The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems offers a program which gives students a broad background in the discipline while maintaining harmony with the overall mission of the College. The specific mission of the department is two-fold: 1) to ground our majors and minors in the discipline, and 2) to enable all students to take full advantage of current and future technological innovations. The following paragraphs provide a summary of the workings of the department. Additional information can be obtained by visiting the department's world wide web site at www. muc.edu/cs/or through e-mailing csischair@muc.edu
A student may earn a Bachelor of Science degree in either Computer Science or Information Systems. Honors programs are available in both majors.
Computer Science as a Major or Minor
This program emphasizes scientific and technical aspects of computing. A background and interest in mathematics is very helpful. In addition to introductory programming courses, students may study computer hardware organization, operating systems, systems programming, data communication, theory of computation, and principles of programming languages. Major requirements include courses in mathematics and either an independent study project or an off-campus internship. Computer science is often combined with a major or minor in mathematics, but is worthwhile with virtually any other discipline. Career directions include systems programming, technical support, research, and teaching. Graduates are employed by computer hardware and software vendors, large and medium-sized companies, and colleges and universities.
Information Systems as a Major or Minor
This program emphasizes business and data-processing aspects of computing. In addition to introductory programming courses, students may study systems analysis, data theory and programming, fourth-generation languages, data communications, and operating systems. Major requirements include courses in mathematics and either an independent study project or an off-campus internship. Information systems is most commonly combined with business administration or accounting, but can also be effectively joined with nearly any other major or minor. Career directions include application programming, systems analysis, and information systems management. Graduates are employed by all sizes and types of businesses and industries.
Database Management Minor
Database management provides a firm foundation in the theory and application of databases, a valuable tool for anyone who will be involved in collection, analysis, and management of data, from business, to education, to psychology, to the physical sciences.
Internet Computing Minor
Internet computing gives an introduction to the functioning of computer networks and their security. Good background for anyone who expects to extensively use computers in their life, this minor would be a worthwhile addition to any student's repertoire.
Web Design Minor
Web design offers the integrative mix of design and computing while equipping students with proficiency in applied, computer-based and visual, problem solving.
Facilities and Equipment
The Computer Science and Information Systems Lab contains networked NT workstations, a computer overhead projection system, and UNIX workstations. Additionally, the all-college computer labs and Macintosh lab provide all students access to word processing, spreadsheets, on and off-campus e-mail, the World Wide Web and other Internet applications, statistical packages, and a variety of special purpose software for various disciplines.
Activities and Events
Students are hired on a competitive basis as lab assistants, lab supervisors, and help desk assistants.
The Society of Computing Students (SoCS) provides opportunities for leadership, professional networking, programming contests, and other related activities.
Off-Campus Opportunities
All Computer Science and Information System Department majors complete either an independent study project or an off-campus internship. The internship provides a significant learning experience outside the academic environment and relates to the student's career goals. Some students participate in the Cooperative Education program, alternating semesters of school work with semesters of off-campus employment. Also, many students work as part-time computer employees for local businesses during school.
Career Preparation
Mount Union's combination of computer science/information systems and liberal arts is recognized by business and industry as excellent preparation for a variety of computer and data processing positions. Recent graduates are employed at major businesses, industries, and research centers such as Hewlett Packard, IBM, Oracle, Electronic Data Systems, Timken Company, Goodyear, Hoover, Diebold, Loral, U.S. Geological Survey, Hughes Aircraft, Babcock & Wilcox, Cap Gemini, Ernst & Young, Andersen Consulting, and Price-WaterhouseCoopers. Some are running their own companies. Graduates of our department are also well-prepared for graduate work in computer science and/or information systems. An MBA is another appropriate option. Graduate degrees are valuable in business and industry and required for college-level teaching. Graduate schools attended by recent graduates include Case Western Reserve University, Florida State, University of Illinois, University of Michigan, The Ohio State University, University of Nebraska, University of North Carolina, North Carolina State, University of Pittsburgh, Georgia Southwestern University and others.