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Department Overview


Computing and Information Science is concerned with all aspects of computers and computation. The Computing and Information Science Department offers introductory and advanced courses using both a Windows server and a Unix server, as well as networked personal computers in the CIS lab. These courses cover computer science and information technology fundamentals, common applications of computing, and the utilization of computers in society.

The Major and Minor


The Department offers a major in Computing and Information Science with a choice of either a concentration in Information Technology or a concentration in Computer Science. The department has three full-time faculty members and occasional part-time help. Internships with area businesses are encouraged and many such internships are available. The unique ProLogic project offers real-world internships and projects to students without having to commute off-campus. Students also have the opportunity to do other "real world" capstone senior projects. A major in CIS is awarded a Bachelor of Science degree. A flexible minor in CIS that can be customized in many ways is also offered by the Department.

What Can I Do With This Degree?


The CIS major is designed to prepare the student for employment or graduate school. Some of the types of jobs that CIS graduates obtain include programming, systems analysis and design, software design/software engineering, web design, systems administrator, database administrator, information technology support staff, application developer/engineer, project manager, network administrator, computer security specialist, etc. Note that some of these jobs require further education, experience, or training beyond the B.S. degree, although many of these jobs are available as entry-level jobs for the B.S. degree graduate.

Job prospects in the field are good and expected to get better. Consider, for example, the following:
  • According to CNN, 5 out of the 10 fastest growing jobs, both in terms of number of positions and salary, are in the field of computing! The 5 are: computer systems software engineer, computer applications software engineer, computer systems analyst, database administrator, and network systems and data communication analyst.
  • Read what the Bureau of Labor Statistics says about the various professional fields, including the computer-related ones.
  • The National Science Foundation's Science and Engineering Indicators 2002 report predicts that science and engineering jobs will grow at about 3 times the rate for all occupations between 2000 and 2010.
  • The same NSF report projects a 100% increase in software engineering positions and nearly a 60% growth in computer systems analysis positions during the same time period.

The Interdisciplinary Bioinformatics Major


Are you interested in computing and biology? If so, then bioinformatics would be a great area for you to study. According to our college bulletin, "Bioinformatics is the study of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, medicine, and health, using the discrete analytical tools of mathematics and computer science." This is an interdisciplinary major that combines several disciplines into a powerful combination. Two of our graduates in CIS actually write bioinformatics software for a living. They had to learn their biology on their own, but if you know that you want to work in this field, it is better to get the needed background as an undergraduate. The college's web page on the bioinformatics major states that "Students majoring in Bioinformatics can look forward to careers in the healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as research opportunities in universities and government laboratories." Note that southwestern Pennsylvania has several potential employers for bioinformatics graduates.

Further Information on CIS

Maintained by: Br. David Carlson
Last updated: July 03, 2007