Computer and Information Science (B.S.) with Computer Science Concentration

Program Overview

Majors are introduced to the broad discipline of Computer and Information Science as they develop foundational competencies through a series of core courses. To complete their major, students select one or more of the following concentrations: Business Information Systems, Computer Science, Software Development, and Web Management. Students have opportunities to participate in programing competitions, service learning, summer research experiences, and professional internships.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Computer and Information Science program can:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the foundational content, fundamental areas, and ethical assumptions of information science.

  2. Engage in scholarship in information science by demonstrating the professional skills of independent problem-solving, self-directed research, and oral and written communication.

  3. Demonstrate the teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams in the workplace.

  4. Demonstrate current knowledge about emerging technologies, tools, and trends in the dynamic field of information sciences.

  5. Demonstrate an awareness of options for employment, voluntary service and/or graduate education in information science or closely related fields.

  6. Articulate a maturing understanding of how faith connects to information sciences and how the biblical call to vocation relates to potential career options in information sciences.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

CIS 180Introduction to Computer and Information Science

3

CIS 181Computer Programming I

3

CIS 332Database Concepts

3

CIS 381Information Systems and Managers

3

CIS 411Systems Analysis and Design Concepts

3

CIS 412Systems Analysis and Design Applications

3

CIS 432Database Applications

3

CIS 381: Fulfills Writing Enriched course requirement for major.

CIS 412: Major Capstone

Four credits from the following (Junior/Senior year)

INTE 394Internship

4-12

INTE 391Internship

1-3

INTE 394 and INTE 391 must be taken for a letter grade to fulfill Major requirement.

Computer Science Concentration (36-38 credits)

CIS 284Computer Programming II

3

CIS 384Elements of Computing Systems

3

CIS 385Data Structures and Algorithms

3

CIS 416Operating Systems and Computer Architecture

3

CIS 482Organization of Programming Languages

3

ENGR 342Embedded Systems Design

4

MATH 111Calculus I

4

MATH 180Discrete Mathematics

3

Three credits from the following (3):

CIS 315Introduction to Mobile Application Design

3

CIS 335Software Engineering

3

CIS 401Webmasters and Servers

3

CIS 415Data Communications and Networking

3

CIS 418Artificial Intelligence

3

CIS 487Interactive 3D Graphics

3

Three to four credits from the following:

MATH 211Calculus III

4

MATH 261Linear Algebra

3

STAT 291Statistics for Mathematical Sciences I

3

Four credits from the following:

PHYS 201Introductory Physics I

4

PHYS 202Introductory Physics II

4

PHYS 211General Physics I

4

PHYS 212General Physics II

4

PHYS 202: recommended

CIS 315, CIS 401, MATH 211, MATH 261: This course requires prerequisites that may increase the size of the major.

QuEST Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement met/major
QuEST requirements Credits
First Year Seminar 3
Oral Communication 3
Created and Called for Community (W) 3
Mathematical Sciences (CIS 180, CIS 181, MATH 111, MATH 180 or STAT 269) met/major
Laboratory Science 3 or 4
Science, Technology & the World waived
Two of the following (6 credits total):
   Social Science
   European History
   United States History
6
Literature 3
Philosophy and Religion 3
Arts 3
First Semester of Language 3
Second Semester of Language 3
Third Semester of Language or Cross Cultural 3
Non-Western Studies 2 or 3
Bible 3
Christian Beliefs 3
Wellness course 1
Ethics, World Views or Pluralism 3
QuEST requirements 48-50
Major requirements (inclusive of concentration) 61-62
Free electives 14-11
Total credits 123