Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. Students will analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

  2. Students will design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
  3. Students will communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Students will recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Students will function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
  6. Students will apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

The department assesses the extent to which the program requirements create the desired outcomes by a variety of techniques. Examples of these assessments include the following:

  1. The capstone courses are used to assess student progress since taking Area F courses. They determine if students have mastered effective oral and written communication skills, acquired critical analysis skills, and learned to use the library and technological resources in solving non-routine problems. Assessment methods include student projects and presentations.
  2. Student examinations and samples of student work are kept in the department and are examined by the faculty to assess student content knowledge.
  3. Available student and alumni survey data collected by the University will be examined to determine student satisfaction with their undergraduate preparation for further education or employment.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Computer Information Systems

Core Curriculum60
Core IMPACTS (See VSU Core Curriculum) 142
Core Field of Study 118
CS 1301Principles of Programming I4
CS 1302Principles of Programming II4
CS 2620Discrete Structures3
ACCT 2101
ACCT 2102
Principles of Accounting I
and Principles of Accounting II
6
ECON 2106Principles of Microeconomics (with 2 hours "spilling" into electives)1
Senior College Curriculum60
CS 3101Computer Organization3
Select one of the following:3
UNIX Programming
The C Programming Language
Web Programming
CS 3410Data Structures3
CS 4121Data Communications and Networks I3
CS 4321Software Engineering I3
CS 4345Operating Systems3
CS 4721Database Design I3
Three of any 3000-level or 4000-level course not required above (excluding CS 3000 and CS 3001)9
Two of any CS 4000-level courses not required above 6
Supporting Courses14
Principles of Microeconomics ("spillover" from Social Sciences)
Elementary Statistics
Management and Organization Behavior
Production and Operations Management
Financial Management
Introduction to Marketing
Electives10
Total Hours Required for the Degree120
1

MATH 1261 must be completed in the Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences area or in Electives.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Computer Information Systems--Cyber Security Track

Core Curriculum60
Core IMPACTS (See VSU Core Curriculum) 142
Core Field of Study18
CS 1301Principles of Programming I4
CS 1302Principles of Programming II4
CS 2620Discrete Structures3
ACCT 2101
ACCT 2102
Principles of Accounting I
and Principles of Accounting II
6
ECON 2106Principles of Microeconomics (with 2 hours "spilling" into electives)1
Senior College Curriculum60
CS 3101Computer Organization3
CS 3200Security and Ethics in Computing3
CS 3300UNIX Programming3
CS 3410Data Structures3
CS 3750Introduction to Cybersecurity3
CS 4121Data Communications and Networks I3
CS 4321Software Engineering I3
CS 4345Operating Systems3
CS 4625Network and System Security3
CS 4635Digital Forensics3
or CS 4884 Biometric Recognition
CS 4721Database Design I3
One 3000- or 4000-level course not required above (excluding CS 3000 and CS 3001)3
Supporting Courses14
ECON 2106Principles of Microeconomics ("spillover" from Core Field of Study)2
MATH 1401Elementary Statistics3
or MATH 3600 Probability and Statistics
MGNT 3250Management and Organization Behavior3
MGNT 3300Production and Operations Management3
FIN 3350Financial Management3
or MKTG 3050 Introduction to Marketing
Electives10
Total Hours Required for the Degree120
1

MATH 1261 must be completed in the Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences area or in Electives.

Additional Requirements

  1. A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all Core Field of Study courses and core curriculum lower-level math courses, all courses required for the major, and all supporting courses.
  2. Students may use CS 4800 only one time to fulfill the additional 3000-level or 4000-level courses in the Senior College Curriculum.