Educating the next generation of computing professionals
As a computer information sciences student at Washburn, you'll receive excellent preparation for a career in software development, networking, database management, cybersecurity and digital forensics, artificial intelligence and data science, or a wide variety of other computing fields.
Why major in Computer Information Sciences at Washburn?
- Our program is based on the Association for Computing Machinery and the IEEE Computer Society's model curriculum.
- Classes are taught by knowledgeable professors with industry experience.
- There are opportunities to work with professors on research projects and even get your work published.
- We have numerous internships available in the Topeka area, allowing you to gain valuable job experience.
- We have a range of degree options so you can customize a program that works for you and your interests.
CIS Degrees
We offer four bachelor's degrees: BA in CIS, BS in CIS, BA in CIS with Concentration in Digital Forensics, BS in CIS with Concentration in Data Science. We also offer one associate degree, two minors and certificates in AI and cybersecurity.
CIS Scholarships
Our department offers a number of scholarship opportunities.
Washburn Financial Aid
Washburns University's financial aid department can help you with more information about a variety of scholarships and other types of aid.- CIS ScholarshipsCIS Scholarships
- Washburn Financial AidWashburn Financial Aid
CIS Internships
We have numerous internships available in the region, allowing you to gain valuable job experience.Computer Science Student Club
ByteBods is a student computing organization directed by CIS faculty and comprised of students interested in computing technologies.Department Overview
CIS Majors have access to state-of-the-art computing facilities, rigorous yet applied curriculum, and faculty/fellow students who collaborate on research projects.
- Six full-time faculty, all of whom have doctoral degrees
- Faculty actively involved in research and scholarly activities
- Expertise in a wide variety of computer science and AI/Cybersecurity fields
- CIS faculty & staff page
- 16:1 Student/Faculty ratio
- Rigorous curriculum based on ACM/IEEE Model Curriculum
- Small classes and direct interaction with faculty
- Faculty-directed student research
- Hands-on projects
- Department scholarships
- Paid internship opportunities
- Tutoring services
- Structured programming
- Object-oriented programming
- Digital forensics
- Machine architecture
- Web application development
- Artificial intelligence
- Software engineering
- Networked systems
- Data structure & algorithms
- Data science and database development
- Cybersecurity
- Directed research
Computer Information Sciences majors at Washburn University, upon graduation, are expected to be able to:
- analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions;
- design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline;
- communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts;
- recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles;
- function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
Explore our new AI and cybersecurity certificates
Washburn's Computer Information Sciences department now offers two exciting certificate options designed for students across all majors who want to build relevant, future-ready skills.
The artificial intelligence literacy and application certificate combines computer science and philosophy to help you understand and responsibly use AI tools like large language models and no-code platforms—no programming required. You'll boost your creativity and productivity while exploring the ethical questions AI raises in today's world.
The cybersecurity certificate prepares you to meet one of the fastest-growing needs in the job market. With courses spanning CIS, criminal justice, legal studies and tech administration, you'll gain real-world skills through hands-on learning and have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications.
Whether you're into tech, law, business or the arts, these certificates will give you a competitive edge in any career path.
Meet Dane
As Dane Vanderbilt, a home school student from Wamego, Kansas, considered various colleges, he was looking for a place where he’d be comfortable and fit in the best. It didn’t take long for him to choose Washburn.
“Something that factored into my decision to come to Washburn was a meeting with one of the professors,” said Vanderbilt, who received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Sciences. “He took the time to show me the program and what all it would entail, and that personal connection really made a big impact on my decision.”
Vanderbilt worked in the Student Success Center and had a network of friends, whom he spent a significant amount of time with in Mabee Library.
“There’d always be one of us down there to study or hang out with,” he said. “I just loved the library.”
Vanderbilt noted that the Computer Information Sciences professor emphasized the fundamentals during class, giving him a solid foundation to begin a success career in the field. He works at a software consulting company that works on websites and web-based solutions.
“When I look back at the decision I made to come to Washburn, I have no regrets,” he said. “I can't imagine going anywhere else.”
Meet Rajeshwori
Rajeshwori Malla, an international student from Nepal, was drawn to technology, data, and business. At Washburn, she found a community that encouraged her to grow and become a better version of herself.
"The CIS program gave me a strong foundation in programming, databases, data analytics, and problem solving. Best of all, I got the opportunities to use those skills in the real world. Between hands-on class projects, intercollegiate competitions, and internships with organizations right here in Topeka, I worked with real systems, real data, and real problems and learned how to adapt when things didn't go as planned. By the time I graduated, starting my career felt a lot less intimidating, because in a lot of ways, it had already started."
"What I'll never forget about Washburn is that I never had to carry any of it alone. Due to smaller class sizes, my professors actually knew me, knew what I cared about, what I was capable of, and they opened doors I didn't even know were there. Every bit of confidence I have now was built in a place that let me try, fail, and keep going anyway."
Many of Raj's favorite memories came from outside the classroom. She was part of ByteBods, a student organization for CIS students, where she connected with peers who shared her interests. She also created content for Student Media, served as a Director on the Campus Activities Board, and worked as a peer educator and tutor. These experiences connected her with students from many different backgrounds and taught her valuable lessons about leadership and connection.
"The day I received the Sibberson Award, standing there with the Dean and the President, I thought about all the questions that kid had when she first landed at Washburn, and even if she doesn't have all the answers now either, she has the tools, resources, and courage to go find them. So, if you're a student wondering whether you'll find your path here, you will; probably in ways you can't even imagine yet."
Prepare for a meaningful career
Ready to declare?
GET IN TOUCH WITH Department of Computer Information Sciences
Computer Information Sciences Department
Stoffer Science Hall, Room 304
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
785.670.1739
cis@washburn.edu
