Majors in Computing
Bachelor of Science MajorsComputer Science
- IS/Development
- IS/End-User Support
- Informatics
Information Systems/Informatics
Computer Science (CS)
Computer Science is the study of algorithms and the issues involved in implementing them. This study includes computer languages and systems; the methods used to develop and specify algorithms; and the theories and models necessary to analyze and understand algorithms, computer systems, and their interrelationship. See this page for more detailed information about the Computer Science major.
The goals of the York College B.S. degree program in CS are threefold: (1) to give students a solid and rigorous background in computer science principles, including the requisite mathematical foundations, (2) to build proficiency in the problem solving techniques of the discipline, and (3) to provide program graduates with the background and skills necessary to succeed in industry or to continue their education in graduate school.
Standards recommended by the Computer Society of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE-CS) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) form the basis for the York College Computer Science program. The program is distinctive by providing a rigorous background in computing, mathematics, science and technical skills, a strong complement of general education courses, and components in business computing and industry practicum. Students completing the program will be highly qualified for the wide range of available technical positions across the field of computing.
Required Courses: IS/Development
Required Courses: IS/End-User Support
Required Courses: Informatics
Department of Business Administration
Required Courses: Computer Science
Department of Physical Sciences
Information Systems (IS)
Organizations, both public and private, need people who can communicate with users of data and information in order to elicit information requirements and then analyze, design, and develop information systems. The resulting information systems and information resources must also be managed and maintained. Successful systems developers and managers will combine strong communication skills, an understanding of organizations and people, and an understanding of the functions of business with their computer-related skills.
IS/Development
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Information Systems/Development provides a combination of coursework that prepares a student to meet this challenging goal. The General Education coursework helps to build the student's people skills and problem solving skills. The General Business Component coursework helps to build the student's understanding of modern organizations and the kinds of problems that can be solved using information systems. The computer-related coursework first builds a foundation with skills-related courses in programming, computer architecture, networking, and database design. Finally, the student takes integrative coursework in management information systems and business systems analysis and design. Students are also encouraged to participate in internships to bridge theoretical concepts with practical application.
IS/End-User Support
With the proliferation of computers and computing to the hands and desktops of nearly every worker, a new being has emerged: the end-user. Organizations, both public and private, are desperately in need of people who can manage and support this new phenomenon of End-User Computing. The emphasis of the End-User Support major is the planning, acquisition, deployment, and maintenance of end-user hardware and end-user software. The End-User Support major will also emphasize the training and development of the end-users, themselves.
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Information Systems/End-User Support provides a combination of coursework that prepares a student to meet this challenging goal. The General Education coursework helps to build the student's people skills and problem solving skills. The General Business Component course work helps to build the student's managerial and organizational skills that he will use managing the End-User Support function. The computer-related coursework builds a set of skills to enable the student to perform and manage such activities as:
- placing, replacing, and repairing PCs/workstations and their myriad peripherals
- installing and tuning workstation O/Ss
- installing and tuning end-user software applications on those workstations
- training and supporting end-users
- developing training programs and materials
- developing, cataloging, and disseminating applications
- creating and maintaining help systems and user manuals
- assisting in creating small OLE-based applications using the end-user software
- supervising traditional mainframe operations
- participating in analysis and design teams as liaisons for end-users
Informatics
Whereas the goal of the Information Systems student is to be general enough to fit any kind of organization, the Informatics student may design a degree program that is specific to a particular field of study. Instead of completing the General Business Core Component, the Informatics major substitutes either a minor or second major in the field in which he or she wishes to specialize. The goal of the Informatics major is to prepare students to elicit information requirements, design system alternatives, manage information technology, and implement information systems in the context of the chosen field. Examples of fields used as specializations include, but are not limited to: Education, Mathematics, Criminal Justice, Health Care/Nursing, and Communications. The student wishing to create a hybrid academic program must accept the responsibility of researching its applicability in the job market. Also, see the description of the Information Systems degree for more information on the Information Systems component.
