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Computer and Information Science

About the Computer and Information Science Program

Science, technology, information, and contemporary business methods demand computer science expertise in the areas of analysis and problem solving. A computer and information science major or minor at Spring Arbor University approaches the fundamental concepts of the discipline (algorithms and data structures, programming languages, architecture, software methodology and engineering, artificial intelligence, operating systems, database, numerical and symbolic computation and human-computer communication) from the perspective of theory, abstraction, design and social context. These concepts are applied in the laboratory setting, giving students practical experience.

Why should you choose SAU’s computer science program?

The computer science program has adopted a breadth-first approach to the discipline, exposing students to major concepts early in their experience. This approach is based on the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) curriculum guidelines. Students apply these concepts as they analyze and develop solutions in the laboratory setting. Small class sizes provide many opportunities for one-on-one interaction between faculty and students. Early in their programs, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the discipline by working as lab assistants and in other computer-related jobs on campus.

Courses, Course Descriptions & Four-Year Plan

The Computer and Information Science major has a total of 47 credit hours. The major program courses are:

  • CPS 105 Introduction to Linux
  • CPS 201 Coding I
  • CPS 202 Coding II
  • CPS 203 Web Design and Development
  • CPS 301 Data Structures and Algorithms
  • CPS 303 Data Management
  • CPS 307 Mobile App Programming
  • CPS 312 Collaborative IT Project
  • CPS 314 Operating Systems and Cloud Computing
  • CPS 315 Web Services, API and Data Services
  • CPS 318 Introduction to Data Science
  • CPS 403 Information Assurance and Security
  • CPS 404 IT Service Management
  • CPS 429 IT Systems Analysis and Design I
  • CPS 431 IT Systems Analysis and Design II
  • MAT 351 Statistics
  • MGT 411 Project Management

For more information and descriptions, see the undergraduate catalog.

Career Opportunities

Students majoring in computer science are prepared to enter business and industry with skills in areas of software development, networking and systems analysis. Information systems support is required across all sectors of the economy. Computer scientists are in demand by business, industry and government agencies, and this demand is expected to continue.

Students minoring in computer science develop computer competencies and technical skills, which can increase their marketability when competing for career opportunities within their major field. Visit our career development page.