Computer Information Systems

With the tremendous growth of computing, the employment outlook is excellent. The demand for graduates with computing backgrounds far exceeds the supply.

Computing is a relatively young discipline. Fifty years ago, there were only about a dozen computers in the world. Since that time computers have become pervasive. The fields of computer science and computer information systems deal with the design, implementation and maintenance of the software systems that control computers. The knowledge and skills needed by computing professionals are not as simple as knowing a particular programming language or particular system, even though the marketplace may make that appear to be so. Primarily, the computer scientist or information systems professional have to know how to acquire new knowledge and master new skills in light of prior experience. This is an ongoing challenge that requires an openness to change.

With the tremendous growth of computing, the employment outlook is excellent. The demand for graduates with computing backgrounds far exceeds the supply. Many computer science professionals elect to pursue advanced degrees to specialize in a particular area of interest. Some computer scientists concentrate in software engineering, which focuses on the processes by which software is developed. Many computer scientists specialize in application specific domains such as networks, real-time systems, graphics and information systems. The current development of the Internet and the World Wide Web has been accomplished by a generation of computing professionals who seized opportunities and created new ones.

Planning for College

The University of Scranton encourages a strong college preparatory program in high school with a minimum of four years of English, three years of mathematics, social science and science, and at least two years of a foreign language with additional units taken in acceptable academic areas. If possible, you are strongly encouraged to take courses in programming, word processing, electronic spreadsheets, and website creation and design in high school.

Computer Information Systems at The University of Scranton offers you:

• programs in computer science and computer information systems. Even though both majors share a common core of courses and are almost identical in the first two years of study, there are distinctions between the two programs. In computer science, the emphasis is on mastering the concepts of computing as preparation for a professional career or advanced study. The computer information systems program has much the same technical approach as computer science, but the program provides opportunities for study in related areas. In particular, application areas in business and specific problem domains are studied through courses in accounting, management, marketing and legal environment.
• the only Computing Sciences Accreditation Commission (CSAC) accredited degree program in Northeastern Pennsylvania and one of only five statewide.
• the opportunity to learn fundamental concepts and skills of the computing discipline during your freshman year. The emphasis is on mastering programming and in gaining an appreciation for software engineering concerns. Subsequent major courses build on programming mastery to develop a versatility in the use of data structures, an understanding of the underlying architectures of computers as machines or systems of components, an investigation of system software and the development of software systems.
• electives in data communications and networks, network/web programming, graphics, real-time systems, and others provide you with opportunities to pursue relevant and popular application interests. Your senior year will culminate with a capstone course entitled, Computer Projects, an individualized project under the direct supervision of a faculty member.

Outcomes

Job prospects and starting salaries for computer information systems graduates of The University of Scranton are excellent. Below is a list of the companies and agencies that have hired University of Scranton graduates recently:

Many others haven chosen to pursue further study in graduate school.

Finding Out More

For more information, please visit our website at www.cs.scranton.edu. You can also call (570) 941-7774 or through e-mail at cmps@cs.scranton.edu.