Department of Computer and Information Science

Faculty and Fields of Interest

Ramprasad Balasubramanian computer vision, motion analysis, image processing

Jan Bergandy distributed systems, software engineering, theoretical computer science

Paul Bergstein object-oriented programming, databases

Ken Lee

Boleslaw Mikolajczak (chairperson) algorithms and complexity, parallel and distributed processing, computer architecture, theoretical computer science

Li Shen computer vision, shape analysis, medical imaging

Richard Upchurch social implications, software engineering, human-computer interaction

Iren Valova artificial intelligence, neural networks, image processing

Vinod Vokkarane computer networks, high performance networks, wireless and optical networks

Haiping Xu software engineering, distributed computing, multi-agent systems, formal methods

Xiaoqin Zhang multi-agent systems, intelligent agents, e-commerce

Students who major in computer science are given a strong background in computer hardware and software, as well as a substantial amount of “hands-on” experience. They are prepared to work both in computer industry and business as well as pursue graduate studies in the discipline. Both major and minor programs are offered.

The undergraduate program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), Computing Accreditation Commission, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012.

Qualified computer science majors can benefit from the Cooperative Education program offered in cooperation with the local computer industry.

The CIS department also offers a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science with a broad range of required and elective courses in theoretical computer science, computer systems, software engineering, parallel and distributed computing, and computer networks. See the Graduate Catalogue for information.

Department Mission

To offer the strongest Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and ABET accredited program in Massachusetts
To offer graduate programs in Computer Science of intellectual rigor
To maintain Computer Science research programs appropriate to the University
To meet regional and state needs through education and industrial and community outreach
To build a satisfying and career enhancing environment at UMD
To help build an interdisciplinary intellectual environment at UMD
To maintain curricula to meet the computer fluency needs of all UMD students

Program Goals

Graduates who succeed as practicing computer scientists
Graduates who succeed in advanced study in computer science
Graduates who adapt and evolve in complex technological environments such as those found in the workplace
Graduates who influence the development of professional, ethical and legal aspects of computing

Program Outcomes

are able to individually solve problems in algorithmic manner with given computer resources and constraints;
apply their knowledge of mathematics, science and computer science to solve technical problems;
apply analytic and empirical techniques to evaluate technical problems and their solutions;
design system, component, or process to meet specified requirements;
participate as a member of a problem solving team;
identify, formulate, and solve problems encountered when constructing solutions involving information technology;
articulate the social, professional, ethical and legal aspects of a computing milieu;
evaluate the impact of computing and information technology at the global/societal level;
analyze contemporary issues related to the evolving computer science discipline;
communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and including choosing and using the appropriate representations and/or media);
apply modern skills, techniques, and tools during professional practice.

Computer Science Minors

Students interested in a minor should contact the CIS department for an application and admission requirements. The department offers three different minors, each with the emphasis indicated. Each requires credits as specified below.

Admission to one of the minors

Students must meet the university’s admission requirements for a minor, which include having completed 54 credits. For computer science, prospective minors are encouraged to inquire and plan their minor program prior to earning 54 credits, because the structure of requirements could necessitate the use of more than four semesters. Courses completed prior to formal declaration will count toward the minor program.

Admission to the minor is accomplished through an application form available in the office of the chairperson of the department accompanied by current transcript(s). Upon acceptance the student is assigned an advisor, who works with the student to design an individual minor program that meets the stated requirements. Study plans are to be approved by the department chairperson.