Computer and Information Science (BA, BS)

Computing has become the key enabler of fabulously rapid advances that have occurred, and that will continue for the foreseeable future, across all disciplines of the academy and throughout all segments of society. This makes Computer Information Science (CIS) a very interdisciplinary field. Fundamentals include algorithms and data structures, programming languages, computer architecture and graphics.

CIS is an interdisciplinary major delivered by both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering.

Major Details

Future Students

Academic Advisors

Schedule an Appointment

(614) 292-6961
Call for the following:
• Exploring and/or declaring a major
• Degree Planning/Progress Checks
• Scheduling
• Applying to graduate
• Preparing for graduate or professional school
• Petitions
• Other academic advising matters

Leslie Dowler (major advising, BS)

dowler.25@osu.edu
(614) 292-1900
374 Dreese Laboratories
2015 Neil Ave.

Nikki Strader (major advising, BA)

strader.1@osu.edu
(614) 292-1900
374 Dreese Laboratories
2015 Neil Ave.

Meg Downing (GE, degree planning)

downing.226@osu.edu
4060 Smith Laboratory
174 W. 18th Avenue

Michelle Daymon (GE, degree planning)

daymon.1@osu.edu
100 Denney Hall
164 Annie & John Glenn Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210

Affiliated Departments & Centers

Mathematics, Department of

Associated Facilities

Math Tower

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Because computing is essential in all areas of society, the demand for people skilled in the computing field continues to grow. Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for U.S. job growth in the next decade show computing jobs comprising the top two — and half of the top ten — positions in the rankings for jobs requiring an undergraduate degree. Beginning salaries average near $60,000.

Department of Computer Science and Engineering Association for Computing Machinery for Women Buckeye Hackers

Students interested in CIS as a major should develop strong oral and written communication skills, should become accustomed to teamwork and understanding people from different cultures. CIS combines the technical study of both software and hardware, with an emphasis on the former. The BS in CIS involves a more substantial computing component and more of a science focus than the BA in CIS.

courses you might take:

CSE 2221: Software I: Software Components

Intellectual foundations of software engineering; design-by-contract principles; mathematical modeling of software functionality; component-based software from client perspective; layered data representation.

CSE 2501: Social, Ethical and Professional Issues in Computing

Social, ethical, and professional issues facing computing professionals; ethical principles; discussion of case studies.

CSE 1223: Introduction to Computer Programming in Java

Introduction to computer programming and to problem solving techniques using computer programs; programming lab experience.

Ohio State nav bar