COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Page Contents:
Dean: Mirsad Hadzikadic; Executive in Residence:
Olin Broadway
BACKGROUND AND MISSION
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's College of Information Technology (IT) is part of a dynamic and exciting, educational and research institution that combines the knowledge and expertise of multidisciplinary faculty, industry professionals, and students. The College of IT was formed in 2000, with the mission of educating information specialists, conducting leading-edge research, and partnering with area businesses of great importance to the Charlotte community and the University.
With educational programs rooted in a strong foundation of research, the College of IT combines the talents of on- and off-campus partners in achieving its mission. Academic programs include Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degree programs in computer science, software and information systems, and information technology. Committed to the concept of life-long learning, the College also offers undergraduate and graduate certificate programs.
A key component of all College of IT academic programs is the team interaction between students, faculty, and community partners. Through their involvement in real-world projects, students apply what they learn, thus, giving them practical experience as they help businesses solve information technology challenges.
The three primary missions of the College of IT are:
- to educate and prepare the information technology professionals of tomorrow;
- to conduct leading-edge research in enterprise information systems; and,
- to partner with area industry to develop information technology solutions.
Computer Science Program. The Computer Science Department offers a wide variety of programs to match the diverse requirements of employers. The computer science major may pursue either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree.
The Bachelor of Science program offers the student two very different concentrations: computer science or computer engineering. The computer science option is centered on software development. Theoretically based, this program prepares students to continue their education in master's or doctoral programs, or to enter the business world as a computer scientist. The computer engineering option prepares the graduate to enter the computer industry either as a computer hardware design engineer or as a computer scientist with a heavy dose of mathematics, the physical sciences, and electrical engineering.
The Bachelor of Arts option is in computer science. As in the Bachelor of Science program, the computer science concentration prepares the student to enter the business world as a computer scientist. The emphasis in this program is less theoretical and mathematical, and more on the applied side.
The curriculum provides flexibility for the student to tailor a program to meet her or his needs and objectives. For the computer science option in the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees, the student must select a minimum of 15 hours outside of computer science in which to study. This "minor-like" program allows the student to select from the full spectrum of University programs and majors, including the University Honors Program.
Software and Information Systems Program. The Department of Software and Information Systems is primarily focused on the study of technologies and methodologies for information system architecture, design, implementation, integration, and management. An illustrative list of questions/issues of interests includes:
· Analysis and design methodologies of component-based software systems
· Integration and interoperation of information systems
· Theories and methodologies of software development
· Information system security architecture and protocols
· Design of efficient heterogeneous computer networks
· Architectures for distributed systems
· Collaborative system technology and design
· Human/computer interaction
· Design of information systems based on ubiquitous /pervasive computing
· Software engineering
· Quality, testing, and simulation of software designs
· Social, ethical, and policy issues related to IT
· Information system architectures for electronic enterprise
· Technologies for information system privacy
The Department of Software and Information Systems offers a Bachelor of Arts program that focuses on the applications of information technology. Software is the driving force of the emerging information economy. The Department of Software and Information Systems focuses on issues related to developing software, information systems, and their interactions with people. This degree program is committed to best prepare students to match the diverse requirements of employees.
SPECIAL COLLEGE PROGRAMS
Cooperative Education Program. Students in the College of Information Technology may obtain practical work experience while pursuing their degree by participating in cooperative education, whereby a student alternates semesters of academic study with semesters of work experience in industry. The work experience is under the direction of the student's department and is closely related to his or her field of study.
To be eligible for the Co-op program, students in the College of Information Technology must have completed at least 24 credit hours at UNC Charlotte, including a number of specified courses, with a minimum GPA of 2.50. A transfer student is expected to have completed 12 hours at UNC Charlotte, with those same specified courses.
For an undergraduate to be officially designated as a Co-op student, he or she must participate in at least two semesters of work experience. Consequently, participation in Co-op Education may mean that the student will take five years to complete the programs at UNC Charlotte.
Students interested in learning more about the advantages and opportunities of participating in this program should contact the University Career Center.
