Calendar
Academics
Quick Links
Cor
Directory
Computer Science/Computer Info. Systems
An ever-changing industry
The computer revolution continues at a rapid pace. It is constantly presenting new concepts, technologies, methodologies, and techniques that change the way organizations and individuals do their work. Organizations of all sizes are seeking college graduates in the information systems field to help them deal with this relentless change.
The Computer Science/Computer Information Systems(CS/CIS) program is an innovative alternative to traditional computer science programs. Students learn about current and emerging computer technologies and how to apply these system technologies to solve organizational problems.
Our graduates find work in a variety of large and small organizations as web developers, software engineers, database specialists, and system analysts. An increasing number of our graduates are working for computer consulting firms, while others are managing information systems of large and small organizations.
Concentration options
CIS students select a specific concentration from the following areas or create their own custom concentration to match their interests.
Management or Applied Economics
Business continues to have the greatest need for computer professionals. These concentrations prepare students to apply new technology in a business setting. Flexibility in this concentration allow it to server future entrepreneurs who want to start up a small company or future leaders who want the challenge of working for a large corporation.
Health Care
Information technology is one of the fastest growing areas of the health care system. Our graduates have developed cell-phone based systems for New York City EMTs and work in operating rooms of the Mayo Clinic. This concentration combines the College's renowned health science programs with the CS/CIS major to provide a unique opportunity for students.
Web Development
Web development requires a mix of technical ability, artistic methods, and marketing knowledge. This concentration provides a technical background in Web development as well as artistic design and the business side of e-commerce.
Mathematics
Students preparing for graduate studies and for positions in science and technology need a strong theoretical background in mathematics and programming. This concentration is designed for students who are continuing on to graduate school, working in scientific fields, or programming complex applications. It stresses programming, computational theory, and mathematics (calculus-based).
Curriculum
The CS/CIS curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundation in the current methodologies using cutting edge tools. Our courses are constantly being updated to they can keep pace with changes in technology.
The core CS/CIS curriculum includes courses in programming languages, hardware systems, database modeling, and systems analysis, design, and development. We also offer courses in emerging technologies to provide students with preparation in the latest technology including web development, portable device programming, and 3D game design. Students also work with faculty on joint research projects in preparation for future graduate research.
The systems development courses cover the analysis, design, and development of new computer systems. In most large development projects, more time is spent designing a system than in programming it. Since systems developers must remain conscious of the abilities and needs of the users of new systems, this sequence is designed to emphasize the needs of computer users. These courses make use of state-of-the-art software and methodologies used in the computer industry.
Faculty
In some colleges and universities, computer majors seldom see their professors outside of their large lecture classes; their success in the major hinges on untrained teaching assistants. At St. Scholastica, students routinely interact directly with their professors through small class sizes and one-on-one assistance. In addition to their academic preparation, CSS professors have extensive professional experience encompassing education, science and technology.
Students
Our students are active leaders in the college community. Rather than spending time behind a monitor, they participate on nearly every CSS athletic team or volunteer in the Duluth community through on-campus organizations. Not only do the have diverse experiences, but they are diverse themselves. Our percentage of female students in one of the highest in the state and international students bring their wide perspectives to our courses.
Internships and Job Opportunities
The demand for computer professionals continues to expand. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job opportunities in computer-related fields to be better than any other field for the next 10 years.
To prepare students for their future role requires special attention. This includes guest speakers from industry visiting classes and students completing real-world projects for actual clients in their courses. In this quickly changing field, students must know what to expect once they graduate.
All CS/CIS majors complete an internship which gives them the opportunity to earn money while working for innovative companies. The Department has developed partnerships with companies in the Duluth area as well as companies in the Twin Cities. Over the years, our students have built a reputation of high quality in many organizations throughout the state.
Major Requirements
- 24 Credits CIS Upper Division Courses
- 16 Credits CIS Lower Division Courses
- 10 Credits CIS Elective Upper Division
- 20 Credits Concentration Courses
Minor Requirements
- 20 Credits CIS (Computer Information Systems) Courses
Connect with us
Site Feedback