At Franciscan University, you can choose to major in either field of study. As a computer information science major, you’ll study both how technology works and how people use technology. You’ll receive a thorough grounding in hardware and software operations, as well as in business operations, acquiring the knowledge of people and computers necessary to help companies and organizations get the most out of the technology they use.
As a computer science major, you will study in depth the operation, design, and use of modern computer hardware and software systems. You will also receive a foundation in applying computing to mathematics, statistics, and operations research.
In both programs, your course work will be informed by the Franciscan tradition and the University’s Catholic heritage. You will learn how to apply sound moral and ethical reasoning to questions of design and use, and how to ensure that technology always respects the innate dignity of the human person. You’ll also learn how to navigate some of the most common ethical dilemmas that face those who work in the fields of computer information science and computer science.
If you choose to major in computer information science, you will need to complete 33 hours of course work in computer science, 9 hours in accounting, 18 hours in business administration, 6 hours in math, 6 hours in English, and 6 hours in economics. You will also be required to complete a senior thesis. This curriculum follows the guidelines set by the Association of Information Technology Professionals.
If you major in computer science, you will need to complete 41-44 hours of computer science course work (including at least 9 hours of upper level courses), 15-18 hours of mathematics, 6 hours of economics, and 6 hours of English. A senior thesis will also be required. This curriculum follows the guidelines set by the Association for Computing Machinery.
By the time you graduate, you will have the skills and experience you need to work with computer technology and in the computer technology industry. You will also have the ethical foundation necessary for making sound moral decisions about questions of hardware and software design and use.