Internships. A number of opportunities for internships exist for students in the College. These internships may be with or without pay and with or without academic credit. Students interested in learning more about these opportunities should consult with their advisor and with the College of Information Technology program coordinator in the University Career Center.
Department of Computer Science
Chairperson: Larry Hodges; Associate Chairperson: Associate Professor Lejk; Director of Freshman Programs: Professor Allen; Professors: Chen, Michalewicz, Ras, Wilkinson, Xiao; Professor Emeritus: Epstein, Revesz, Schell; Associate Professors: Fan, Mostafavi, Shin, Subramanian Wu; Associate Professor Emeritus: Razavi; Assistant Professors: Dahlberg, Najarian; Post Doctoral Fellow: Lok; Adjunct Professor: Wieczorkowski
Computer Science is the term applied to areas of study centering on the organizational and structural properties of systems, arrays of symbols, and mechanical languages which find their application in the processing and communication of information. The computer scientist's concerns are:
· the organization and interaction of equipment constituting an information processing system
· the development of software systems to control and communicate with equipment
· the derivation and study of procedures and basic theories for the specification of processes, and
· the application of systems, software, procedures, and theories of computer science to other disciplines
The Department of Computer Science offers programs leading to three degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science. (See the Graduate Catalog for information on the M.S. degree.) Students are prepared for their profession through a comprehensive program of courses, aide`d by some of the latest computer equipment available.
Cooperative Education in Computer Science. By participating in the Cooperative Education program, students in computer science may pursue their education along with alternating work experiences so that they may be better prepared to enter their chosen professional career. Interested students should contact the University Career Center for more information.
BACHELOR OF ARTS: COMPUTER SCIENCE
The Computer Science Concentration consists of 45 hours in computer science, and 15 hours in mathematics. Courses included are: ITCS 1214, 1215, 2163, 2214, 2215, 3102, 3155, 3160, 3166, 3650, 3651, 3651, 3688, and nine semester hours of approved ITCS or IT IS courses numbered 3000 or above; MATH 1120, 1165, 2164, STAT 1220, 1223; or MATH 1241, 1242, 1165, 2164, STAT 2122.
A component of related work must be included, consisting of 15 semester hours of approved non-computer science courses forming an integrated program of secondary strength, or nine semester hours of approved mathematics courses at the 3000 level or above. If the latter option is selected, six hours of additional electives must be selected.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE: COMPUTER SCIENCE
The Computer Science Concentration consists of 51 hours of computer science and 15 hours in mathematics. Courses included are: ITCS 1214, 1215, 2181, 2214, 2215, 3102, 3143, 3155, 3160, 3166, 3182, 3650, 3651, 3688, and nine semester hours of approved ITCS or ITIS courses numbered 3000 or above; MATH 1241, 1242, 1165, 2164, STAT 2122.
A component of related work must be included consisting of 15 semester hours of approved non-computer science courses forming an integrated program of secondary strength, or nine semester hours of approved mathematics courses at the 3000 level or above. If the latter option is selected, six hours of additional electives must be selected.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE: COMPUTER SCIENCE, COMPUTER ENGINEERING CONCENTRATION
The Computer Engineering Concentration consists of 39 hours of computer science and 18 hours of mathematics. These include: ITCS 1214, 1215, 2181, 2214, 2215, 3102, 3143, 3155, 3182, 3183, 3681, 3682, 3688. MATH 1241, 1242, 1165, 2164, 2171, STAT 2122. Technical Electives: Twelve hours of ITCS/ITIS and ECGR courses that must be approved by the Department.
Students must also complete PHYS 2101, 2101L, 2102, 2102L, and 3141, and CHEM 1251 and 1251L. A component of related work must include 11 hours of electrical and computer engineering courses: ECGR 2111, 2112, 2155, 2156, and 3131. ECON 2101 must also be taken.
Information Science Minor
Requirements for the minor in Information Science include completion of 21 hours of computer science, to include ITCS 1214, 1215, 2214, 3112, 3143, 3155 and 3160. Also required is MATH 1165.
