CIS: Program of Study

Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems: their theory, design, development, and applications. Computer scientists design and analyze algorithms to solve problems and develop and study the performance of computer hardware and software. Computer scientists work in challenging and rewarding jobs that encompass design, environmental planning, management, manufacturing, system engineering, law, medicine, teaching, and many other exciting areas.

 

Mission Statement

The computer and information sciences program at Shepherd University is a comprehensive program with concentrations in computer science (CS), computer programming and information systems (CPIS), networking and security (NS), and computer graphics and game design (CGG). Our approach is to teach students fundamental principles and problem-solving skills so that they are able to become creative problem solvers, develop and manage state-of-the-art computing systems, and have productive careers in computer science or information technology. Graduates of the program will be prepared to apply their knowledge professionally in the computer industry or to pursue graduate studies.

 

The four concentrations provide students fl exibility to choose a course of study most interesting to them. Our students are encouraged to seek the opportunity to double-major in areas ranging from mathematics, engineering, economics, and business to psychology.

 

Computer Science [CS]

This is a traditional computer science curriculum with courses in data structures and algorithms, operating systems, databases, programming languages, and software engineering. This concentration builds a solid foundation of computing theories with their applications in mind. CS Curriculum [2012-2013]

 

Networking and Security [NS]

This concentration focuses on concepts and skills related to design and management of computer networks. Courses include computer architecture, data communications, local area networks, inter/intra networking, and network security.

NS Curriculum [2012-2013]

 

Computer Programming and Information Systems [CPIS]

This concentration emphasizes applications of computer and information systems in businesses. Courses include systems analysis and design, management information systems, Windows programming, other upper-level computer science courses, and courses from the business department such as accounting and principles of management. CPIS Curriculum [2012-2013]

 

Computer Graphics and Games [CGG]

This concentration focuses on concepts and skills that are essential to graphics programming in a popular graphics library such as OpenGL or DirectX, and the design and construction of interactive computer games. Courses include algorithms and data structures, software engineering, artifi cial intelligence, computer graphics, and game design and programming.

CGG Curriculum [2012-2013]

CIS: Curriculum

[2012-2013]

This comprehensive program provides students with the concepts and skills necessary to develop and manage state-of-the-art computer systems. The interdisciplinary nature of the program reflects the importance of computer and information sciences in virtually every kind of organization. Graduates of the program will be prepared to apply their knowledge professionally and to pursue graduate training.

 

Total hours required [including technical electives], 120 Hours:

Specific Core Curriculum requirements, 3 Hours:

MATH 155 - Discrete Structures [3 CR]

 

Math requirements for all concentrations, 10 Hours:

MATH 254 - Discrete Mathematics [3 CR]
MATH 205 - Calculus With Applications [4 CR] OR,
MATH 207 - Calculus I [4 CR] *
MATH 314 - Statistics [3 CR]
*Note[s]: CS and CGG concentrations must take MATH 207 instead of MATH 205

 

Core requirements*, 34 Hours:

CIS 100 - Freshman Seminar [1 CR]
CIS 102 - Microcomputer Applications [3 CR]
CIS 104 - Introduction to Computer and Information Sciences [3 CR]
CIS 211 - Computer Language Concepts [3 CR]
CIS 234 - Introduction to Networking [3 CR]
CIS 314 - Advanced Computer Language Concepts [3 cr]
CIS 321 - Data and File Structures [4 CR]
CIS 386 - Computer Organization [4 CR]
CIS 388 - Database Management Systems [4 CR]
CIS 390 - Operating Systems [3 CR]
CIS 485 - Directed Research in Computer and Information Sciences [3 CR]
*Note[s]: Must have a C average in core requirements.

Computer science [CS] concentration, 35 Hours:

Required mathematics courses, 7 Hours:

MATH 208 - Calculus II [4 CR]

MATH 307 - Introduction to Linear Algebra [3 CR]


Required CIS courses, 15 Hours:

CIS 302 - Windows Programming [3 CR]

CIS 331 - Programming Languages [3 CR]

CIS 421 - Computer Architecture [3 CR]

CIS 431 - Algorithms [3 CR]

CIS 487 - Software Engineering [3 CR]

 

Required electives, 13 Hours:

Complete 13 credits of any CIS coursework numbered CIS 300 or above.

CS Curriculum [2012-2013]

Networking and security [NS] concentration, 35 Hours:

Required CIS courses, 26 Hours:

CIS 287 - System Analysis and Design [3 CR]

CIS 372 - Introduction to Biometrics [3 CR]

CIS 395 - Introduction to Cryptography and Computer Security [3 CR]

ENGR 305 - Digital Logic Design and Lab [4 CR]

CIS 419 - Data Communication and Computer Networks [3 CR]

CIS 421 - Computer Architecture [3 CR]

CIS 423 - Server Operation Systems and System Programming [3 CR]

CIS 486 - Network Security [4 CR]

 

Required electives, 9 Hours:

Complete 9 credits of any CIS coursework numbered 300 or above.

NS Curriculum [2012-2013]

Computer programming and information systems [CPIS] concentration, 35 Hours:

Required business and mathematics courses, 12 Hours:

ACCT 201 - Introductory Accounting I [3 CR]

BADM 310 - Principles of Management [3 CR]

BADM 345 - Business Communications [3 CR]

MATH 354 - Operations Research [3 CR]

 

Required CIS courses, 15 Hours:

CIS 287 - System Analysis and Design [3 CR]

CIS 302 - Windows Programming [3 CR]

CIS 331 - Programming Languages [3 CR]

CIS 487 - Software Engineering [3 CR]

CIS 418 - Management Information Systems [3 CR]

 

Required electives, 8 Hours:

Complete 8 credits of any CIS coursework numbered CIS 300 or above.

CPIS Curriculum [2012-2013]

Computer graphics and games [CGG] concentration, 35 Hours:

Required mathematics courses, 7 Hours:

MATH 208 - Calculus II [4 CR]

MATH 307 - Introduction to Linear Algebra [3 CR]

 

Required CIS courses, 15 Hours:

CIS 302 - Windows Programming [3 CR]

CIS 324 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence [3 CR]

CIS 405 - Computer Graphics [3 CR]

CIS 431 - Algorithms [3 CR]

CIS 455 - Game Design and Programming [3 CR]

 

Required electives, 13 Hours:

Complete 13 credits of any CIS coursework numbered 300 or above.

CGG Curriculum [2012-2013]