Within the Department of Software and Information Systems, the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science are fulfilled by completing specific concentrations of courses designed for students interested in pursuing a career in Cyber Security, Financial Services Informatics, Information Technology, Software and Information Systems, Software Engineering, or Web Development. These concentrations are designed to best prepare students to match the diverse requirements of employers. It also prepares students to pursue graduate studies in related areas. The focus of these concentrations includes:
- Web and Mobile Applications Development
- Software Engineering (design, integration, testing, and assurance)
- Information Security and Privacy
- Human - Computer Interaction
- IT Infrastructure Design
- Emerging Technology
- Financial Services Informatics
Under this program, the requirements for the B.A degree may be fulfilled by completing the traditional program (i.e., the Concentration in Software and Information Systems ) or any of the other five concentrations. The traditional program emphasizes advanced programming and mathematics skills. It is intended for students who have a general interest in information technology and who want to maintain maximum flexibility in course selection and job opportunity. The Concentration in Cyber Security emphasizes the detection and mitigation of security threats in information systems. The Concentration in Information Technology emphasizes usability, security, and reliability of IT infrastructures, as well as writing and communications skills. The Concentration in Software Engineering integrates mathematics and computer science to achieve classical engineering approaches to software system problem solving. The Concentration in Web Development emphasizes software development using Internet and World-Wide Web technologies that are increasingly the default model for business-customer interaction. These five concentrations prepare students for a wide variety of jobs or graduate studies. The Concentration in Financial Services Informatics is designed to meet the needs of the financial services sector with a unique combination of finance and information technology courses, industry internships, and sponsored capstone projects.
A common feature of this degree program is that students in all concentrations must complete a course in critical thinking (PHIL 1106 ) and a course in ethics that addresses issues of information technology. A special section of LBST 2211 (Ethical Issues in Personal, Professional, and Public Life) will be designated as Ethical Issues: Technology (EI:T). Software and Information Systems majors who complete this section of LBST 2211 (identified as ITIS 2211 for registration purposes) will fulfill both departmental and General Education Requirements for a course in ethical issues and cultural critique.
