BS-Computer Science

The Computer Science (CS) major is designed to develop the analytical ability and expertise in computer, both in software creation and usage, which are necessary in the fields of science, technology, and industry. In addition to the computer courses, the program provides a concentration of mathematics and physics courses which are necessary for the development of scientific applications. The curriculum is oriented towards preparing students for graduate studies or career opportunities in software development where mathematical and technical skills are necessary to analyze and solve computing problems.

The Computer Science curriculum is delivered in five different ways:

1. CS: four-year degree program, described here.

2. CS-CoOp: five-year cooperative mode.

3. CS-SE: dual degree program where students complete both the Computer Science and the Software Engineering degree requirements simultaneously described in the Computer Science-Software Engineering Dual Degree section.

4. SEID-CS: multi-degree, where students complete the additional requirements for a Bachelors of Engineering (B.Eng) degree in Software Technology at Esslingen University of Applied Science described in the Software Engineering International Degrees section.

5. CS-MS-CIS: Accelerated 5-year program culminating in a four year BS degree followed by one year to complete one of the MS-CIS program options, described below.

Opportunities

The field of computer science is one of the fastest-growing employment markets in today’s society. Consequently, employment and research opportunities continue to be available to program participants before graduation. Applications of the training provided in the program include a wide range of specialization, including research, statistics, and scientific applications on mobile, workstation and microprocessor computer systems.

Aims and Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

The CS major prepares its graduates to achieve significant career and professional accomplishments in four ways: as employable and accountable professionals, competent problem solvers, and selfless contributors.

1. Employable Professional: CS graduates are well prepared for employment or graduate work in their field, and to continue working in that field or related fields. This includes adaptability to different disciplines, environments, and tasks. They are fully prepared for employment in chosen post-graduate pursuits.

2. Accountable Professional: CS graduates are accountable for their professional roles, and pursue their profession in an ethical manner. This includes giving and receiving professional critique and review, communication and the responsibility for, and/or leadership in:

   • Research/development projects or teams,

   • Aspects of major system components, or

   • Business development work.

3. Competent CS Problem Solver: CS problem solving focuses on computing technology – leveraging theoretical and mathematical foundations in exploring and implementing algorithms, languages as well as the techniques and methods to innovate and develop computing systems and technologies. CS graduates apply current computing knowledge, technology, skills, techniques and methods to:

   • Identify, analyze and develop effective solutions for problems,

   • Improve product, process and/or organizational elements, and

   • Apply creativity in design thinking and innovate where appropriate.

4. Selfless Contributors: CS graduates value collaborative teamwork and contribute to team accomplishment that goes beyond personal development. They voluntarily give their time, talent, and/or resources to their community, profession, church and/or society.

Program Specific Outcomes

Gannon’s Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs. Gannon’s Computer Science program has enjoyed a long history of successful students who have learned to design and build software and to apply computer science methods in both development and research domains.

Gannon’s Computer Science program has a strong focus on problem-solving beginning with the very first course in computing (CIS 180 Problem Solving and Computer Programming) and carried through into the senior design sequence (CIS 457/458 Senior Design). Throughout the learning process, students learn how to effectively define and represent both problems and the solutions needed to solve those problems. Throughout the course of study, students learn and practice making ethical decisions. All CIS students will learn to acquire and utilize information and changing computer technology used in computing-based systems, as well as to understand its global and local impacts. Through this learning process, we expect students to function in a team environment and demonstrate effective communication skills.

Besides the Department-Wide outcomes, Computer Science students completing our program will also learn to:

• Design, implement and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements.

• Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Integration

One of the hallmarks of Gannon’s Computer Science (CS) degree is its integration with traditional liberal studies education. Gannon’s CS majors not only learn computing well, but also learn how to synthesize, think critically, and communicate well.

The Program

The CS degree requires 126 credits to graduate. These are divided into two primary sources: a Computer and Information Science (CIS) core, and a Computer Science core. These, integrated with Gannon's Liberal Core, provide breadth and depth to the program. The program also provides a one-semester study abroad option.

CIS Core Courses

• CIS 180/181 Problem Solving and Computer Programming and Lab

• CIS 182/183 Object-Oriented Programming and Lab

• CIS 219 Programming in UNIX

• CIS 239 The User Experience

• CIS 255 Database Management and Administration

• CIS 290 Introduction to Networks

• CIS 387 System and Network Security

• CIS 457 Senior Design I

• CIS 458 Senior Design II Lab

Computer Science Courses

• CSC 220 Data Structures and Algorithms

• CSC 223 Algorithm Development Lab

• CIS 277 Mobile Appl. Development I

• CIS 287 Object-Oriented Design Lab

• SOFT 210 Software Engineering

• CIS 326 Formal Methods in Software Development

• CSC 330 Operating Systems

• CSC 360 Comparative Languages

• CIS 390 Distributed Programming

• ECE 337 Computer Architecture

• MATH 314 Numerical Analysis

• MATH 310 Number Theory and Cryptography

Five-year Cooperative Program (126 credits)

Plan A

Plan B

Plan C

During the "Summer Coursework" semesters, students should take 12 credits of Liberal Core courses to maintain progress toward degree requirements and to maximize financial aid.