Computer Science and Information Systems
FACULTY Professors Liu, Nikolopoulos, Park, V. Uskov; Associate Professors Dolins (chair), Miller; Assistant Professors A. Uskov, Wang; Temporary Assistant Professor Patton; Lecturer Tennyson.
The department offers baccalaureate degree programs in computer science and in computer information systems, with concentrations available in a) computer game technology b) mobile computing, and c) software, web, and computer security. Minors in computer science and information systems and computer game technology are also offered.
Computer science is the study of theoretical and algorithmic foundations used in computer systems. Students are trained to analyze requirements, design, develop, and test software systems, devise new innovations and applications in computing, and solve scientific, engineering, and business problems requiring computer applications.
Computer information systems is a discipline that focuses on information technology and its applications, i.e., on methods, technology, and tools to generate, process, modify, store, retrieve, and distribute information. Computer information systems has a wide variety of applications, but the mathematical requirements are not as rigorous as they are for computer science because there is less focus on theoretical and algorithmic foundations.
Both Computer Science and Computer Information Systems majors can take a number of elective courses, and they can specialize in a number of areas of computing including 1) software engineering, 2) intelligent systems, 3) database management systems, 4) computer systems and architecture, 5) net-centric computing, 6) Web technology, 7) computer game technology, 8) software, Web and computer security, 9) mobile computing, 10) theoretical computer science, and 11) emerging topics in computer science or computer information systems.
Computer science and computer information systems graduates are employed by a variety of industries and non-profit organizations as software engineers and/or developers, system administrators and/or developers, system analysts, network administrators, Web developers and/or technologists, software test engineers, and database administrators and/or developers.
For students not majoring in the department, we offer two minors which can be tailored to the individual’s goals and needs.
Students intending to take only one course in the department should enroll in CS 100 or CIS 102 if they desire a detailed treatment of a programming language, or CIS 300 if they desire a general discussion of computers and their impact on society.
Computer Science
The department has course offerings of sufficient breadth to allow specialization in a number of areas including software engineering, intelligent systems, database concepts, computer systems and architecture, net-centric computing, and Web development. Majors are encouraged to choose an area of specialization based upon their career goals and to select electives, with guidance from their advisor, to support that choice. The general requirements for the computer science major are:
- Computer Science:
- 45 semester hours including CS 101, CS 102, CS 140, CS 210, CS 215, CS 220, CS 321, CS 330, CS 370, CS 390, CS 480, CS 490, CS 491;
- at least 24 semester hours must be 300 level or higher;
- a grade of C or better is required in all computer science courses submitted in fulfillment of the major requirements.
- Mathematics and Science:
Computer Information Systems
The general requirements for the computer information systems major are:
- Computer Science and Computer Information Systems:
- 45 semester hours including CS 101, CS 102, CS 140, CIS 210, CS 220, CS 370, CS 390, CIS 393, CS 480, CIS 430, CIS 445, CIS 475, and CIS 491.
- Choose one course from the following list: BMA 379 or equivalent, CIS 415, CIS 435, CIS 495.
- Each computer information system major must take a track consisting of at least 9 semester hours approved by the Department. (A track is a coherent, structured in-depth course of study that is comprised of interrelated courses with a focus on emerging technologies in computer information systems and related areas).
- A grade of C or better is required in all computer information systems and computer science courses presented in fulfillment of the major requirements.
- Mathematics: MTH 120 and MTH 111; or equivalents. MTH 115 is recommended.
- Psychology: PSY 104 and PSY 320, or equivalents.
- Communication: COM 292 or equivalent.
- English: ENG 305 or ENG 306, or equivalents.
- Business Management and Administration: BMA 352 and BMA 385, or equivalents.
Concentrations
Computer Science and Computer Information Systems majors may also earn a concentration in one of the following areas: 1) Computer Game Technology, 2) Software, Web, and Computer Security, or 3) Mobile Computing.
Computer Game Technology Concentration - 12 hours
The Computer Game Technology concentration provides students with essential background, understanding, knowledge, and skills in the practice of computer game technology and software design and development. The concentration is comprised of 12 semester hours of study including 9 semester hours of required courses and 3 semester hours of elective courses as outlined below.
Required courses:
- CIS 451 Computer Game Design - 3 hrs.
- CIS 452 Computer Game Modification - 3 hrs.
- CIS 459 Computer Game Capstone Project - 3 hrs.
Elective courses (choose one from the following):
- CIS 453 Concepting and Storytelling - 3 hrs.
- CIS 455 Computer Graphics - 3 hrs.
- CIS 456 Game Engine Programming - 3 hrs.
- CIS 457 Digital Animation - 3 hrs.
- CIS 458 Sound Design - 3 hrs.
Mobile Computing Concentration - 12 hours
The Mobile Computing concentration provides students with essential background, understanding, knowledge, and analytical and technical skills in advanced mobile technology and its applications in computer science, computer information systems, and the design and development of complex mobile software systems.
The concentration is comprised of 9 semester hours of required courses and 3 semester hours of elective semester hours of study as outlined below.
Required courses:
- CIS 433 Mobile and Wireless Networks – 3 hrs.
- CIS 446 Advanced Mobile Programming – 3 hrs.
- CS 493 Web and Mobile Software Systems – 3 hrs.
Elective courses (choose one from the following):
- CIS 435 Computer Networks and System Security – 3 hrs.
- CIS 495 Software and Web Applications Security – 3 hrs.
Due to the fast-changing learning content in Mobile Computing, see the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems for possible additional elective courses in this area.
Software, Web, and Computer Security Concentration - 12 hours
The Software, Web, and Computer Security concentration provides students with essential background, understanding, knowledge, and skills in the practice of software, Web, computer networks and computer systems security technology, and secure software and Web applications design and development. The concentration is comprised of 12 required semester hours of study as outlined below.
Required courses:
- BMA 379 Information System Security, or equivalent - 3 hrs.
- CIS 415 Applied Cryptography - 3 hrs.
- CIS 435 Computer Networks and System Security - 3 hrs.
- CIS 495 Software and Web Applications Security - 3 hrs.
Computer Science and Information Systems Minor
The requirements for a minor in computer science and information systems are:
- a total of 20 hours in computer science or computer information systems courses;
- at least 9 of these hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above.
Non-majors interested in the minor should consult the department and develop an individualized plan based on the student's area of interest.
Computer Game Technology Minor
The Computer Game Technology minor provides students with essential background, understanding, knowledge, and skills in the practice of computer game software design and development. The minor is comprised of 23 semester hours of study including 17 semester hours of required courses and 6 semester hours of elective courses as outlined below.
Required courses:
- CS 101 Introduction to Programming or equivalent - 4 hrs.
- CS 102 Data Structures or equivalent - 3 hrs.
- CS 140 Advanced Programming Concepts and Languages or equivalent - 1 hr.
- CIS 451 Computer Game Design - 3 hrs.
- CIS 452 Computer Game Modification - 3 hrs.
- CIS 459 Computer Game Capstone Project - 3 hrs.
Elective courses (choose two from the following):
- CIS 453 Concepting and Storytelling - 3 hrs.
- CIS 455 Computer Graphics - 3 hrs.
- CIS 456 Game Engine Programming - 3 hrs.
- CIS 457 Digital Animation - 3 hrs.
- CIS 458 Sound Design - 3 hrs.
This is the official catalog for the 2012-2013 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.