field Experience:

A student may wish to arrange an off-campus experience with a business, industry, service agency, high school, governmental office, or another appropriate organization. The course credit for an internship depends on the length and the actual learning situation. Students work with the academic adviser to determine the credit. Many of the supervising organizations pay a salary, although this is not necessary. We believe that this is a valuable learning experience for an individual during the junior or senior year. At most only one internship can count for an elective.

Graduation Requirements:

All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher before subsequent courses can be taken. A student who earns a grade lower than C- in three courses in the major prior to registering for the Capstone course (MTH 601 or CS 601) will be identified as not making progress in the major. (Exceptions will be made for students who take a medical or personal leave for the semester). Students who are not making progress in the major will not be allowed to register for the capstone course, a requirement for completion of the major.

Transient Credit Policy:

Students who use transient credit (that is, transfer credit from another college or university) to satisfy course requirements in Westminster’s computer science or computer information systems majors (including any concentrations in the programs) may NOT get transient credit for more than four semester hours of computer science/computer information systems courses outside of Westminster College that are 200 level or above.

These restrictions hold for any external course whether it is a traditional classroom style or online.

All-College Honors:

The All-College Honors Research Project will replace the capstone requirement for students majoring in computer science or computer information systems, if successfully completed. Students do not need to register for both Honors Research and the capstone course in the computer science or computer information systems programs.