2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
College of Computing
Administration
Dean: Kessentini
Associate Dean: Adams
Associate Dean: Moore
Assistant Dean: Salinas
Website
Mission
The mission of the College of Computing is to provide the GVSU student community with the intellectual foundations and experiences necessary to use information technology effectively in their chosen careers.
To enable students to attain this goal, the Computing faculty have two primary responsibilities. First, we will offer a solid conceptual foundation required for a career in information technology. Second, we will provide direct, experiential knowledge of the technology necessary to be a productive user/producer of information technology.
To achieve these goals, we:
- Work continuously to keep our curriculum relevant to our mission.
- Ensure that work-relevant experience is part of every class.
- Establish and nurture industrial contacts.
- Establish an integrated, supported co-op experience for computing majors.
- Provide all students, regardless of their major interests, fundamental knowledge of computers and information processing.
Program Information
The college offers undergraduate programs in computer science, information technology, information systems, cybersecurity, and data science and analytics. Master's degree programs are offered in applied computer science, cybersecurity, data science and analytics, and health informatics and bioinformatics.
The college also provides courses in support of non-computing students through minor programs in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, data science, health care information systems, information security systems, information systems, and information technology, as well as general education and service course offerings.
Specific information on admission, curriculum, and graduation requirements can be found in each program section.
Experiential Learning
The College of Computing is committed to the role of experiential learning in preparing professionals for careers in computing. All students completing undergraduate degrees in computing are required to complete an internship prior to graduation. Internship opportunities are available, but not required, of students in the computing graduate programs.
Accreditation
- The Computer Science Major is accredited under the General Criteria and Computer Science Criteria by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 415 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Telephone: (410) 347-7700, www.abet.org.
- The Information Technology Major is accredited under the General Criteria and Information Technology Criteria by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 415 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Telephone: (410) 347-7700, www.abet.org.
- The Information Systems Major is accredited under the General Criteria and Information Systems Criteria by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 415 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Telephone (410) 347-7700, www.abet.org.
Advisory Boards
The advisory board for the College of Computing is composed of the dean and many leaders from local, national, and international companies, who serve to create and sustain an active partnership between the college and industry. The board provides advice concerning goals, curriculum, and other matters that strengthen the student experience. The advisory board also works to strengthen the partnerships that benefit industry and the broader community.
Admission
Secondary Admission For Undergraduates
All undergraduate programs require secondary admission as described in their specific academic program information.
Graduate Admission
See appropriate academic program description for information on graduate admission.
Advising
Academic advising, including major selection, meeting secondary admission requirements, career direction, and course scheduling, is provided by the professional staff of the advising center on both the Pew Grand Rapids Campus and Allendale Campus. Advisors work primarily with presecondary admission undergraduate students. Inquiries from prospective students are welcome. Visit gvsu.edu/computing for additional information.
Outreach
K-12 outreach strives to attract the next generation of students to the computing professions. Staff direct summer camps, provide building tours to prospective students, and support curricular and co-curricular activities for students both at Grand Valley and in schools. Visit gvsu.edu for more information.
Professional Society Student Chapters
ACM - Association for Computing Machinery
Honor Society
Upsilon Pi Epsilon International Honor Society for Computing and Information Disciplines
Scholarships
Carl Erickson and Mary O'Neill Pathway Endowed Scholarship
Eric Jon Gillette Memorial Scholarship
School of Computing Academic Scholarship
School of Computing Study Abroad Scholarship
School of Computing First-Year Endowed Scholarship
Eric Maino Community Technology Award
Graduate Assistantships
Qualified assistantship candidates are selected on the basis of aptitude, interest, and background.
Graduate assistants work with appropriate computing faculty and staff members. Graduate assistant positions are available to assist in the College of Computing with research, writing, data collection and analysis, and student services.
Graduate assistantships are used to support exceptional students in the following areas:
- Data Science and Analytics
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Health Informatics and Bio Informatics
- K-12 Outreach
- Advising