The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science provides a solid foundation in computer science, combined with a liberal arts education and high-level Jewish studies coursework. The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science is designed to prepare students for positions as computer science professionals in business, industry, or government, as well as for graduate study in computer science. The program is focused on encouraging and supporting Jewish women as they move into careers in technology where women are a vastly underrepresented population.
Program Goals
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, graduates will demonstrate the ability to:
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Apply an understanding of major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends for resolving real computer science problems.
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Apply algorithmic, mathematical, and scientific reasoning to a variety of computational problems.
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Implement software systems that meet specified design and performance requirements.
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Use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and solve computational problems and address issues in the communal and professional world.
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Work effectively with technical and non-technical team members, clients, and customers, while meeting the social and ethical responsibilities of the computer science profession and the professional world.
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Exhibit intercultural competence and attention to diversity, within and beyond the Jewish community, in addressing civic, social, environmental, and economic issues of the computer science field and communal life.
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Use effective oral and written communication skills to present ideas in the workplace and broader community.
Degree Requirements
The program of study for the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science consists of 120 credits as follows:
General Education Requirements 60 credits
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Requires completion of STA 201 within the general education requirements: Introduction to Statistics (3 credits) Develops an understanding of statistical methodology and use of critical judgment in analyzing data sets. Includes descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, introduction to probability, both normal and binomial distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, linear regression, and correlation. Emphasizes developing the practical skills of interpreting and reporting descriptive and inferential univariate and bivariate statistical information. Prerequisite(s): None
Major Requirements 36 Credits
Computer Programming I CIS 213 (3 credits) Introduces programming concepts using the Java SE programming language. Focuses on strategies for approaching programming problems and designing elegant, object-oriented software solutions. Prerequisite(s): None
Data Structures CIS 241 (3 credits) Explores the important data structures, both within programs and external to programs. Introduces the students to both the logical data structures as well as alternative physical implementations of those structures. Explores structures including linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, and relational databases, and structures for storing databases on external media. Discusses the analysis of algorithms that utilize data structures. Prerequisite(s): CIS 213 (Computer Programming I)
Database Management Systems CIS 311 (3 credits) Focuses on relational database architecture and concepts associated with the design and construction of databases. Examines business requirements and the resulting design of effective relational database solution. Introduces common workplace SQL tasks, such as creating databases, tables, forms, reports, queries, and forms. Covers the logical organization of a database, database design, relational model, relational languages (SQL), database architecture, data normalization, data modeling, database integrity, entity-relationship theory, and the client/server environment. Prerequisite(s): None
Computer Programming II CIS 315 (3 credits) Focuses on object-oriented programming concepts using the Java Standard Edition and Java Enterprise Edition programming language and demonstrates how to approach problems and design elegant, object-oriented software solutions. Introduces programming for the World Wide Web using HTML/CSS and Java Enterprise Edition technologies. Prerequisite(s): CIS 213 (Computer Programming I)
Computer Systems Architecture CIS 330 (3 credits) Provides a fundamental understanding of computer architecture that is key for programming, compilers, operating systems, and higher-level languages. Introduces the basic principles and hardware structures of a modern programmable computer. Covers the major architectural components of the computer, computer arithmetic, basic logical circuit design, interrupts, and the role of the operating system. Utilizes assembly language programming for the Intel 80x86 processors to provide a concrete example of how theory works in practice. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): One programming language course
Senior Seminar in Computer Science CIS 490 (3 credits) Builds upon foundational computer programming knowledge skills through a guided independent research seminar. Engages students in an independent research project resulting in an original project or program. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 (English Composition I) and senior standing as a Computer Science major or faculty permission
