» CSIS
The mission of the School of Computer Science and Information Systems is to provide programs through which students learn to solve problems and gain professional competence in the areas of computer science and information systems. In addition to courses supporting our majors, we offer core and service courses that reflect the pivotal role of computer science and information systems in all disciplines. The goal of each major is to provide a sufficiently focused curriculum to enable each student to compete successfully in the job market, while also providing sufficient breadth to facilitate lifelong learning, whether that learning continues through formal graduate study or on-the-job experiences. Each major offers the student opportunities to obtain thorough knowledge of the field of study, develop the professional competencies to communicate that knowledge, and acquire a value system to make sound decisions regarding the issues that confront professionals in the work place.
Along with the graduate research projects, Northwest is proud of its undergraduate research program because at most colleges and universities, research opportunities are reserved for graduate students. Recent research projects have involved computer networks, web page design and parallel programming.
“Freshman year, there wasn’t even a blip on my radar of trying to go into something that mimics sales or talking to people. What I’ve found out, working on different internships as well as being at Northwest, is that I can really get out of my bubble. Experiencing all the different organizations and clubs that I’ve been a part of and talking with students and faculty and networking with them has led me to having more confidence than I did coming in.”
Nolan Harless '21
Digital Media with Computer Science emphasis
Every student at Northwest is provided with a laptop. This standard configuration, along with the ability to install other specialized software, programming languages, databases and more, allow faculty to utilize a wide variety of tools to enhance the learning of each student.
Additionally, Computer Science, Business Technology and Management Information Systems students also have access to specialized computer laboratories housed in the Colden Hall Computing Complex.
This V-shaped structure is named for Charles J. Colden, the first president of the Board of Regents. Renovated in 1996-97, it contains classrooms, labs and offices.
This 3-story high building is equipped with the latest technology.
Total square feet: 79,721 | Year built: 1959
The School of Computer Science and Information Systems’ cybersecurity laboratory in Colden Hall enhances learning and helps prepare students for careers in the areas of digital forensics, software engineering and secure programming. Equipped with a virtualization server and modern networking equipment for students to practice cyber defense and other skills, the lab also features classroom amenities, including cameras for video conferencing and multiple projection screens that allow students to digest instruction from multiple angles.
High school students from throughout the region who enjoy solving complex problems tested their skills and earned prizes as Northwest Missouri State University’s School of Computer Science and Information Systems sponsored its “Most Awesome Programming Contest 4.0” on March 24, 2023.
A team of students representing Millard North High School of Omaha, Nebraska, took first place in the contest at Northwest-Kansas City. Teams from Blue Springs (Missouri) High School and Summit Tech Academy in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, took second and third place, respectively.
Dr. Carol Spradling, a computer science and information systems faculty member for 32 years at Northwest, recently established the Diversity in Computing Scholarship endowment and provided additional funding to the University’s Women in Computing Scholarship, which she established in 2016.
