Computing and Information Sciences Department

Flexible Pathways in Computing

A flexible undergraduate computer science major curriculum with BS and BA options, a minor, two master of science programs in cybersecurity and information technology, and three graduate certificates in information technology offer thorough training in the principles of their fields, along with a plethora of elective courses that allow students to apply their training to a wide variety of fields. By removing barriers to enrollment wherever possible, the department encourages non-majors to sample its course offerings. Many challenging and valuable upper-level courses have just one or two prerequisites. In addition, students are encouraged to apply for the Early Entry option to the MS in Information Technology or Cyber Security programs.

About the Department

The Art and Ethics of Computing

Research scientists and real-world practitioners help students understand the lasting principles of a constantly changing field that changes the world.

The degree program at Valpo situate Computer Science firmly in the liberal arts tradition of open inquiry and discovery while developing highly marketable professional skills and an appreciation of both the ethical issues raised by computing technologies and their potential to make a positive impact in the real world.

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Emerging Technologies

Valpo’s CIS department educates both undergraduate and graduate students in emerging technologies. More important, however, is the department’s commitment to teaching students the skills at the heart of computer science: analyzing and understanding processes. This solid grounding in the logic, science, and design of computing prepares students for the future of technology regardless of what new languages, operating systems, and applications emerge.

Infinite Applicability

Ethical Commitment

As computing technologies transform our world, they repeatedly pose new ethical and social challenges. Valparaiso University’s traditional focus on ethics and service ensures that students of computing and information sciences are thoroughly versed in ethical issues associated with computing — and that they develop conceptual habits that enable them to recognize new ethical issues as they arise.

As part of this commitment, the MS in Information Technology programs requires an Ethics in IT course for all students, as well as the option to explore technology law and policy in greater detail.

News & Stories

Department Highlights

A graduate from Valparaiso University wears a cap decorated with the words "Dream Big," symbolizing excellence at the graduation ceremony.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

Valparaiso University continues to be a beacon of excellence in higher education, receiving numerous recognitions and accolades from esteemed national publications. Recent lists released by U.S. News & World Report, […]

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National Center for Women & Information Technology Awards Grant to Valparaiso University’s New Computer Science Association

In fall 2016, Valparaiso University’s new student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery-Women (ACM-W) was awarded a $3,000 start-up seed fund by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) to help launch its chapter. Valpo is one of nine schools that received a NCWIT Student Seed Start-up Funding Award.

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Simulation and Modeling

An introduction to computer simulation of mathematical models of discrete and continuous phenomena. Some standard simulations are examined, others implemented using a simulation language.

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Two people walk past a large brick campus building surrounded by autumn trees and bushes.

Infrastructure Boost, New Hires Planned for Graduate IT and Cybersecurity Programs

Valparaiso University has announced plans to invest nearly $200,000 in new facilities and faculty to support its graduate programs in information technology and cybersecurity, as well as its undergraduate program in computer science.

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Computing and Information Sciences Established as Independent Department

Valparaiso University’s mathematics and computer science department has divided into two departments. Computing and information sciences is now independent of the mathematics and statistics department.

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Computing and Information Sciences

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Computing and Information Sciences Faculty

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Facilities

Experiential Learning

Hands-on Learning

At Valparaiso University, Computing and Information Sciences students gain hands-on experience through undergraduate research, senior projects, internships, and cooperative education.

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