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 Development. Students have opportunities to participate in programing competitions, service learning, summer research experiences, and professional internships.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of Messiah's Computer and Information Science program can:

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline. 
  6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
  7. Explain how faith connects to the discipline and how the biblical call to vocation relates to potential career options. 

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 471Application Development l

3

CIS 472Application Development ll

3

CIS 381: Writing in the major requirement.

CIS 471 and 472: 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 (35-36 credits)

CIS 281Programming for User Interaction

3

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

MATH 111Calculus I

4

MATH 180Discrete Mathematics

3

Three credits from the following:

CIS 315Introduction to Mobile Application Design

3

CIS 335Software Engineering

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 291Probability and Statistics

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

 

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) 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) 60-61
Free electives 15-12
Total credits   123