Computer and Information Science

Overview

Topics studied include algorithms and data structures, programming languages, computer architecture, computer graphics, operating systems, software engineering systems analysis, database systems, artificial intelligence, information security, and networking.

A computing professional analyzes a situation in an application domain, such as biology and medicine, business, engineering, law and public policy, science, and sociology; carefully specifies the problems to be addressed; and then designs, evaluates, implements and tests computer-based solutions to those problems. 

Students of the Computer and Information Science program at The Ohio State University can pursue either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. The BS involves a more substantial computing component and more of a science focus than the BA. Both degree programs are offered through the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

• Computer science and engineering (CSE) jointly offered in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the College of Engineering: almost identical to the CIS major, with additional math and engineering courses and fewer general education courses
• Electrical and computer engineering in the College of Engineering: shares several computing courses with the CSE major but is more hardware-oriented in its other courses

Possible careers

Because computing is essential in all areas of society, the demand for people skilled in the computing field continues to grow. Contrary to popular misconception, offshoring of (lower-level) IT jobs is a secondary factor in job growth for the computing profession. Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for U.S. job growth in the next decade show computing jobs, of the sort computer and information science (CIS) graduates might take, comprising the top two—and half of the top ten—positions in the rankings for jobs requiring an undergraduate degree. This is after accounting for the impact of offshoring. 

Computer software and hardware vendors hire CIS graduates in areas such as software and hardware product development, quality assurance, customer support, sales and marketing, documentation, and training. Organizations that use these products (such as hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, banks, insurance companies and manufacturing firms) hire CIS graduates as software engineers building system foundations as well as end-user applications, and as systems analysts, database administrators and network administrators, as well as for other types of positions. Most large companies have internal computing departments that develop custom products for use by other departments within the same company. Considerable growth is also occurring in companies focusing on social media and information security.