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Computer Science & Information Systems Department

Computer Science & Information Systems Department

The department offers four computing majors: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science (DS), Computer Science (CS), and Computer Information Systems (CIS). Through hands-on learning, real-world projects, and strong career preparation, students develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. The four majors are structured around a shared core of fundamental computing requirements, allowing students, through personalized advising, to pursue double majors such as AI and CS, AI and DS, or DS and CIS.

Majors

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, and you’ll be ready to lead what’s next. In Bradley’s AI program, you’ll build a strong foundation in programming, data structures, and computer science before exploring cutting-edge topics like machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and autonomous systems.
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Data Science

The Data Science major equips students with the skills to turn complex data into meaningful insight. This major reflects the rapidly growing demand for data professionals across virtually every industry. You’ll build a strong interdisciplinary foundation spanning computer science, mathematics, statistics, and business analytics, then apply that knowledge through coursework in machine learning, artificial intelligence, big data, and data mining. Utilizing industry-standard tools and programming languages, including Python, you’ll learn to apply modern machine learning and data analysis techniques to create modern solutions.
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Computer Science

With degree concentrations in Computer Game Technology, Data Science, Software, Web and Computer Security, or Artificial Intelligence. Also, minors are available in Computer Game Technology, Computer Science and Information Systems, or Data Science.
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Computer Information Systems

With degree concentrations in Computer Game Technology, Data Science, Software, Web and Computer Security, or Artificial Intelligence. Also, minors are available in Computer Game Technology, Computer Science and Information Systems, or Data Science.
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Graduate Programs

Computer Science (MS)

Advance your expertise in computer science and prepare for a dynamic career in network administration, database management, intelligent systems, software engineering, programming, and beyond.
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Computer Information Systems (MS)

Sharpen your skills in networks, systems design, and beyond.
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Data Science and Analytics – Computational Data Science (MS)

Become one of the experts that are answering the call for data mining and knowledge discovery.
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Minors

The Computer Game Technology minor provides students with essential background, understanding, knowledge, and skills in the practice of computer game software design and development. 

See full course requirements and minor details

The computer science and information systems minor, which is open to all students, gives you a foundation in software development and computer science basics.

You can customize the minor by choosing electives in databases, networking, software engineering, security, gaming or mobile computing. It’s often paired with engineering and interactive media majors.

See full course requirements and minor details

The data science minor, which is open to all students, gives you a basic understanding of tools to gather and understand large amounts of data.

These tools are important for economic management, wealth creation, life and health improvement, and other applications in engineering, science, business, health care and education. The minor is a valuable addition to business, science and engineering majors.

See full course requirements and minor details

Frequently Asked Questions

We do not require you to bring a desktop computer or laptop. However, any type of mobile PC would be the best so you can take your device to class (or anywhere else you want to take it). A PC is suggested because most of the computers in the department are PCs, and CS and IS registered students can get most MS software systems for free through the CS and IS Microsoft Imagine initiative.

  • If you will carry the laptop around all the time, then we recommend something smaller and lighter.
  • If you will mainly keep it in the room and watch movies on it, then we recommend something with a larger screen.
  • If you are interested in computer gaming, then we recommend a more powerful “desktop replacement” specialized gaming laptop (for example, Alienware), which will be more costly.

Recommended specifications

  • We recommend Dell computers. The brand is quite reliable and Bradley University has a relationship with Dell.
  • An Intel CPU with an i5 processor or greater
  • 8 GB or more of RAM
  • 512 GB or more HDD space
  • Screen size depends on how you will primarily use the laptop. A 15-inch or 17-inch screen should be fine.
  • Standard configuration has a 6-cell battery. If you customize it, Dell offers a 9-cell battery. This will increase battery life, but it weighs and costs more.
  • Most MS programming development environments and software tools are available through Microsoft Imagine initiative, however MS Office is not available. Students can get OpenOffice or purchase MS Office at a discounted rate at Bradley Computing Services.
  • Students also can take advantage of the Employee Purchase Program (EPP) at Bradley University with the same savings as employees.

Computer Science (CS) and Computer Information Systems (CIS) degrees are both offered within the Department. A CS degree delves more into theory and integrates more programming courses throughout the curriculum. A CIS degree focuses on applications and information technology infrastructure. CS and CIS course requirements do overlap; however, and several courses are required for both. 

Location of classes are based on the material being taught. With our new labs, many of the programming courses are taught within the labs, or split between a lab and a classroom. Courses that cover more theory are taught primarily in traditional classrooms. 

International students are welcome to apply for the graduate or undergraduate program. The department has had great success in educating many international students. Bradley University also supports international students through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The Center plans several activities throughout the year, including an international Food Festival where groups of international students prepare their traditional dishes for other students. 

Since computing and informatics are now integrated into almost every other discipline at some level, minors are strongly encouraged. For example, a minor in biology would give you more leverage seeking employment as a computer scientist in research labs and related medical positions.

A minor in music or multimedia would give you more leverage seeking employment in a music related field or in integrating multimedia into computer science projects. A minor in game design would provide you more in-depth knowledge and leverage seeking employment as a computer game designer and software developer.

CS and IS curriculum follows the joint curriculum guidelines of two major professional associations in computing – ACM and IEEE. The distinctive feature of CS and IS curriculum is that it provides undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to concentrate on one or two special areas in computing as an integral part of program of study. A combination of a B.S. or M.S. degree in CS or CIS with one or two concentrations significantly increases employment opportunities for our graduates.

The majority of courses, particularly CS courses, are taught by full-time faculty who hold weekly office hours. Part-time instructors are typically specialists in their fields as well, and include a corporate attorney teaching computer law and an IT manager teaching computing management. 

The Department works with the Smith Career Center in providing support for interviews and resume development. The placement rate for CS graduates is very high, given the current need for computer scientists in the labor market. Contact the Smith Career Center for actual figures and average salary offers of recent graduates.

The department offers an exciting new course on Artificial Intelligence that is designed to be accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds: CS 111, AI for All: Artificial Intelligence for Life, Society, and Disciplines.  This course emphasizes conceptual understanding, applied reasoning, ethical reflection, and entrepreneurial thinking rather than programming.

If you intend to take only one course in the department and desire a detailed treatment of a programming language, you should enroll in CS 101 or CS 141. You should take CIS 300 if you desire a general discussion of computers and the impact on society.

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