Requires an additional 9 credits in computer science electives
Programming in Python CIS 204 (3 credits) Covers programming and problem-solving using Python. Emphasizes principles of software development, creating algorithms, and testing. Focuses on procedures and functions, iteration, lists, dictionaries, strings, and function calls. Prerequisite(s): None
Data, Computer Systems and Networks CIS 210 (3 credits) This course provides a general overview of information technologies that enable the student to fully engage as a knowledge worker that uses and interacts with computer systems, networks, and information technologies that are used in today's business environment. Topics include digital information systems, hardware and software, operating systems, the Internet, data communications, systems development life cycle, and information security. The goal is to help students achieve a level of technological fluency essential for information professionals across a variety of specific career interests. Prerequisite(s): None
Programming Languages CIS 351 (3 credits) Introduces concepts of programming language design and implementation through formal definition of a language’s specification of syntax and semantics. Compares the programming elements of various languages with specific emphasis on Perl, for the imperative language paradigm, and Java for the object-oriented language paradigm. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): CIS 315 (Computer Programming II)
Web Programming CIS 365 (3 credits) Introduces the current standard of HTML. Explores the basics of Cascading Style Sheets for the design and layout of webpages, as well as the basics of client side scripting through Javascript and server side scripting through Hypertext Preprocessor. Examines databases for websites and the use of Structured Query Language to connect to the databases. Prerequisite(s): CIS 315 (Computer Programming II) or faculty permission
Independent Study in Computer Science CIS 406 (3 credits) Provides an opportunity to develop advanced knowledge in the field of computer science and examine an area of interest related to computer science. May involve the completion of independent research or an in-depth project related to the field of computer science. Enrollment requires development of a written independent study proposal and pre-approval by the Academic Dean. Limited to a maximum of 6 credits over the course of the degree. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing in the Computer Science major or minor; minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in the major or minor
Internship in Computer Science CIS 499 (1-3 credits) Provides an opportunity for exploration of the computer science field in a professional setting. Allows students to integrate theory and practice and engage in a team-based work environment. Requires completion of 45-135 clock hours under the supervision of a computer science professional. Requires a special application. Prerequisite(s): Computer science major or minor with junior standing or higher
Requires 9 credits in advanced mathematics
Calculus I MAT 231 (3 credits) Introduces the study of calculus and reviews of the nature of functions. Includes limits and continuity involving algebraic and trigonometric functions. Covers differentiation of algebraic functions and trigonometric functions and applications of the derivative using techniques of differentiation. Further covers topics of integration, including integration of algebraic functions numerical integration and applications of the integral. Prerequisite(s): MAT 121 (College Algebra) or equivalent (or high school pre-calculus)
Calculus II MAT 232 (3 credits) Continues the study of calculus. Covers the application of indefinite and definite integration, integration of logarithms, exponential and trigonometric functions, and mathematical models. Focuses on how to integrate functions through a number of common techniques and how to use integration to solve applied problems. Prerequisite(s): MAT 231 (Calculus I)
Discrete Structures and Algorithms MAT 240 (3 credits) Provides a comprehensive introduction to discrete mathematics and number theory, focusing on topics and techniques that are particularly relevant to computer science and algorithm design. Provides the necessary mathematical tools and reasoning skills for solving complex problems in algorithm design, cryptography, and data structures. Topics include sets, relations, proof methods, logic, mathematical induction and functions, Boolean algebra, graphs and trees, and matrix algebra. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): MAT 231 (Calculus I)
Linear Algebra MAT 320 (3 credits) Provides a basic framework and language for the study of calculus, differential equations, and modern algebra. Discusses how the concepts of linear algebra can be applied to fields such as computer science, engineering, and physical sciences. Encompasses the application of determinants, matrices, and vector equations. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): MAT 231 (Calculus I) or equivalent
Free Electives 24 credits
The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science requires a total of 36 credits in Jewish studies. The required credits in Jewish studies may be completed as part of the humanities, general education elective or free elective requirements.
A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at WITS, of which at least 15 credits must be at the 300/400 level.
A double major in Judaic Studies or a minor in another discipline may be completed in conjunction with the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science.