Computer and Information Sciences

Computer science is not just coding languages and hardware; it’s a discipline that helps to provide understanding of the world around us, while at the same time empowering society. As a fundamental discipline, computer science provides information on how computers work, from the systems that utilize them to the design and development of applications, websites, software, and more. Majoring in computer science enables you to develop and hone skills in programming, systems design, hardware, graphic design, user experience (UX), user interactions (UI), algorithms, and more. By joining the Computer and Information Sciences major at Chestnut Hill College, you join others in thinking creatively, logically, and quantitatively for the betterment of society.

WHY STUDY COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AT CHC?

At CHC, you will become familiar with a variety of hardware and software technologies and gain enough background and problem-solving experience to adapt to the technologies you will meet in the workplace. Along with classroom instruction from highly qualified and experienced professors, you will earn a well-rounded liberal arts education that will help you think for yourself and overlay your career decisions with an ethical perspective.

Concentrations to Fit Your Career Goals

Along with earning a well-rounded liberal arts education that will help you think for yourself and overlay your career decisions with an ethical perspective, the concentrations in CIS offer students the ability to dive deeper into a selection of topics that they find interesting. Students complete 11 classes (33 credits) as part of the major, partnered with 11 to 13 additional courses in a concentration to finish out the major. There is no pressure to choose your concentration until the Fall of your Sophomore year. Six concentrations are currently offered within the major, with the potential for additional work: Computer Management, Programming, Application Development, Interactive Design, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

CompTIA Partnership

Chestnut Hill College is also a partner with CompTIA, a leader in tech career certification. Students are prepared to earn certifications such as A+, Network+, Cloud+, Server+, and more. Preparation software is currently included in the Griffin Textbook Direct program at Chestnut Hill College. This software is worth at least $150 per certification and is included in the curriculum for you as a student.

Teaching Methods

With a mixture of in-person, hybrid, and online courses, students can gain knowledge from industry leaders alongside their professors in a variety of topics. The CIS program offers dedicated lab spaces, allowing students to get hands-on experience with a range of hardware and software technologies. This provides the background and problem-solving experience necessary to adapt to the technologies you will encounter in the workplace.

Interdisciplinary Work

Students are encouraged to explore not only computer science but also minors that complement their skill sets and interests, such as mathematics, data science, business administration, cybersecurity, digital forensics, marketing, psychology, social sciences, or other relevant fields. Students who opt to explore outside of their majors often find success in niche fields that may not be traditional tracks.

Technology Requirements

All students majoring in Computer and Information Sciences will need their own laptop. The preference is a Windows 11 (64-bit version), but with Virtual Machine capabilities, a MacBook may also be appropriate, depending on the concentration. Memory should be at least 16 GB, with CPU support for virtualization technologies. Hard drive space should be 500 GB or greater. If a laptop is not accessible to students to purchase, desktops are available in the lab space and are available 24/7.

DEGREE OPTIONS

Major
Computer and Information Sciences
Minor
Computer Science

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