UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Computer, Information, and Data Sciences

Computer Science and Information Systems

This major includes an option in Computer Science or Information Systems for students in the Computer Science and Information Systems Department. The department provides an excellent environment for learning and emphasizes the importance of faculty-student interaction in classrooms, laboratories, academic advising and co-curricular activities.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

All our classrooms are equipped with the latest multimedia technology to provide modern and efficient learning. Computer labs are outfitted with state-of-the-art computing and communication facilities including desktop computers, UNIX workstations, networking technologies and graphics workstations. Advance labs allow our students to work with the latest technologies and explore topic in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Genetic Algorithms, Computer Animation, Computer Vision, Wireless Computing and more.

Hands-on Learning

Our department offers class sizes that range from 30 in introductory courses to 15-25 in our more advanced courses. A hands-on approach to learning and problem solving is emphasized in our programs. Our small size classes offer students individualized interaction with faculty and other students.

Professional Development

Opportunities for professional development beyond coursework are available. Our Internship program offers our students an excellent opportunity to acquire practical work experience, job-hunting and interviewing skills and professional communication skills.

Independent study can be arranged with professors to explore current trends in the computer field beyond those offered in the standard curriculum.

The Computer Science and Information Systems department has an active local chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) providing students generous opportunities to meet and learn from other students, guest speakers, business professionals and faculty representatives. The chapter is run by students and provides a range of activities and services, including presentations by local practitioners, visits from prominent speakers, technical and career workshops, field trips to computing installations and chapter social activities.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Science and Information Systems major will possess the following knowledge, skills and professional orientation.

  • The latest programming methodologies
  • Commonly-used data structures
  • The latest software engineering and software design methods
  • Computer organization and architecture
  • Operating system programming and theory
  • Computer communication and networking operation and theory
  • Information Security Database design
  • Analyze, design and develop modular scalable multi-tier software applications
  • Design, implement, and maintain computer networks
  • Build structured and scalable database management systems
  • Ability to communicate technical knowledge orally and in written form
  • Ability to work as a member of a team

The faculty in the Computer Science and Information Systems department have a wide range of interests, including Computer Networks, Internet Technologies, Computer Graphics, Image Processing, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks, Object-Oriented Programming, Systems Analysis, Database Management Systems and Design of Information Systems.