Pictured | David Flowers | Computer Science | Granger, Indiana (hometown)
Volunteer activity | Treasurer, Titans Computer Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences
The Department of Computer and Information Sciences (COIS) offers various undergraduate and graduate degrees, minors, and undergraduate, graduate and postbaccalaureate certificates.
The Department offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Computer Science, minors in Computer Science, Computer Applications, and undergraduate certificates in Computer Programming, Advanced Computer Programming, and Computer Applications. COIS also offers a graduate certificate in Technology Administration. In collaboration with other departments and programs the COIS offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science with focus areas in Computer Science and Data Science, B.S. in Informatics, Online B.S. in Informatics, minors in Informatics and Cognitive Science, and a Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Applied Informatics.
The B.S. in Computer Science curriculum forfollows the guidelines set out by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the leading professional computing societies. Students in this degree program complete a core curriculum that builds an overall understanding of computers, computing environments, and theoretical issues. The degree prepares students to enter challenging computing careers in the workplace or to embark on postgraduate programs in computing.
The B.S. in Informatics curriculum follows the guidelines set out by the School of Informatics and Computing, and other computing professional societies and prepares students to apply computer science to another discipline such as STEM, Business, Arts, Social Sciences, etc. The Online B.S. in Informatics is offered jointly with other IU campuses and introduced in 2017. The Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Applied Informatics allows students to switch to information technology careers.
The M.S. in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science (AMCS) is offered jointly with the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Students enroll in one of the following focus areas: Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or Integrated. Students in the program take advanced courses in computer science and/or applied mathematics with emphasis on real-world problem solving and applications.
The Minor in Cognitive Science is offered jointly with the departments of Mathematical Sciences, Philosophy, and Psychology.
Academic Advising and Scheduling of Computer Science Courses
Any student who intends to major or minor or obtain a certificate offered by the department should contact the administrative assistant or chair of the Department of Computer and Information Sciences as soon as possible to arrange for academic advising. Call (574) 520-5521 to schedule an appointment.
Placement Examination
Students planning to enroll in computer science programs typically start with CSCI-B 100 or CSCI-C 101. Students without prior computer programming experience typically start with CSCI-B 100. Students having prior computer programming experience and have earned a C or better in MATH-A 100 or a minimum 36 ALEKS assessment score typically enroll in CSCI-C 101. The determination of which course to start with should be made in consultation with a Computer Science Academic Advisor.Students having substantial experience with computer programming may take placement exams to assess their academic skill levels in computer science. Undergraduate students can take placement exams for CSCI-C 101/INFO-I210, CSCI-C 201/INFO-I 211, and CSCI-C 151, and could test out of these courses. Graduate students can take the placement exams for CSCI-A 504, CSCI-A 506, and CSCI-A 594. Call (574) 520-5521 to schedule the placement exam.
Scholarships
Scholarships have been established to provide current undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Computer and Information Sciences with financial assistance in completing their degrees. The basis for the scholarships is demonstrated potential for academic excellence in Computer and Information Sciences. The scholarship amount varies (typically $500 to $3,500). For more information, refer to computerscience.iusb.edu.
- John P. Russo Scholarship
- William J. Knight Scholarship
Informatics Scholarship
The Informatics scholarship has been established to provide high achieving incoming highschool students majoring in Informatics with financial assistance in completing their degrees. The scholarships will be awarded through the Informatics Committee.
The scholarship provides a total value of $30,000 over four years (Award will cover the actual cost of tuition and fees up to $7,500 annually; renewable up to 4 years.) For more information, refer to www.iusb.edu/informatics.
Internships
Juniors and seniors enrolled in the B.S. in Computer Science and Graduate students in the M.S. in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science are encouraged to pursue internship opportunities with local, regional, or national organizations.
Students pursuing internships are allowed to enroll for internship credits (after completing the prerequisites for CSCI-Y 398 or CSCI-Y 798) and work in a supervised position at an approved organization. The requirements for a typical 3 credit internship can be satisfied by working for a minimum of 15 hours per week for a period of approximately 4 months (one semester). During this period the intern is jointly evaluated by his or her supervisor at work and the internship coordinator at IU South Bend.
Students should contact the internship coordinator, chair, or graduate director, if they have more questions.
Photo credit | Teresa Sheppard