Computer Science Minor
Requirements for the minor in Computer Science include completion of 21 hours of computer science, to include ITCS 1214, 1215, 2214, 2215, 3155, 3160, and 3688. Also required is MATH 1165.
Certificate Program in Computer Programming
The Department of Computer Science offers a certificate in Computer Programming. A certificate will be awarded by the Department of Computer Science to post-baccalaureate students (students having earned a bachelor's degree in any field, with one semester of calculus), who have completed the course requirements listed below:
ITCS 1214 Introduction to Computing I
ITCS 1215 Introduction to Computing II
ITCS 2214 Data Structures
ITCS 2215 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
ITCS 3112 Design and Implementation of Object-Oriented Systems
ITCS 3155 Software Engineering
ITCS 3160 Data Base Design and Implementation or
ITCS 3145 Introduction to Parallel Computing
MATH 1165 Introduction to Discrete Structures
Certificate Program in Computer Architecture
The Department of Computer Science offers a certificate in Computer Programming. A certificate will be awarded by the Department of Computer Science to post-baccalaureate students (students having earned a bachelor's degree in any field, with one semester or calculus), who have completed the course requirements listed below:
ITCS 1214 Introduction to Computing I
ITCS 1215 Introduction to Computing II
ITCS 2181 Computer Logic and Design
ITCS 3145 Introduction to Parallel Computing
ITCS 3182 Computer Organization and Architecture
ITCS 3183 Hardware Systems Design
ITCS 3143 Operating Systems
ITCS 4181 Microcomputer Interfacing
CURRICULUM OUTLINE: B.A. DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Freshman Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 1214 3 ITCS 1215 3
MATH 1120* 3 MATH 1165* 3
ENGL 1101 3 STAT 1220* 3
SocSci 3 Science 4
LBST 110x 3 ENGL 1102 3
15 16
Sophomore Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 2214 3 ITCS 2215 3
ITCS 2163 3 COMM 2105 3
STAT 1223* 3 MATH 2164* 3
ENGL 2116 3 LBST 2102 3
LBST 2101 3 LBST 221x 3
15 15
Junior Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 3102 3 ITCS 3155 3
ITCS/ITIS Elect 3 ITCS 3160 3
Science 4 ITCS 3166 3
Related Work 3 Related Work 6
13 15
Senior Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 3650 3 ITCS 3651 3
ITCS 3688 3 ITCS/ITIS Elective 3
ITCS/ITIS Elect 3 Electives 7
Related Work 3 Related Work 3
Elective 3 16
15
Total Hours 120
* A mathematics option consisting of MATH 1241, 1242, 1165, and 2164, and STAT 2122 may be selected as an alternate to the math courses listed.
CURRICULUM OUTLINE: B.S. DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Freshman Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 1214 3 ITCS 1215 3
MATH 1241* 3 MATH 1165 3
ENGL 1101 3 MATH 1242 3
SocSci 3 ENGL 1102 3
LBST 110x 3 Science 4
15 16
Sophomore Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 2181 3 ITCS 2215 3
ITCS 2214 3 MATH 2164 3
STAT 2122 3 LBST 2102 3
LBST 2101 3 Science 4
ENGL 2116 3 Related Work 3
15 16
Junior Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 3102 3 ITCS 3688 3
ITCS 3182 3 ITCS 3155 3
ITCS/ITIS Elective 3 ITCS/ITIS Elective 3
Related Work 3 Related Work 3
12 LBST 221x 3
15
Senior Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 3650 3 ITCS 3651 3
ITCS 3160 3 ITCS 3143 3
ITCS/ITIS Elective 3 ITCS 3166 3
Related Work 3 Related Work 3
Electives 4 Electives 3
16 15
Total Hours 120
CURRICULUM OUTLINE: B.S. DEGREE, COMPUTER ENGINEERING CONCENTRATION
Freshman Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 1214 3 ITCS 1215 3
MATH 1241 3 MATH 1165 3
CHEM 1251 3 MATH 1242 3
CHEM 1251L 1 PHYS 2101L 3
ENGL 1101 3 PHYS 2101L 1
LBST 110x 3 ENGL 1102 3
16 16
Sophomore Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 2181 3 ITCS 2215 3
ITCS 2214 3 ECGR 2111 3
ENGL 2116 3 ECGR 2155 1
LBST 2101 3 MATH 2164 3
PHYS 2102 3 MATH 2171 3
PHYS 2102L 1 LBST 2102 3
16 16
Junior Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 3182 3 ITCS 3102 3
ECON 2101 3 ITCS 3155 3
ECGR 2112 3 ITCS 3688 3
ECGR 2156 1 ECGR 3131 3
PHYS 3141 3 LBST 221x 3
STAT 2122 3 15
16
Senior Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 3183 3 ITCS 3143 3
ITCS 3681 3 ITCS 3682 3
Tech Electives 6 Tech Electives 6
Free Electives 1 12
13
Total Hours 120
EARLY-ENTRY PROGRAM: the Master of Science in Computer Science
1. A student may submit an application after completion of at least 75 undergraduate hours. A student may not be admitted into the program until completion of at least 90 undergraduate hours.
