2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Computer and Information Science
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 Return to: College of Professional Studies
The Computer and Information Science Department (DCIS) supports three distinctly different majors - Computer Science, Data Science, and Computer Information Systems.
The Computer Science (COMS) major has as its focus core CS areas of software design, data representation, data management, and transmission of data via files and networks. Application areas engaging CS majors are web development, computer hardware organization, networking, security, graphics, simulation and artificial intelligence. Generally, graduates of this program of study are recruited as systems programmers/administrators (with responsibilities in the areas of compiler, operating system or utility program design), network, database or security administrators, web programmers, scientific or application software engineers, designers, or analysts. For a detailed listing of the computer science program goals and outcomes, please see below.
The Data Science (DS) major emphasizes core competencies related to data analytics, machine learning, and computational fluency through applied, real-world problem solving. This program will allow students to understand modern notions in data analysis-oriented computing, build and assess data-based models, design and manage a variety of databases and structures, process data in distributed environments, develop Python/R coding skills to work with TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras and other machine learning libraries, design computer information systems by applying analysis and design techniques, apply common algorithms to tackle real-world data-driven problems and communicate appropriate solutions effectively. Students earning a degree in Data Science are needed in almost every field, from government security to priority industries like healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Data scientists can provide data modeling to provide insights and assist strategic decision-making concerning health systems. In Advanced Manufacturing, data scientists can use predictive analytics to reduce downtime in manufacturing operations by monitoring data on equipment performance and predicting failures. Almost any kind of business can use data-informed decision making to assist in repurposing their operations to meet future economic conditions. Data science careers are in high demand and this trend will not be slowing down any time soon.
The Computer Information Systems (CIS) major has as its focus the processing of data for business or government use. File processing and database management are central to this activity, which typically includes replication of clerical function, generation of management reports, and provision of decision support information. Graduates of this program typically are recruited as business application programmers, web designers, database developers or administrators, technical writers, network administrators or support staff, or as end-user computing support personnel.
Both the Computer Science and Computer Information Systems programs of study are based on the curricular recommendations of the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Both programs of study have undergone curricular revision recently, and are kept up-to-date through not only their required courses, but also the choice of electives contained within each. The Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
In addition, a minor in Computer and Information Science is available to students who are not majoring in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems. The dramatically increasing pervasiveness of computers in society makes this an attractive adjunct for students in numerous disciplines. It requires that a student complete 18 credit hours of CAIS-labeled coursework that is planned and approved in conjunction with a Computer and Information Science faculty advisor.
Transfer Student Policy
Any transfer student shall be required to take at least 18 credit hours of Westfield State University CAIS-labeled coursework, as well as meet any other programmatic requirements that may be in effect at the time and/or applicable to the student, in order to receive a Westfield State University degree in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems. Also, for the Computer Information Systems major, a minimum of two courses (6-8 credits) of the 4 course (12-15 credit) requirement of Tier 2 and/or Tier 3 elective coursework required must be satisfied by coursework taken from the Computer and Information Science Department at Westfield State University.
ProgramsMajorMinorCoursesComputer and Information Science
Note: “Knowledge of a high-level programming language” may be satisfied by CAIS 0117 , CAIS 0120 CAIS 0131, CAIS 0132 , CAIS 0205 , CAIS 0212 , or comparable previous programming experience.
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