Program Overview

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Introduction to Computer and Information Science Degree

The Computer and Information Science (CIS) degree focuses on the development of software and the uses of software to solve practical problems and to support and improve productivity, health, happiness, and safety in today's society. Topics studied include algorithms and data structures, programming languages, computer architecture, computer graphics, operating systems, software engineering systems analysis, database systems, artificial intelligence, information security, and networking.

Program Overview

A computing professional analyzes a situation in an application domain, such as biology and medicine, business, engineering, law and public policy, science, and sociology; carefully specifies the problems to be addressed; and then designs, evaluates, implements, and tests computer-based solutions to those problems. Computer and information science students can pursue either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA). The BS involves a more substantial computing component and more of a science focus than the BA.

Related Majors

Other majors suited for students interested in computing careers include:

• Computer science and engineering (CSE) jointly offered in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the College of Engineering: almost identical to the CIS major, with additional math and engineering courses and fewer general education courses
  • Electrical and computer engineering in the College of Engineering: shares several computing courses with the CSE major but is more hardware-oriented in its other courses

Admission Criteria

Students must formally apply to the computer and information science major, typically by the end of the freshman year. Acceptance into the major is based on a minimum cumulative point-hour ratio (CPHR) requirement and the completion of entry-level courses in computing, mathematics, writing, and introductory physics (BS only).

Curriculum

The BS in CIS requires courses in computing, math, science, and general education. The core CIS courses include:

• Software design and development
• Computational foundations including algorithms and data structures
• Computer systems
• Study of ethical issues in computing
• Team projects
• A capstone design course Math and statistics requirements include courses in:
• Calculus and analytic geometry
• Discrete mathematics
• Probability and statistics Electives in the major may be chosen from one of many specializations, including:
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Computer graphics and game design
  • Database systems and data analytics
  • Information and computation assurance (security)
  • Networking
  • Computer systems
  • Software engineering

Degree Requirements

The BS in CIS program requires a total of 124 semester hours, which includes:

• 36 hours of general education
• 31 hours of math and science
• 57 hours in the major (of which seven may be from an approved non-CS related discipline or minor program) The BA in CIS program requires a total of 122 semester hours; compared to the BS in CIS, there are somewhat fewer hours required in the major and in mathematics and science. To compensate, a minimum of 18 hours in an approved related field, based on the student's interests, are required for this degree.

Internship and Career Opportunities

Although not required, students are encouraged to pursue internship or co-op opportunities. Numerous positions are posted by employers from throughout the country. Students can receive assistance with identifying and applying for appropriate positions, writing resumes, and honing interview skills.

Student Organizations

Students are encouraged to become active in student chapters of the two main professional societies in computing:

• The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
• The Computer Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-CS) Other student organizations include:
  • ACM-W (an ACM group especially for women in computing)
  • Upsilon Pi Epsilon (an honorary society for computer science students)
  • Buckeye Hackers
  • Electronics Club
  • Game Creation Club
  • The Ohio State University Open Source Club

Career Prospects

Because computing is essential in all areas of society, the demand for people skilled in the computing field continues to grow. Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for U.S. job growth in the next decade show computing jobs consistently ranking in the top 10 positions requiring an undergraduate degree. Computer software and hardware vendors hire CIS graduates in areas such as software and hardware product development, quality assurance, customer support, sales and marketing, documentation, and training.

Salary Estimates

Beginning salaries for recent computer and information science graduates have averaged near $75,000 but vary depending on the candidate's skills, work experience, type of industry, current needs of employers, and geographic location.

Program Objectives

It is the intent of the faculty that within the first few years after graduation:

• Graduates of the program will be employed in the computing profession, and will be engaged in learning, understanding, and applying new ideas and technologies as the field evolves
• Graduates with an interest in, and aptitude for, advanced studies in computing will have completed, or be actively pursuing, graduate studies in computing
• Graduates will be informed and involved members of their communities and responsible engineering and computing professionals