Computer Science – Software Development

The BS in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Development major is designed for students who wish to work with computer science and technology in all facets of an organization. The curriculum includes a computer science core of business, hardware and software, while emphasizing programming, database, and web and mobile application development.

In the program you’ll learn to analyze a wide variety of problems in industry and develop real-world applications, from the ground up. You’ll be able to explain and illustrate the reasons for the modeling and design of computer-based systems and interpret and apply object-oriented programming language.

Classes will prepare you for a number of certifications, which will give proof of your industry-standard knowledge. Students will be prepared to take up to 20 industry certifications – ranging from Programming in C#, to AWS Cloud, to Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) – partnered with a degree in computer science, will give you a clear competitive advantage when it comes to job placement.

Programmed for Success

• Tiffin University is a Certified Cisco Academy, allowing you to gain real-world hands-on experience with equipment and hardware that is utilized in the industry.
• Study with professors who bring years of industry leadership and experience to the classroom.
• Work in an advanced computer science lab with the most up-to-date software environments and equipment.
• You’ll complete a required professional internship, and the opportunities in the field for internships are abundant.
• The TU School of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

This is a program that will prepare you in every way for the IT world. You’ll study with knowledgeable professors who bring years of IT experience. An industry-informed curriculum will prepare you to take industry certifications, which are built into the courses. And, along with computer and software development concepts, you’ll learn the basic skills of communication, organization, critical thinking and teamwork – soft skills that are critical to the success of any IT professional.

A Practical, Professional Education

• Industry certifications are built into course work and you will be prepared for:
  • Excel
  • Microsoft Client
  • Network +
  • Security+
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
  • Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) or Certified Associate in Software Quality
  • HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals
  • Introduction to Programming Using Python
  • Access Specialist
  • Programming in C#
  • A+ Certification
  • Server+/Microsoft Server 2016
  • Linux+ or RedHat Certification
  • ICDN1
  • ICDN2
  • Cloud+/Microsoft Cloud
  • CISCO CCNA
  • Linux +
  • AWS Cloud
• Tiffin is an Amazon Web Services Academy, enabling us to provide a cloud-computing curriculum that prepares you to pursue industry-recognized certifications and in-demand cloud jobs.
• Tiffin University is a Certiport Authorized Testing Center and a Pearson Vue Testing Center, enabling you to take most of the certification exams right on campus.

In the software development program, you’ll learn by doing, as you combine programming and development concepts with hands-on practice. Most of our classes are hands-on, where you’ll actively work on projects based on in-class learning. You’ll work with the same equipment and software that is utilized in the industry. You’ll participate in a 150-hour professional internship, gaining valuable industry experience. You’ll see firsthand the industry at work through field trip visits. And, you’ll hear from accomplished IT professionals, who visit our campus to speak on current topics.

Bringing Knowledge to Practice

• In software development classes, you’ll engage in project-based learning, working with real equipment and software.
• In your second-to-last course of the program, CST460 Research in Computer Science, you’ll focus on a project through the term, encompassing all areas of course work and putting knowledge into practice.
• In the final course, CST470 Internship, you’ll work professionally within an organization for a minimum of 150 hours gaining practical experience and learning what life is like working in the industry.
• Hands-on IT projects working with the local community are at times incorporated into course work.
• Clubs and organizations – such as the Tiffin University ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) Student Chapter, or what we call Technology Club – offer insights into real-world learning.

CURRICULUM

General Education Core (37 hours)

Computer Science Core (3  hours per course, 48 hours total)

• MKT151 Introductory Marketing
• CST155 Introduction to Operating Systems
• ACC210 Financial Accounting
• MGT201 Management of Organizations
• CST201 Introduction to Programming
• LAW211 Business Law I
• ECO222 Principles of Microeconomics
• CST230 Networking Fundamentals
• CDS244 Cyber Security
• CST280 Database I
• CST285 Spreadsheets and Analytics
• FIN301 Business Finance
• CST412 IT Project Management
• CST460 Research in Computer Science
• CST470 Internship
• MGT495 Organizational Strategy

Total = 48 hours

Concentration: Software Development (3 hours per course, 18 hours total)

• CST212 Systems Analysis and Design
• CST255 Internet and Website Development
• CST301 Advanced Programming Concepts
• CST312 Information Systems for Managers
• CST380 Database II
• CST450 Programming for Application Development

Total = 18 hours

Total BS hours = 127-135

This is a sample course sequence to illustrate course offerings for this major. Consult the official Academic Bulletin for detailed registration and advising information.

SAMPLE COURSES

Networking Fundamentals (CST230) – This course provides an overview of network hardware, operating systems, and applications with a focus on design, implementation and management of the network environment inside an organization.

Cyber Security (CDS244) – Information systems need to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. This course explores the protection of information from unauthorized access, disruption, modification, and destruction through technology, physical, and social vectors.

Advanced Programming Concepts (CST301) – This course addresses technologies for developing applications. It covers the principles of database design, and database models using a database software. Organizational data modeling and designing normalized database structures is strongly emphasized. Managerial issues associated with database administration are covered along with an introduction to distributed database concepts in a client-server environment. The course will expose the student to the Structured Query Language (SQL).

Database II (CST280) – This course expands the student’s understanding of the fundamentals introduced in Database I (CST 280) by emphasizing the application of databases to organizational management. Database Management Systems (DBMS), Database administration (DBA) and continues with the exploration of a data manipulation languages such as Structured Query Language (SQL). Students will learn how to connect a database to a program coded with a programming language and experiment with the program communicating with the database. This course will qualify a student to sit for the Microsoft Access 730 Expert certification exam through the Microsoft Corporation to obtain a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification and several SQL server exams offered by Microsoft to obtain a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification.

Programming for Application Development (CST450) – This course explores the latest programming methodologies, particularly the newest programming languages in use today. The development environment and programming language utilized is chosen by the instructor. The purpose is to give the student experience in another programming language different from the beginning course work. The level of programming for the student will be driven to where they can design complicated and sophisticated software using advance coding. Projects will include bridging between basic computer concepts identified in previous course work and designing standard & mobile applications. This course will qualify a student to sit for several certifications’ exams depending on the language utilized. Certifications could include the Microsoft 70-483 Programming in C# or the Microsoft 98-338 Introduction to Programming using JAVA certification exam through the Microsoft Corporation to obtain a Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification or other comparable certification.

FORMAT

On Campus – Offered in a 15-week semester format with start dates of January and August

Online – Offered in two terms per semester starting in January, March, May, July, August and October

OTHER CONCENTRATIONS

Other Computer Science concentrations offered:

• Network & Systems Administration
• Web Design
• Video Game Design

Due to the number of applications, mobile applications and software that is being developed for the latest technologies, the need for software developers is projected to significantly increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of software developers is projected to grow 24 percent from the year 2016-2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

CAREERS

• Computer Programmer
• Computer Support Specialist
• Database Administrator
• Data Business Process Analyst
• DCA Engineer
• Hardware and Network Specialist
• Information System Manager
• IT Support Specialist
• Programmer Analyst
• Software Developer
• System Analyst
• Systems Software Developer
• Technology Support Specialist
• Web Developer

WHERE TU GRADS HAVE WORKED

• Cleveland Clinic
• Computer Sciences Corporation
• Cooper Tire & Rubber
• First Energy
• General Electric
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise
• IBM
• Jem Network Consulting, LLC
• Kroger
• Marathon Petroleum Corporation
• Seneca Computer Center
• Toshiba Business Solutions
• Vodofone
• Wal-Mart, Inc.
• Webster Industries