Department of Computer and Information Sciences

ADMINISTRATOR

TIMOTHY S. MYATT, Chair, Department of Computer and Information Sciences

 

FACULTY

MIRANDA KENDRIX, Associate Professor of Management and Information Technology, 2020—

BA, Saint Leo University; BS, Saint Leo University; MSA, Central Michigan University; MBA Central Michigan University; DBA, Argosy University; Lean Six Sigma Certified; Corporate Business Analysis Certified.

 

TIMOTHY S. MYATT, Professor of Information Technology and Management, 2012—

BA, Mount Vernon Nazarene University; MS, The Ohio State University; MBA, Mount Vernon Nazarene University; DBA, Anderson University.

STEPHEN SIMMERMAN, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, 2022—

BA, East Tennessee State University; MA, East Tennessee State University; MFA, Savannah College of Art and Design.

TY J. TABERNIK, Professor of Information Technology, 2006—

BA, Trevecca Nazarene University; MS, Purdue University; MBA, Trevecca Nazarene University; MHIIM, University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis; MA, Middle Tennessee State University; PhD, Capella University.

 

Department of Computer and Information Sciences General Information

The Department of Computer and Information Sciences provides associate and bachelor degree opportunities for those interested in pursuing careers in the various computing disciplines and domains.  The department offers the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS), the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS), the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), and partners with the Department of Business Administration to offer the Bachelor of Business Administration with Information Technology concentration (BBAIT).  In addition, the department offers Associate degrees in Computer Science (ASCS), Information Systems (ASIS), and Information Technology (ASIT).  The department offers a variety of concentrations and minors including web design and development, software engineering, game design and development, and forensics and cybersecurity.

In each degree program, students will be prepared to be exceptional communicators, collaborators, and solution partners through a hands-on curriculum.   Students work on stimulating business, science, and technical projects in order to prepare them for a professional career.  At the culmination of their studies students are immersed in a capstone experience where they complete the development of their portfolio to present to a panel of industry professionals.  This experience assists them to refine and finalize their portfolio for use in pursuing their career of choice.  By promoting scholarship in the concentrations, graduates will be positioned to enter STEM occupations with confidence.  As computing technologies proliferate globally into the 21st century, a degree in a computing discipline will continue to be professionally attractive and personally rewarding.

Mission Statement

The Department of Computer and Information Sciences exists to develop and equip exceptional collaborators who impact our world through transformative application of computer and information technology.

Objectives

  1. To develop the computing professional as communicator by solving business and science problems through the skills of identification, information gathering, analysis, generation of alternative solutions, prototyping and user testing, and evaluation of outcomes.  Further, the computing professional understands disparate roles in the creation of solutions for business and science problems, and exhibits the attributes of a good communicator in problem-solving in the following ways:
    1. implements and communicates solutions for business and science problems
    2. applies teamwork strategies for project implementation
    3. translates complex problems into understandable solutions
    4. understands and implements key tenets of digital citizenship
  2. To develop the computing professional as creative and technical problem solver by exposure to unique and challenging business and science problems that lead to competence as a problem solver in the following ways:
    1. analyzes business and science problems in order to understand how their business operates
    2. solves complex problems by developing and applying technology solutions
    3. designs solutions that apply creative problem-solving skills while applying new ideas
    4. interprets problems and solutions through a combination of business analysis, scientific analysis, and systems analysis
  3. To develop the computing professional as service partner by establishing a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with stakeholders demonstrated by:
    1. assessing business and science challenges in order to recommend technical solutions
    2. collaborating with stakeholders to align goals with IT capabilities
    3. assembling, presenting, and implementing technical plans
    4. organizing and leading teams integrating project management strategies
  4. To develop the computer professional with a computing domain entry-level competency in one of the following areas of specialization:
    1. web designer and developer
    2. software engineer
    3. game designer and developer
    4. forensics and cybersecurity specialist

    Student Learning Outcomes

    Computer Science

    Successful attainment of the aforementioned objectives by a graduate of the computer science program will be equipped to:

    1. analyze business and technical needs that lead to creative and meaningful hardware and software solutions through efficient and effective project management strategies
    2. design and develop complex algorithms and data structures for web-based client/server networked solutions and embedded systems in disparate and complex environments
    3. demonstrate skills in software engineering or game design through the development and presentation of a final project and portfolio 

    Information Systems

    Successful attainment of the aforementioned objectives by a graduate of the information systems program will be equipped to:

    1. analyze customer and technical needs that lead to creative and meaningful holistic information systems and solutions through efficient and effective project management strategies
    2. design information systems for global e-business from a foundational understanding of hardware, software, databases, and networking to improve and apply business intelligence
    3. demonstrate skills in IT architecture and enterprise applications through the development and presentation of a final project and portfolio

    Information Technology

    Successful attainment of the aforementioned objectives by a graduate of the information technology program will be equipped to:

    1. analyze customer and technical needs that lead to creative and meaningful hardware and software solutions through efficient and effective project management strategies
    2. develop software and database subsystems in the client/server architecture augmented by necessary cybersecurity for complex business problems
    3. demonstrate skills in web design and development, web architecture and administration, software engineering, and digital forensics and cybersecurity through the development and presentation of a final project and portfolio

    Requirements

    Students should plan their course of study with their advisor and adhere to prerequisites and course sequencing carefully.  One internship/cooperative experience of a minimum of 165 professional hours after completion of the junior year is required.

    Each student is responsible for supplying and maintaining a computer with hardware and software no older than five years throughout the entire program of study.  This computer must be portable and available during online and face-to-face instruction and learning.  The departmental programs assume this portable computer facilitates student multitasking in intricate detail and with adequate performance.  A webcam with microphone and wireless networking are also required.  Students may be required to purchase or subscribe to software that is course-specific.