Computing and Information Technology Major
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Robert M. Whitnell, Associate Professor of Chemistry
While computing and information technology is based on a solid foundation of computer science concepts, the field changes so rapidly that hardware and software learned one year may be replaced by a different set of tools very quickly. The major in computing and information technology (CMIT) provides students with the conceptual background and practical skills to negotiate the continually changing structure of information technology.
All students pursuing the computing and information technology major take two foundation courses (CMIT 140 and CMIT 141) to learn the fundamental concepts of computer science and the logic of computer programming. A third foundation course (CMIT 221) provides the overview of how these concepts are implemented in current information systems. Students then take a two-course sequence in either software engineering (CMIT 201 and CMIT 340) or operating systems and computer networking (CMIT 321 and CMIT 322). Further electives allow students to pursue further interests in any of these areas as well as in computer graphics, computer security or the connection between computing and related fields such as mathematics, philosophy or art. Finally, all students complete a required capstone course or senior project.
Students who complete the requirements for the computing and information technology major will obtain a background in the concepts of computer science and tools of computer programming, an in-depth focus on computer software or hardware and a set of advanced courses that allow them to pursue employment in a large number of fields that require a strong information technology background or further graduate study in information systems.
Degrees Offered
The Bachelor of Science is offered in computing and information technology.
Major Requirements
Students pursuing the major in computing and information technology should have completed BUS 141 Introduction to Computers or have equivalent knowledge and skills. Students should also have satisfied the college’s quantitative literacy requirement before taking any of the required courses for the major. It is strongly recommended that students are extremely comfortable with algebra and trigonometric and logarithmic functions before they take the foundation courses. The major requires a minimum of 36 credit hours (nine courses).
Foundation Computer Science Courses |
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1. CMIT 140 Introduction to Computer Programming |
4 credits |
2. CMIT 141 Advanced Comptuer Programming |
4 credits |
3. CMIT 221 Foundations in Information Systems |
4 credits |
Focus in Software Engineering or Information Technology |
8 credits |
4-5. Software Engineering Focus |
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CMIT 201 Data Structures and Algorithms |
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CMIT 340 Software Engineering |
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4-5 Information Technology Focus |
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CMIT 321 Operating Systems |
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CMIT 322 (Inter)networking Computers |
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6-8 Three Electives from: |
12 credits |
Students may choose electives from the following list. At least eight (8) of the credits must be at the 300 level or above. Students should consult with their adviser to choose a set of electives that provide a course of study to meet their interests and needs. |
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Any CMIT course numbered 200 or above |
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ART 245 Digital Darkroom |
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BUS 241 Computers and Management |
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BUS 341 Management Information Systems |
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BUS/CMIT 342 Database Systems |
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BUS 344 E-Commerce |
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CMIT/THEA 274 Digital Graphic Design |
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GEOL 340 Images of the Earth |
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MATH 212 Discrete Mathematics I |
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MATH/PHYS 320 Mathematical Physics |
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MATH 325 Linear Algebra |
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MATH 412 Discrete Mathematics II |
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PHIL 241 Computer Ethics |
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PHIL 292 Formal Logic |
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PHIL 375 Topics in the Philosophy of Mind |
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Internships and independent study courses may be used as elective credits for the computing and information technology courses with prior approval from the coordinator of the major. |
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9. Capstone |
4 credits |
Students must complete one of the following. |
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CMIT 401/IDS 419: Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Life or |
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A senior project (CMIT 460, 4 credits) that demonstrates a synthesis of previous coursework for the major and that has a significant portion devoted to social, ethical, political, and/or philosophical aspects of computing. |
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Total credit hours required for B.S. degree in computing and information technology |
36 credits |
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Students who wish to pursue more advanced work in computing or computer science are encouraged to develop a strong background in mathematics with a concentration in mathematics for the sciences being especially appropriate. Courses in discrete mathematics and formal logic are particularly encouraged.