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About CS/IS @ GFU
Computer Science, in the words of Aho & Ullman, is "[fundamentally] a science of abstraction - creating the right model for thinking about a problem and devising the appropriate mechanizable techniques to solve it." Computer Science is not primarily about programming, although computer scientists express solutions to problems via "programs" that can be executed by computing machines. Ultimately the Science of Computing seeks to address the question of what can be automated and how to do so. Students studying Computer Science at George Fox University are introduced to the fundamental principles and mechanisms of modeling, abstraction, and problem-solving using computers. The knowledge of these principles, rooted in mathematics, logic and language, prepares students to understand the essence of the Science of Computing and to continue to adapt to this evolving field. Along the way students will be introduced to a wide range of state-of-the-art programming languages and techniques, software systems, computing devices, and computing technologies. Information Systems studies the integration of information technology solutions and business processes to meet the needs of an organization, enabling them to effectively achieve their objectives. Information Systems requires an understanding of both the technical and organizational factors that affect the creation and deployment of information technology solutions. [top]The curriculum begins with a sequence of courses that introduce students to programming and problem-solving in modern programming languages using object-oriented techniques - no prior programming experience is required. Students typically begin the sequence in the fall of their Freshman year. After the introductory sequence, the curriculum includes a wide variety of courses that cover the core elements of a traditional Computer Science or Information Systems curriculum including Software Engineering, System and Network Administration, Algorithms, Computer Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Networking, Computer Architecture, etc. The curriculum culminates in a two-course Senior Seminar in which students complete a non-trivial software engineering project in conjunction with a project-sponsor or conduct novel research into a selected area of Computer Science or Infomation Systems. [top]Why CS/IS @ GFU?The Computer Science and Information Systems Department at GFU is a small, diverse, close-knit group of faculty, staff and students who develop close relationships during their time together. The setting is ideal for students seeking a smaller, more intimate department where they can receive more personal attention and instruction. Classes have small enrollments (typically 15 or less for upper-division courses) and are taught exclusively by department faculty who have broad experience in industrial and academic settings and remain active and current via consulting relationships with industry and through academic research. Our curriculum covers the core elements of a Computer Science and Information Systems education as put forth in Computing Curricula 2005 published jointly by the Computer Society of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE-CS), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the Association for Information Systems (AIS); we do not aspire to simply train students in the implementation and use of technology but to broadly educate students in the disciplines of Computer Scientist and Information Systems. Despite our small size, our department has dedicated facilities in the form of two laboratories located in the Edwards-Holman Science Building. Our labs are routinely upgraded with modern computing equipment for exclusive use by students majoring and minoring in Computer Science or Information Systems. In addition, students benefit from our relationship with the Department of Engineering enabling students to include elective courses in relevant Electrical Engineering subjects such as Digital Logic, Robotics, and Microprocessors. Prospective students should feel free to contact any of the faculty with questions about Computer Science and Information Systems at GFU - we'd love to hear from you and would be happy to answer any questions you have about pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Information Systems at George Fox Univeristy. [top]What happens after I graduate?Despite what many prospective students have heard, jobs in Computer Science and Information Systems are plentiful and opportunities for further study at the graduate level abound. As the U.S. Department of Labor notes, the outlook for job growth in the industry is excellent. Many of our alumni immediately enter the workforce while others continue on to graduate study in Computer Science. Our proximity to the high-tech centers surrounding the Portland metropolitan area offers many opportunities for employment. Some students obtain internships with local high-tech employers that become full-time positions upon graduation. As you can see from the partial-list below, our alumni are successfully employed in a wide range of industries.
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