Department of Computer and Information Science

Faculty and Fields of Interest

Ramprasad Balasubramanian computer vision, robotics, artificial intelligence

Jan Bergandy (chairperson) distributed systems, software engineering, theoretical computer science

Paul Bergstein software engineering, database systems

Firas Khatib bioinformatics, crowd-sourcing

Iren Valova artificial intelligence, neural networks, image processing

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 Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 415 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201.

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 Catalog 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 Educational Objectives

Program Educational Objectives of the Bachelors degree program in Computer Science at UMass Dartmouth.

I. Our graduates will successfully apply their Computer Science knowledge and skills in their careers.

II. Our graduates will work effectively with others.

III. Our graduates will pursue life-long learning and professional development.

Student Outcomes

To meet the program goals the Computer and Information Science Department, through its major in computer science, seeks to produce graduates who have:

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline

(b) An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution

(c) An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs

(d) An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal

(e) An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities

(f) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

(g) An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society

(h) Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development

(i) An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice

(j) An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices

(k) An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

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.

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.

A minor must be completed at the time of the degree and will be so noted on the student’s transcript. A student cannot be readmitted to the University to complete only a minor.