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Message from the Chair

A photo of a man in a blue suit

Welcome to the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at WVU Tech. Our department offers two programs: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Information Systems.

These are exciting times to be in the fields of computing sciences. Recent developments in computer technology have transformed our world by integrating computing devices into all facets of our lives, changing not only the way we do science, communication, learning and commerce, but also the way we inform and entertain ourselves. Scientists and engineers are breaking new ground in their fields using high-performance computing. E-commerce applications have taken over traditional marketing practices.

Education at all levels would not have been possible during the COVID 19 pandemic without virtual meetings and other sophisticated web applications. Computer-generated animation has set new standards in motion pictures, and highspeed computer networks have completely transformed the ways we communicate, listen to music and watch daily news and movies.

These developments have created new challenges and opportunities for computer scientists. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. These occupations are projected to add about 531,200 new jobs.”

WVU Tech programs in computer science and information systems contain solid core courses with theoretical depth as well as courses that provide technical skills. Students learn the skills that are in the highest demand from courses such as Cybersecurity Principles and Practices. The department offers a wide variety of computer science electives. They include Game Development and Computer Graphics for students who are interested in computer animation and developing video games; and Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing for students who like robotics.

The dependence on the interconnection of computers and telecommunication networks around the world that is generally referred to as the Cyberspace has created a new challenge: securing infrastructures, computer systems, and information from malevolent attacks. According to the  United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow by 31% through 2029. That's more than 40,000 new openings in the next few years; not to mention the 400,000 current openings in the industry. To prepare students for these new challenges and opportunities, we are launching new programs. Beginning from fall 2021, computer science majors can add an area of emphasis in cybersecurity to their degree program an information systems majors can add a cybersecurity minor to their degree program. 

We emphasize hands-on learning in classrooms and we have small classes that facilitate one-to-one interaction with professors. All our courses and labs are taught by qualified professors with strong academic backgrounds and a wealth of experience to pass on to students.

I invite you to browse our website to learn about our programs. If you are considering a major in computer science or information systems, I would be pleased to hear from you. I would also encourage you to visit the department to meet with faculty and current students. I look forward to hearing from you should you have any questions.

Kenan Hatipoglu, Ph.D.
Interim Chair and Professor
kenan.hatipoglu@mail.wvu.edu

Our Mission

The mission of the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems is to offer high-quality undergraduate programs that provide students with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of computing and to develop knowledgeable, responsible professionals and lifelong learners who are able to design and implement the latest computing technologies for the betterment of society.

Department Goals

The goals of Department of Computer Science and Information Systems are to:

  1. Maintain rigorous standards, promote critical thinking and emphasize the importance of professional ethics in dealing with societal issues of the information age.
  2. Promote hands-on learning and teamwork, facilitate exploration and creative design, and present opportunities to find innovative and practical solutions to real-world applications by means of curricular activities such as research projects, laboratory exercises and class projects.
  3. Promote faculty involvement in research, industry engagements and other scholarly activities so that the newest developments in the fields of computer science and information systems can be brought into the classroom.
  4. Expose students to lifelong learning by involving them in faculty research and scholarly activities.