Computer Science and Information Technology Majors

Chenglie Hu	Professor
Michael G. Konemann	Associate Professor
Margaret Polk	Associate Professor
Marie S. Schwerm	Distinguished Lecturer

Mission Statement

In accordance with the mission of Carroll University, the Computer Science and IT Programs provide an excellent and state-of-the-art educational opportunity for students based on their individual skill sets, interests and career goals in the areas of modern software development, business problem solving, and IT problem solving and support. Both programs enable students to combine their theoretical and technical understanding with their broad-based liberal-arts education to think analytically and critically when designing and implementing software or IT solutions.

General

The Computer Science and IT programs are grounded in the liberal arts tradition, balance theory and practice, and focus on the problem-solving skills necessary for life-long learning in a field characterized by rapid change in technology. We succeed in our mission by preparing our students through classroom work and appropriate external internships to secure fulfilling careers in the field of their choosing.

The world has been in an era of rapid technological advancement. The Internet, World Wide Web, and Mobile Computing have increasingly become critically important in corporate strategies, people’s social lives and personal development. We recognize this by integrating the latest technologies into the curricula. The curricula are designed to emphasize problem solving, multiple programming paradigms, and higher order thought processes that will always be needed by corporate America under any business models.

Students interested in Gaming are encouraged also pursue a Video Game Studies minor, an interdisciplinary minor housed in the English program. This minor provides solid foundations in creativity and strategical design for game development, which complements the technical skills developed as a Computer Science major.

Computer science and information technology students at Carroll work on state-of-the-art computing facilities with the latest software application packages. They have access to Microsoft, Macintosh, and Unix/Linux computing platforms, and Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server Database Management Systems via the campus-wide network. There is equipment exclusively available for the use of computer science and information technology majors.

Learning Outcomes for Computer Science Major

Graduates of the Computer Science Program are able to:

Problem-solve (for business, scientific, Web, and recreational problems) through programming using multiple programming paradigms, enterprise resources, different software development frameworks, sound software design techniques and software engineering practices.
Successfully work in or be adapted to an organization in any business setting to meet technology challenges.
Further their academic pursuits and meet challenges in graduate schools by having the necessary body of theory that underpins the discipline of computer science.
Demonstrate an understanding of ethics as it applies to the discipline of computer science.
Work effectively as part of a team.

Learning Outcomes for Information Technology Major

Graduates of the Information Technology Program are able to:

Think creatively and analytically in technological problem-solving.
Problem-solve using productivity software and through computer programming.
Demonstrate an understanding of information system and technology evaluation and management.
Demonstrate an understanding of the application of new and developing technologies with sensitivity for security and ethical issues at global, societal, organizational, and personal levels.
Work effectively as part of a team.