Educating the next generation of IT professionals

As a computer information sciences student at Washburn, you'll receive the very best preparation for a career in software development, networking, database management, digital forensics, or a wide variety of other computer science or information systems fields.

Students smile while in class

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 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.

  • Five full-time faculty, all of whom have doctoral degrees
  • Faculty actively involved in research and consulting activities
  • Expertise in a wide variety of science and information systems 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.
CIS students pay attention in class.

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.
Dane Vanderbilt

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.”

Prepare for a meaningful career

Graduates of the Department of Computer Science are ready to hit the ground running in a variety of settings.  Dr. Nan Sun's research course has been repeatedly recognized by the International Association for Computer Information Systems for its rigor and high-level student achievement in original research.

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

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