School of School of Computer and Computer and Information Information
SciencesSciences
http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/
SCIS Graduate Program SCIS Graduate Program OrientationOrientation
AGENDA
Presentation and Handouts
• Sign one of the Advising Block Removal Sheets
• Handouts– Copy of this presentation– The current laptop policy– Copies of the check sheets
for the 2 majors
• Presentation– About the School of CIS
• Who do you need to get to know
• What you need to know about…
• General Information
– List of Links and Contacts
This is a perfect time to be a
Computing Major…
Good News!
• The number of jobs in Computing is increasing at a faster rate than in any other industry (U.S. Department of Labor)
• Market demand for specialized Computing skills and knowledge will continue to outpace the supply. It is expected that more than 20 percent of permanent Computing positions will remain unfilled (Gartner Group: “IT Workforce Change)
• Expanding technology needs will result in demand for qualified Computing Professional resulting in the biggest increases in base compensation over the next several years (RHI Consulting: Technology Professionals)
Robert Half Technology: Technology Professionals
• Specialties in Demand– Internet/Intranet
and E-commerce Development
– Networking– Technical Support– Project
Management– Systems Analysis– Software
Implementation– Database
Administration/Architecture
– Software Applications Development
• Job Skills Needed– Support
Knowledge/Skills
– Interpersonal and Communication Skills
– Mathematics and Statistics
– Problem Solving/Scientific Approach
– Specialization Area supporting courses
– Life-Long Learning
There’s a Shortage of Majors!
• Nationally– Representatives from Microsoft,
Google, Yahoo say…• there aren’t enough available
graduates to meet current needs• there aren't enough current
computing majors to meet future demands.
• Locally– Similar experiences from local
companies see job openings at the School of CIS Jobs Web Site (http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/index.php/job-openings)
• ConclusionNot only is it good to be a
computing major now...But it will be good for many years
to come!
People you should know!
The Dean…
• of the School of Computer and Information Sciences is Dr. Alec Yasinsac– Expertise in
• Information Assurance and Security
• Group encryption, • Intrusion detection, • Digital forensics
– Current funding• National Science
Foundation, • Department of
Defense, • Army Research
Office, • Florida Department
of State
School of CISGraduate Program
Administration
Michael Doran,CoordinatorComputer Science
David LanganAdvisor-Computer Science
Roy Daigle, Grad
Director
Harold Pardue,
CoordinatorInformation
Systems
Kathy Ford
Administrative
Assistant
Jennifer Nelson Receptionist
Vickie Mitchell
Receptionist/Secretary
Theresa Thompson Academic Counselor
Keith LynnSystem
Administrator
Michael BehrPC Applications
Specialist
The Main Office Staff
Computer Science
School of CIS Graduate Faculty
Dr. Hain
Dr. Feinstein
Dr. Zhou
Dean Yasinsac
Dr. Doran
Information Systems
Dr. Langan
Dr. Daigle
Dr. Longenecker
Dr. Pardue
Dr. Landry
Dr. Johnsten
Dr. Sweeney
School of CIS FacultyMichael BlackDebra Chapman
Angela Clark
Dawn McKinney
Derek Snow
Howard Whitston Melissa Smith
Paul Overstreet
Placement Exams
Overview: Placement
• Individual Graduate Study Plan consists of two parts: Prerequisites and Graduate Program Courses
• Prerequisites:– Hour requirement varies according to prior
academic work– Placement Areas
• CIS Foundation Courses– Course placement is according to review of
academic work in Computing– The Database Placement Exam– The Programming Placement Exam
• Required/Supporting Courses– Course placement is according to review of
academic work in Mathematics, Statistics, Business & Grad Specialization
• Graduate Program Courses (36 Semester Hours)– Core Courses– Required Courses– Plan of Study: Thesis, Project, Course-Only– Electives
Prerequisite Placement Exams
• Why placement exams?– Demonstrate industry acquired
skills not on transcripts– Identify areas of improvement for
proper preparation for graduate courses
– Our experiences with previous students
• Database? … Programming?– Both of fundamental importance
to each major– Tests address the necessary
knowledge for graduate computing program entry
– You need to be prepared to succeed in the graduate courses.
About the Database Prerequisite
• CIS 324, Database Design, Development, and Management Analysis, – Analysis, design, and
development of desktop database systems. Coverage of normalization concepts, DBMS models, E-R/Semantic modeling, and query processing.
– This course does not count towards a graduate degree in CIS.
The OOP Prerequisite for CSC majors
• CIS 401: Accelerated Programming – This course presents
programming concepts in an accelerated manner. Coverage includes ADT’s, classes and class libraries, and simple data structures such as linked lists, stacks, queues. Laboratory assignments will be done in a high-level, object-oriented language.
– This course does not count towards a graduate degree in CIS.
