Computer Information Sciences

Bennett Computer Center
Room 100
(785) 231-1010 ext. 1739

www.washburn.edu/cas/cis

The Faculty
The Major
The Minor
Course Offerings
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Source: 2005-2006 Catalog

Mission: The mission of the Department is to provide quality effective teaching of Computer Information Science, to engage in applied research and scholarly activity, and to serve the University and the community.

Description of Discipline:
The Computer Information Sciences area provides a broad range of service courses to all disciplines requiring computer-oriented courses in their degree programs. In addition, the department offers three degree programs designed to provide individuals capable of applying computer technology to the solution of problems in many disciplines.

The major programs deal with the analysis and design of systems that provide information to management for use in the decision making process. Various tools and techniques for solving typical business, accounting, engineering, mathematical, and scientific problems are emphasized. The programs focus on the generation and utilization of information to support management decisions. As such, the curricula draw heavily upon computer methods and mathematical techniques. The programs require foundation courses in traditional business, communication, and mathematic in addition to the in-depth computer information science core.

The courses in information sciences fulfill a broad range of needs: from providing general knowledge of the capabilities of the computer, to service courses for departments that require some computer skills of their students, to in-depth study of advanced concepts and applications.

The department offers a choice of degrees and emphasis. The Associate of Arts Degree is normally completed in a two-year course of study, and prepares the graduate to enter the job market as an entry-level programmer.

There are two choices of major in the four-year Bachelor Degree program. One is the Computer Information Science major for the student interested in learning the fundamental ideas and enduring concepts necessary to work successfully in a computer-oriented field.

The second choice is the Computer Information Systems major. This major replaces much of the mathematics content of the previous major with support courses from the School of Business and a broad spectrum of computer courses which prepares the student for a position as a programmer/analyst in a commercial information processing environment.

The department also offers an optional minor in Computer Information Systems. See the CIS department for details.

Program Outcomes:
The Computer Information Sciences Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Arts degrees are based on the guidelines provided by the Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula 2001 Volume II Computer Science and the IS Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs recommendations. For a detailed listing of the outcomes, please access the CIS website indicated above.

Student Learning Outcomes
Computer Information Sciences majors at Washburn University, upon graduation, are expected to have:

• developed analytical and critical thinking skills;
• acquired knowledge of programming fundamentals;
• mastered an understanding of different computing environments;
• mastered an understanding of quantitative and qualitative analysis;
• acquired knowledge of the role of technology in organizations;
• developed oral and written communication skills; and
• mastered the ability to integrate theory into practice.

Note: Before one is admitted as a CIS major, the student must satisfy a set of requirements. Please see the CIS department for details.

NOTE: FOR THE PROPOSED PARTIAL SCHEDULE, SEE CIS WEBSITE OR CIS DEPARTMENT.