Computer and Information Sciences

The mission of the Computer and Information Sciences department is to train cadets for civic and professional life through disciplined engagement with computing theory and practice. This mission supports the broader VMI mission of creating citizen soldiers, by equipping students to make informed decisions that will better society. We accomplish this by providing cadets with a fundamental background in computing complete with knowledge and skills to analyze computing problems and develop computing–based solutions.

The Computer and Information Sciences department offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in three tracks:

Theory and Application Track
Cybersecurity Track
Information Technology

And minors:

Computer and Information Sciences Minor
Cybersecurity Minor

A cadet must select at least one of the tracks when declaring a Computer Science major. A cadet may elect to select and complete more than one track. Each track successfully completed will appear on the transcript.

Each new cadet is assigned a departmental advisor who provides the necessary guidance and support throughout the Cadetship.

Program Educational Objectives:

Due to the knowledge and skills acquired in any of the computer science tracks, we expect that cadets within a few years of graduation to have the following career and professional accomplishments:

Those employed in government or industry and focused on technical accomplishments will demonstrate professional advancement by promotion or other recognition of their computing knowledge and skills.
Those employed by government or industry and focused on leadership will demonstrate professional advancement through expanded leadership responsibility based on their acquired computing knowledge and skills.
Those who pursue additional formal education related to computing or management thereof, will either directly or soon after graduation, will have completed or be near completion of a graduate degree or other technical certification.
Those who pursue career paths or formal education unrelated or tangential to their degree program will have applied their skills, including analytical problem solving, communication and independent learning, towards a new career or discipline.
Will have demonstrated life-long learning skills and adapting to emerging markets and technologies.
Will have embraced high personal and professional standards of conduct, citizenship, and service.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Theory and Application Track

Theory and Application Track provides extensive training in programming languages, software engineering, database systems, operating systems, network infrastructure, and application of computer science theory. Graduates of this track will be well placed for entry into professional or graduate school and/or into public or private sector employment in positions including software engineer, software developer, programmer analyst, computer systems engineer, computer scientist, and web/mobile application developer.

This track includes:

Fundamentals of Computer Science
Mastery of programming
Software engineering
Computer Science theory, application, and implementation of networks, operating systems, database systems, and programming languages
Mathematics of calculus, statistics, and discrete structures

Student Learning Objectives

As a result of successfully completing this track, cadets will be able to:

Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
Design, implement, and evaluate a computing–based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of computer science and software development.
Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to computer science and software development.
Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing–based solutions.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences - Cybersecurity Track

Cybersecurity Track provides extensive training in techniques and strategies to protect network attack vectors, secure systems administration, computer defense countermeasures, cybersecurity management, policy, and digital forensics. In addition, the Cybersecurity program prepares graduates to pursue professional certifications required by the cybersecurity industry. Graduates of this track will be well placed for entry into graduate school and/or public or private sector employment in positions including cybersecurity analyst, network engineer, systems administrator, penetration testing, cybersecurity engineer, and cybersecurity consultant.

This track includes:

Overview of Computer Science or Information Technology
Fundamentals of programming and scripting
Networking
Cybersecurity strategies including technologies, policy, management, ethics and law
Digital forensics
Practical application of best practices in cyber operations and maintenance of production computing systems
Mathematics of statistics and discrete structures

Student Learning Objectives:

As a result of successfully completing this track, cadets will be able to:

Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
Design, implement, and evaluate a computing–based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of cyber security.
Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to cybersecurity.
Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Information Technology Track

Information Technology Track provides extensive training in techniques and strategies to design and implement IT solutions that are critical to the professional, government, and military services. In addition, this track provides introduction to cybersecurity aspects of enterprise level IT operations and maintenance. Graduates of this track will be well placed for entry into graduate school, and/or public or private sector employment in positions including systems analyst, systems administrator, network administrator, database administrator, information technology support specialist.

This track includes:

Overview of computer science or information technology
Fundamentals of programming and scripting
Networking
Practical application of best practices in administration, operations, and maintenance of production computing systems
Experiential learning in an information technology internship
Mathematics of applied statistics and discrete structures

Student Learning Objectives:

As a result of successfully completing this track, cadets will be able to:

Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
Design, implement, and evaluate a computing–based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of information technology.
Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to information technology.
Use systemic approaches to select, develop, apply, integrate, and administer secure computing technologies to accomplish user goals.

Major in Computer and Information Sciences

Minor in Computer and Information Sciences

Courses

COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES

Department of Computer and Information Sciences

Interim Department Head: Colonel D. Smith

Requirements for a degree in computer and information sciences are specified in Computer Science, B.S.