2. An overall GPA of 3.5 or better is required for early-entry into the graduate program.
3. Student must submit satisfactory scores on the aptitude portion of the GRE tests.
No courses shall be counted toward both BS/BA and MS degrees in Computer Science.
Department of Software and Information Systems
Chairperson: Bei-Tseng (Bill) Chu; Professors: Chu, Zheng Associate Professors: Hadzikadic, Tolone; Assistant Professors: Ahn, Liu, Wang; Adjunct Professors: Broadway, Foley, Kitrick, Phillips, Williams
The Bachelor of Arts in Software and Information Systems is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in Information Technology with a focus on developing large-scale information systems. This degree will also well prepare students to pursue graduate studies in Information Technology and related application areas. Focus of this program includes:
The Department of Software and Information Systems offers a program leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Software and Information Systems and a program leading to a Master of Science in Information Technology (see the Graduate Catalog for information on the M.S. degree.), as well as a graduate certificate program in Information Technology Management. Students are prepared for their profession through a comprehensive program of courses, aided by some of the latest computer and communication equipment available.
Cooperative Education in Software and Information Systems. By participating in the Cooperative Education program, students in the department may pursue their education along with alternating work experiences so that they may be better prepared to enter their chosen professional career. Interested students should contact the University Career Center for more information.
BACHELOR OF ARTS: SOFTWARE AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
This program requires 120 credit hours. It requires 51 hours of major courses, as well as 15 hours in mathematics. Required courses include: ITCS 1214, 1215, 2214, 2215, 3143, 3160, 3166, and 3688. ITIS 2300, 3200, 3300, 3310, 3320, 3650, 3651, and six semester hours of approved ITIS or ITCS courses numbered 3000 or above; MATH 1120, 1165, 2164, STAT 1220, 1223 *.
A component of related work must be included consisting of 15 semester hours of courses that form a coherent area of study that are related to developing applications of information systems.
* A mathematics option consisting of MATH 1241, 1242, 1165, and 2164, and STAT 2122 may be selected as an alternate to the math courses listed.
CURRICULUM OUTLINE: B.A. DEGREE, INFORMATION SCIENCE
Freshman Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 1214 3 ITCS 1215 3
MATH 1120* 3 ENGL 1102 3
ENGL 1101 3 MATH 1165* 3
Science 4 STAT 1220* 3
LBST 110x 3 Science 4
16 16
Sophomore Year
Fall Spring
ITCS 2300 3 LBST 2101 3
ITCS 2214 3 Soc. Sci. 3
STAT 1223* 3 ITCS 2215 3
ENGL 2116 3 Related work 3
MATH 2164* 3 COMM 2105 3
15 15
Junior Year
Fall Spring
ITIS 3300 3 ITCS 3160 3
ITCS 3166 3 Related work 3
ITCS 3688 3 Related work 3
Related work 3 ITIS/ITCS Elective 3
LBST 2102 3 ITCS 3310 3
15 15
Senior Year
Fall Spring