Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between the CS and the CIS major?
Computer Science (CS) and Computer Information Systems (CIS) degrees are both offered within the Department. A CS degree delves more into the science of computers, including theory, and integrates more programming courses throughout the curriculum. A CIS degree incorporates more business practices and application of current technologies. CS and CIS course requirements do overlap, however, and several courses are required for both.
2. Are classes taught in a traditional classroom or within a lab?
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.
3. What resources are available to international students?
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 Multicultural Center. 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.
4. Under the current curriculum, is it possible for students to have time to pursue a minor in another area?
Since computer science is now integrated into every other discipline at some level, minors are strongly encouraged. A minor, for example, in biology would give a student more leverage in seeking employment as a computer scientist in research labs and related medical positions. A minor in music or multimedia would give a student more leverage in seeking employment in a music related field or in integrating multimedia into computer science projects.
5. How has your curriculum been developed?
Curriculum is developed based on input from the Joint Task Force on Curriculum by the ACM and IEEE professional organizations. A curriculum change is expected to be in place in Fall 2007 based on the ACM/IEEE Computing Curricula 2001 report.
Though the curriculum is being changed, students entering the department under the current curriculum will be able to graduate as previously anticipated with required classes.
6. Do full-time or part-time faculty teach the classes?
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, a IT manager teaching Computer Information Management, and several others.
7. What are your placement rates? (How many students receive employment offers upon graduation?)
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.