The OOP Prerequisite for ISC majors
• ISC 353: Information Systems Application Development – This course presents object-
oriented event driven applications development in an accelerated manner. Laboratory assignments will be done in a high-level, object-oriented language.
– This course does not count towards a graduate degree in CIS.
Two Majors
Computer ScienceInformation Systems
School of CIS Two Graduate Program
Majors!• General Rules of Thumb for
selecting a Major in the School of CIS (there are always exceptions !)
– Computer ScienceShould also be interested in math and science
– Information SystemsShould also be interested in working with people in organizations
Computer Science
• Computer Science (CSC)– spans the range from theory through
programming to cutting-edge development of computing solutions
– offers a foundation that permits graduates to adapt to new technologies and new ideas
– The work of computer scientists falls into three categories:
• a) designing and building software; • b) developing effective ways to solve
computing problems, such as storing information in databases, sending data over networks or providing new approaches to security problems; and
• c) devising new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as robotics, computer vision, or digital forensics (although these specializations are not available in all computer science programs).
– Our Computer Science program requires strong backgrounds in math and natural sciences.
Information Systems
• Information Systems (ISC)– is concerned with the information that
computer systems can provide to aid a company, non-profit or governmental organization in defining and achieving its goals
– is also concerned with the processes that an enterprise can implement and improve using information technology
– ISC professionals • must be interested in working with people
in organizations• must understand both technical and
organizational factors, • must be able to help an organization
determine how information and technology-enabled business processes can provide a foundation for superior organizational performance
– ISC professionals serve as a bridge between the technical and management communities within an organization.
– Our Information Systems program requires a background in business and management
Interaction with a DBMS
CSC View• How to build a tool that will
allow many options for database modeling?
• General enough to solve basic database type problems– Modeling objects and
relationships– Preparing report formats– Allowing for multiple ways of
accessing the stored data– Optimization of data access– Efficient storage of data
Interaction with a DBMS
ISC View• How to model data for use in an
organizations?– Example: Student Information System
for maintaining student academic history, course and class schedules, degree information, class enrollment, curriculum models, etc
– Typical Characteristics• Large monetary investment• Large number of tables, relationships,
reports• Lots of time to design, deploy, test, and
complete the project• Large number of users—often an
implementation group of ISC and ITE professionals (e.g. the computer center) working with a variety of end-users in an organization (e.g. students, faculty, deans, financial aid, admissions, registrar, housing)
• High level of secured access to the data• Will be used and maintained for a long
period of time (years)
The Programs
Overview: Placement
• Each Graduate Students will have an Individual Graduate Study Plan that consists of– Pre-Graduate Program
Requirements • (Hour requirement varies according to prior
academic work)• Placement Areas
– CIS Foundation Courses» Course placement is according to review of
academic work in Computing– Required/Supporting Courses
» Course placement is according to review of academic work in Mathematics, Statistics, Business & Grad Specialization
– Graduate Program (36 Semester Hours)
• Core Courses• Required Courses• Plan of Study: Thesis, Project, Course-Only• Electives
January 4, 2005 26
Required/Supporting Courses*
• Computer Science– Math (All of
the following)• Calculus I • Calculus II • Discrete
Mathematics
– Probability and Statistics
• Information Systems– Math (One of
the following)• Business
Calculus• Calculus I • Discrete
Mathematics
– Applied Statistics
*Required/Supporting courses prescribed as needed
Core CoursesComputer
Science• CSC 520
Computer Architecture
• CSC 522: Performance Evaluation of Algorithms
• CSC 525: Complexity Theory
• CSC 527: Software Engineering
Information Systems
• ISC 551: Human Computer Interface Design
• ISC 560: IS Analysis and Design
• ISC 561: IS Database Management
• ISC 565: Project & Change Management
All CORE courses must be completed with a All CORE courses must be completed with a grade of at least “B”grade of at least “B”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is choice of a major important?
• Not all core courses in CSC may be used as electives in ISC!
• Not all core courses in ISC may be used as electives in CSC!
• If you decide to change after one semester… – Prerequisites to the major are not the
same• your transcripts will be re-evaluated for
prerequisite and CIS foundation courses for the new major
• Only one ISC core course can be used as an elective in the CSC curriculum
• No CSC core courses can be used as an elective in the ISC curriculum
– All course grades will be applied to determine your GPA and graduate status
– This could result in more time and greater cost for your degree
From who should I seek advice about the choice
of a major?
• Your Advisor and Faculty– We know the career
requirements– We know the courses– We know the programs
• Former students can give you information about what they like and what has been useful for them and that is useful
BUT REMEMBER…
• YOU are not same as those who have come before you!
• It’s YOUR future!
FAQ:Expectations of CIS Graduate
Students?