Students pursuing the Informatics major are required to complete an 18 credit hour minor as part of the curriculum but are encouraged to select a second major. Students may not choose a minor within the Business curriculum.
Career Opportunities
Computer Science
Computer Science professionals might find themselves in a variety of environments in academia, research, industry, government, and private and business organizations - analyzing problems, formulating solutions, formulating and testing software products, using advanced communications or multimedia equipment, or working in teams for product development.
- A few career areas include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Design and Engineering
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Theory
- Internet Administrator
- LAN Administrator
- Network Analyst/Engineer
- Operating Systems and Networks
- Software Applications System Developer
- Software Engineering
- WWW Programmer
- Application Trainer
- Database Administrator (DBA)
- Database Designer
- Database Programmer
- Internet Administrator
- LAN Administrator
- Network Analyst/Engineer
- Operations Manager Programmer
- Programmer/Analyst
- Project Manager
- Software Engineer
- Software Specialist
- Software Trainer
- Systems Analyst
- System Developer
- WWW Access Manager
- WWW Programmer
In addition to extensive teaching experience, CS and IFS faculty members continue to conduct research and publish articles on the development and application of information technologies. The entire faculty has worked in the information systems field as consultants, designers, developers, and implementers of information technology. The faculty have consulted for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public and private organizations. As information systems professionals, the faculty bring to the classroom many years of experience that enrich the students' learning experience.
Special Opportunities
York College's computing programs maintain a close relationship with many area businesses, which offers unique opportunities for students' career development. Many internships are available in the areas of programming, networking, WWW site development, analysis and design, training, database development and application, and application programming. A number of the internships are rolling-internships that take new student interns when existing internships end. This link facilitates ongoing assessment of the program as well as developing student capabilities.
Additional Comments
The York College Five-Year MBA Program provides a unique opportunity for Information Systems students to receive both a Baccalaureate and a Master of Business Administration degree within five years. This dual degree program gives the student a valuable "edge" in the job market through familiarity with advanced theoretical perspectives along with a solid bachelor's level foundation. This combination will be highly valued in tomorrow's business environment.
The York College Department of Business Administration is accredited by:
- The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
- The York College Department of Business Administration is a member of the following organizations:
- The Middle Atlantic Association of Colleges of Business
- The Pennsylvania Association of Graduate Schools
- Epsilon Omega Chapter of Sigma Iota Epsilon
The computing facilities at York College are open, modern, and easily accessible.
Every domicile has high-speed access to the campus network and the Internet, and each student receives a personal account allowing unlimited access to each. Each year, York College purchases new computers to replace one-third of the computers on campus. Numerous computer labs located throughout the campus assure easy and certain computer access. York College's Information Technology Department supports Windows, UNIX/ Linux, and Macintosh platforms.
Contacts
For more information about the York College B.S. degree program in Computer Science or Information Systems, you may call the Admissions Office at (717) 849-1600 or 1-800-455-8018 or contact one of the following faculty members. Campus visits are encour-aged, and a faculty member from your area of interest will be your host. Our faculty extends an open invitation to sit in on a class while you are on campus.
Computer Science
Dr. David Babcock
Coordinator, Computer Science
(717) 815-6442, email dbabcock@ycp.edu
Dr. David Kaplan
Chair, Department of Physical Sciences
(717) 815-1455, email dkaplan@ycp.edu
Mrs. Peggy Ericson
Secretary, Department of Physical Sciences
(717) 815-1333, email pericson@ycp.edu
Information Systems
Professor Eric Hostler
Coordinator, Information Systems
(717) 815-1947, email ehostler@ycp.edu
Dr. Mary Meisenhelter
Chair, Department of Business
(717) 815-1277, email mmeisenh@ycp.edu
Mrs. Julie Sterner
Secretary, Department of Business
(717) 815-1423, email jsterner@ycp.edu
