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Simpson offers degrees in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems. Computer Science (CS) involves more math and theory, and is ideal for students who might go to graduate school. The CS degree is also good for jobs in scientific, engineering, and Independent Softare Vendor settings.
Computer Information Systems (CIS) includes classes in business and accounting. A CIS degree is ideal for a student interested in pursuing a job developing applications for businesses.
Below is the text from the 2007-2009 course catalog for Computer Science and Computer Information Systems. Also available is a graphic of course prerequisites.
Degree Requirements
Courses within the Computer Science Department carry the designation "CmSc" for Computer Science, or "CIS" for Computer Information Systems. Students may not declare majors in both Computer Science and Computer Information Systems. Students with a major in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems may not declare a minor in either program.
Cooperative Education experiences and Internships, while strongly encouraged, may not be used to fulfill elective credit requirements in either major.
Core Sequence in Computer Science and Computer Information SystemsThe following core sequence of courses provides the foundation for study in computer science and information systems by introducing computer programming, data structures, algorithms and computer hardware. This sequence is required of those completing a CmSc or CIS major, or CmSc Minor.
| Required Core Sequence | Hours | |
| CmSc 150 | Fundamentals of Computing I | 4 |
| CmSc 155 | Fundamentals of Computing II | 4 |
| CmSc 180 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| CmSc 220 | The Social Context of Computing | 3 |
| CmSc 265 | Computer Organization | 3 |
| Total | 17 |
Computer Science Major
The primary goal of the Computer Science major at Simpson College is to give students a foundation for advanced study and professional practice. The program outlined below is designed to provide a coherent and broad-based coverage of the discipline of computing, giving a reasonable level of understanding in each of the areas and processes that define the discipline, as well as the interrelationships among these areas.
Students planning graduate study in computer science are strongly encouraged to elect CmSc 315 Programming Languages and CmSc 365 Theory of Computation, and to take additional upper-division courses in Mathematics.
| Hours | ||
| Core CmSc Sequence (described above) | 17 | |
| CmSc 250 | Introduction to Algorithms | 4 |
| Capstone Course | 3 | |
| Electives | ||
| Five 300-level electives in CmSc/CIS | 15 | |
| Required Mathematics | ||
| Math 140 | Elements of Calculus | |
| - OR - | ||
| Math 151 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Math 201 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| Math 255 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Additional Electives | ||
| Three courses chosen from any 300-level CmSc course, or any CIS course numbered 255 or higher, or any Math course numbered 265 or higher | 9 | |
| Total Hours for Major | 58 |
Recommended Sequence of Study for the Computer Science major, by Entering Semester:
Entering in the Fall Semester
| Fall | Spring | |
| Freshman | CmSc 150 | CmSc 180 |
| Sophomore | CmSc 155 | CmSc 250 |
Entering in the Spring Semester
| Fall | Spring | |
| Freshman | CmSc 150 CmSc 180 |
|
| Sophomore | CmSc 155 | CmSc 250 |
Computer Information Systems Major
Students who major in Computer Information Systems will be prepared to play a key role in specifying, designing, and implementing information systems within large and small organizations.
Students completing this program will be able to function competently at an entry level information systems position as well as enter an advanced course of study in the information systems field. Since information systems are an integral part of organizations and business systems, introductory courses in the disciplines of accounting, management, and economics are included in this course of study. Information systems professionals must be able to perform quantitative analysis and communicate in quantitative terms. Thus supporting courses in mathematics and statistics are also required and recommended.
| Required | Hours | |
| Core CmSc Sequence (described above) | 17 | |
| Capstone Course | 3 | |
| Required CIS/CmSc Courses | ||
| CIS 255 | Introduction to Database Systems | 3 |
| CIS 355 | Advanced Database Systems | 3 |
| CmSc 375 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CIS/CmSc Electives | ||
| Any 4 CIS (260 or higher) or CmSc (250 or higher) courses not used above, at least one of which must be at the 300 level | 12-13 | |
| Required Supporting Courses | ||
| Acct 251 | Principles of Accounting I | 3 |
| Acct 252 | Principles of Accounting II | 3 |
| Econ 102 | Microeconomic Principles | 3 |
| Math 201 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| Magt 131 | Management Concepts | 3 |
| Total Hours for Major | 56-57 |
Note: Math 140 Elements of Calculus or Math 151 Calculus I is recommended for all students, particularly for those students who anticipate pursuing an advanced degree in information systems or business.
Recommended Sequences of Study for the Computer Information Systems major, by Entering Semester:
Entering in the Fall Semester
| Fall | Spring | |
| Freshman | CmSc 150 | CmSc 180 |
| Sophomore | CmSc 155 | CmSc 255 |
Entering in the Spring Semester
| Fall | Spring | |
| Freshman | CmSc 150 CmSc 180 |
|
| Sophomore | CmSc 155 | CmSc 255 |
Computer Science Minor
| Required | Hours | |
| Core CmSc Sequence (described above) | 17 | |
| Elective | ||
| Any 2 CIS or CmSc courses numbered 250 or higher | 6-7 | |
| Total Hours for Minor | 23-24 |
Computer Information Systems Minor
| Required | Hours | |
| CIS 135 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| CmSc 150 | Fundamentals of Computing I | 4 |
| CmSc 155 | Fundamentals of Computing II | 4 |
| CmSc 180 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| CIS 205 | Decision Support Systems | 3 |
| CIS 255 | Introduction to Database Systems | 3 |
| Total | 20 | |
| Elective | ||
| CIS/CmSc One course numbered 250 or higher | 3-4 | |
| Total Hours for Minor | 23-24 |