Pictured | Jonathan Mondientz | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | South Bend, Indiana (hometown)

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 (BS) 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 (MS) in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science with focus areas in Computer Science and Data Science, BS in Informatics, BS in Informatics and Interactive Media Arts, BA in Informatics and Interactive Media Arts, Online BS in Informatics; BS in Data Science (Collaborative Online Degree Program); minors in Informatics and Cognitive Science, and a Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Applied Informatics.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science curriculum follows 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 Bachelor of Science 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 Bachelor of Science in Informatics (Collaborative Online Degree Program) is offered jointly with other IU campuses and was introduced in 2017. The Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Applied Informatics allows students to switch to information technology careers.

The Bachelor of Science in Informatics and Interactive Media Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Informatics and Interactive Media Arts are innovative interdisciplinary degree programs that bring together expertise from Informatics, Computer Science, and New Media. This is a joint program between the Department of Computer and Information Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Department of Integrated New Media Studies in the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts. Students majoring in IIMA will be able to select from the following concentrations: Web, Game, Video, 3D, and Individualized. Consult with an IIMA faculty advisor to learn about the available concentrations.

The Bachelor of Science in Data Science (Collaborative Online Degree Program) is a fully online program jointly offered with other IU campuses. Data science is now a rapidly growing, high-paying field. In the information age, enormous amounts of data are generated every day. Students pursuing this degree collect, organize, and analyze data to make meaningful conclusions. They write programs to perform data analysis on large, complex datasets. They evaluate the social, legal, and ethical issues that arise from the mass collection of data.

The Master of Science 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, Cybersecurity, 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

Your academic advisor is a critical partner in fostering your success at IU South Bend and beyond. Your advisor will help you explore academic majors and careers, plan your degree, choose classes, learn about internships and study abroad, and much more. To see who is assigned as your advisor, visit your Student Online Advising Record in one.iu.edu. For more information about advising at IU South Bend, visit the website for the Undergraduate Advising Center.

Final responsibility for meeting degree requirements rests with the student.

Questions about advising? Email sbadvise@iu.edu or call (574) 520-4550.

Placement Examination

Students planning to enroll in computer science programs typically start with CSCI-B 100. Students having prior computer programming experience (high school, work, etc.) and having earned a C or better in MATH-A 100 or a minimum 36 ALEKS assessment score can take a placement test to enroll in CSCI-C 101 or higher. If you have questions, consult 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-B 100, CSCI-C 101/INFO-I210, CSCI-C 201/INFO-I 211, and CSCI-C 151. Graduate students can take the placement exams for CSCI-A 504, CSCI-A 506, and CSCI-A 594. Call (574) 520-5835 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 cs.iusb.edu.

• Adam Ross Barker Memorial Scholarship
• William J. Knight Scholarship
• John P. Russo 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.

For more information, refer to clas.iusb.edu/computer-science-informatics/index.html.

Internships

Juniors and seniors enrolled in the BS in Computer Science and Graduate students in the MS 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.