COMPUTER SCIENCE and Information Technology (B.S., A.S.)
School of Business and Technology

Flexible Learning Format with convenient, accessible scheduling through online or classroom adult-oriented learning environments. Regional Accreditation — The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Affordable Tuition — Full-time financial aid availability and reasonable costs. Faculty — Academic credentials and real-world experience.

These days, it’s hard to pick up a newspaper or watch TV without hearing about some new technological advance that will make our lives easier, more enjoyable, or generate new revenue for our companies. The continuous growth of the computer industry allows Information Technology graduates many opportunities for financially rewarding and challenging careers.

And it’s a diverse field. You may be interested in the Internet and e-commerce, or software programming, or managing networked computers; you may start on the technical side of the discipline and later move to the management side.

Many of our students are already working in the field – some are looking for new skills in the latest technologies, and others are interested in completing a formal degree.

MSU offers A.S. and B.S. degrees in Computer Science, a B.S. Information Technology degree, and an A.S. Information Technology – Web Site Design degree. A third B.S. degree in Computer Networking is offered on the Martinsburg campus only.

Why choose Computer Science at MSU?
People interested in the field of computer science may like to solve puzzles, and are tenacious in their resolve to find the answers to difficult questions. Computer science uses the science of computers to solve problems. It is the science behind the wonders of the hardware, software and technological advances that have enhanced our lives in many different ways.

Computer science is a specialized form of problem solving that can lead to exciting careers. Many computer science careers start in programming and grow into design, coordination, testing, planning and management.  

The computer science program is offered for individuals who are interested in applying, designing, and implementing computer systems. Students are provided with a sound theoretical and practical background coupled with the skills to understand, develop and use theories.

The computer science curriculum provides all graduates with a foundation in programming, algorithm development, computer architecture, operating systems, and networks through a set of core courses. Graduates of the computer science program are prepared to seek a wide variety of technical positions, including systems programmer, systems analyst, software engineer, database administrator, webmaster, and networking engineer, or admission to graduate schools.

For more details, please contact Dr. Qian (sqian@mountainstate.edu).

• Excellent student-faculty ratio – At MSU, our small class sizes mean that you get a lot of individual attention.
• Cutting edge technology – Our curriculum and state-of-the-art labs are both geared to cover the latest in technology trends while also offering the core skills that comprise the historical foundation of computer science.

Career
The demand for skilled computer scientists is expected to increase over the next decade as technology continues to touch nearly every facet of modern business, encompassing the disciplines of software engineering, graphics, networks, databases, multimedia and artificial intelligence. Computer science graduates might pursue careers in research or in application development positions in industry, government, business, and academia.

B.S., Information Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program will give students a broad education in current areas of information technology, with focuses on application development skills, networks and communications systems, internet and web technologies, security, database management, business process, and project management. The proposed degree is suitable background for employment in the area of software development and testing, application support, network maintenance, database development, E-commerce, IT management and services.

For more details, please contact Dr. Wang (bwang@mountainstate.edu).

Why choose Information Technology at MSU?

• Excellent student-faculty ratio – At MSU, our small class sizes mean that you get a lot of individual attention.
• Cutting edge technology – Our curriculum and state-of-the-art labs are both geared to cover the latest in technology trends.
• Diverse population – We have a large population of international students who are drawn to MSU for this appealing major; an equally large group of students from southern West Virginia are able to complete high-tech education close to home. It makes for a good mix!

Career
The demand for skilled information technology (IT) workers is expected to increase over the next decade. Despite the dot-com bust, technology continues to touch nearly every facet of modern business.
 
You may work at a large software company, a hospital or insurance company, college or university, or city, state, and federal government offices. From large corporations to small business, IT workers find employment in a variety of industries.