Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers)

The following are the most frequently asked questions about the CIS Department and our programs. The answers that we give here should answer most of your questions. If you have others, please contact us at 302-831-2712.

What is the difference between the various majors offered by the department and the College of Business and the College of Engineering?

The BS in Computer and Information Sciences is intended for students who want a strong a technical educaiton in computer systems, software development, and theory of computation.
The BS in Information Systems is intended for students who want to emphasize the design of new software technology for business applications.
The BS in Management Information Systems offered by the College of Business is intended for students who want to leverage information technology to solve business problems.
The BS in Computer Engineering offered by the College of Engineering is intended for students who want to apply electrical engineering principles to the design of computers, networks of computers, or sometimes systems that include computers.

Does the curriculum consist of teaching lots of different computer languages?

No. First, not every CS course requires programming, but the majority that do use C++, taught mostly in the second and third required classes. Students also learn a bit of Scheme in the Intro course, and Java as a standard Object Oriented software engineering language, and typically pick up a few other languages depending on thier interests.

OK, but then what is in the curriculum?

Following those first two courses, there are required courses in data organization, computer algorithms and theory, operating systems, computer architecture and software engineering. At the junior and senior levels, students choose courses (with their advisor's approval) within CIS and related disciplines that best suit their individual interests.

Do you offer courses in Web page design?

The CISC department offers courses in Java and Web programming, but not courses involving Web design. There are courses in Web design offered by the Art Department. One option is to be a CISC major with a concentration in Web programming and design. The concentration would include courses in Web programming in the CISC department along with Web design courses in the Art Department.

Do most entering CIS freshmen know how to program?

No. Entering CIS freshman start by taking CISC108, which teaches them the basics of how to design programs, assuming not much more than high school algebra.

Are there internship programs for students?

There is no formal internship program. Many students do obtain summer jobs/internships, particularly after their junior year. Students find out about these positions through notices from the CIS department, from the University Placement Office, and by word of mouth.

What are the job prospects in computer science?

Excellent - at the present time virtually all CIS students receive multiple job offers.

Do CIS students complete their degree in four years?

If they entered as a CIS major, usually yes. If they changed into a CIS major from their original major, then sometimes yes, and sometimes no.

What are the major strengths of the faculty in CIS?

Computer networks, computer systems, and artificial intelligence (especially natural language processing).

How big is the CIS department?

We have about 250 undergraduate majors, 19 full time faculty, and about 100 graduate students.

What kinds of jobs do students obtain upon graduation?

Almost all start out as programmers. About 1/3 take positions with the computer industry (IBM, Microsoft, etc.), and about 2/3 take positions with applications industries (banking, chemical, etc.). An increasing number are taking positions with consulting firms.

What is the difference between the programs in Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) and those in Computer Engineering?

CIS focuses on computer software and providing students with the knowledge to build large and small pieces of software, while Computer Engineering focuses more on the hardware side: how to build physical devices, machines, networks, etc. Additionally, a CISC major takes liberal arts courses outside their major courses, while a CPEG major takes engineering courses outside their major courses.

Is there a minor in CIS?

Yes - the CIS minor is described here.

What is the difference between computer science and computer & information science?

None - the word information is in our title for historical reasons.

How much teaching is done by graduate students?

It is rare for a CIS graduate student to have lecture responsibility. Graduate students act as graders for many courses, and supervise lab sessions for courses with labs.

What is the quality of the faculty in CIS in terms of teaching?

Excellent - of our 19 faculty, six have received the University Excellence in Teaching Award within the past 10 years (among the 1000 UD faculty, only four are so honored each year). And, we have many others who are strong contenders for this award. We pride ourselves on the overall excellence of our teaching.

Can we take a tour of the department?

We recommend the standard University admissions office tour. On this tour you see classrooms and computer labs, and that is what we use for our classes and students.