We expect…• Professional Attitude and Pride
– Higher Expectations for Quality of Work
– Assignments: professional looking and on time
– Attendance—on time from the first day
• Self-Motivated• Development of Individual
Creativity, Knowledge, and Skills• Responsible, Dependable,
Honest, Trustworthy in interactions with CIS Faculty, Staff, and fellow students
What you should know about… Advising
• Advising is about making big decisions… – Which semester should a course
be taken?– What are some good supporting
electives for your special interests
• Advising is mandatory…– Involves consultation with a
knowledgeable guide– Spring advising occurs during the
Fall semester– Summer & Fall advising occurs
during the Spring Semester– Registration blocks are set
automatically each semester
What you should know about… Student
Advising Responsibilities
• Study the catalog for specialization requirements– contains descriptions of all programs
and – all courses in all programs– Online at
http://www.southalabama.edu/bulletin/• Prepare a plan for completing your degree
– Adjusting the plan each semester as necessary
– See http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/advising.php for CIS advising assistance and links.
• Focus on CORE COURSES– All CORE courses must be completed
with a grade of “B” or better before taking Comprehensive Exam
More Facts About the School of CIS
1st in the United States to have ALL Three Majors accredited by ABET, the computing accreditation agency
• State-of-the-art labs in Robotics, Real-Time Systems, Networking, Security, Data Mining, Data Warehousing, Web Site Management, Multimedia
• Excellent programs, excellent instruction, and excellent research
• Both graduate programs (Computer Science and Information Systems) are offered in the evening
More about the School of CIS!
Facilities MappingLaptop Policy
General Information
Current Location
Computer Science Classroom building (CSCB)
second floor - project labs
ground floor - laboratories
FacultyCourtEastFCE
Faculty OfficesClassrooms
FacultyCourtWestFCW
Faculty OfficesClassroom
Laboratories
FCW 20FCW 20CIS CIS
OFFICEOFFICE
CIS Courtyar
d(CIS Social
Events Site*)
N
*ACM Pizza Party, Semester Cookouts,etc
What you should know about the
Laptop Ownership Policy
• All graduate Students are required to register their laptops before being allowed to register for courses.
• From the Bulletin: All students enrolling in any undergraduate and graduate courses offered by the School of CIS, except CIS 100, CIS 101, CIS 110, CIS 150, CIS 175, CIS 210, CIS 211, CIS 227, CIS 250, and CIS 500, are required to own a personal laptop computer system that conforms to the current School minimum. This is a one-student one-machine requirement.
• Specifications (minimums are given below)Processor: 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
minimum; 1.6 GHz or greater recommended
Hard Drive: 80 GB or greaterCD ROM: 24X or greater, CD-RW recommendedRAM: 1 GB minimum, 2 GB recommendedNetwork: Wired Ethernet 10BaseT required,
Wireless 802.11b/g required (built-in or via PC Card Adapter)
The School of CIS has a wireless 802.11G network
Cabling: Ethernet patch• “Wet ports” to connect to campus networks will be
available for student use at many locations on campus.• School of CIS detailed laptop requirements can be
obtained at http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/laptop_policy.php
Extra Opportunities
• Internship Program– Opportunity to learn while
earning $$$– Internship Opportunities
New Directions!• Robotics• Embedded
Systems• Game
Development
• Computer Forensics
• Network Security• Web Development
Data WarehousingData Mining
Data AssuranceEnterprise Applications
Student Chapter of the ACM
• Association of Computing Machinery– Oldest Professional
Organization in Computing
– USA Chapter is one of the most active student organizations on campus
• Membership Information:– Contact:
[email protected]– http://
acm.southalabama.edu/membership.html
• Activities– Service
• Tutoring• Lectures• Scholarship
Awards in CIS• Special
Projects
– Social• Pizza Party• Games Party• Annual
Banquet• Intramurals
What’s next? A new Building! A new
location! The New Engineering Computer
Science Building—Corner of University and Old Shell
OLD SHELLWest
Un
ivers
ity B
lvd
North
Who to contact when you need
information or help!
Contact Information!
Main Office FCW 20: Phone: (251) 460-6390• Dean: – Alec Yasinsac
[email protected] • General Information;
Graduate Program: – Roy Daigle
[email protected]• Academic Counselor
– Theresa Thompson [email protected]
• Internship– Melissa Smith
• Computer Science Coordinator: – Michael Doran
• Information Systems Coordinator:
– Harold Pardue [email protected]
• Information Technology Coordinator:
– Bob Sweeney [email protected]
Additional Sites of InterestSchool of Computer and Information Sciences
http://www.cis.usouthal.eduUniversity of South Alabama
http://www.usouthal.edu or http://www.southalabama.edu
Laptop Requirements: http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/laptop_policy.php
Advising Information: http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/advising_info.php
Scholarships: http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/scholarshipinfo/scholarshipI
nfo.php
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