Computing and Informatics Exploration

Wiley McKinzie, Exploration Coordinator

The Computing and Informatics Exploration program offers students the opportunity to explore computing before declaring a specific major. All students in this undeclared major take a one-credit course, Introduction to Computing and Informatics, which provides an overview of six computing majors. Students learn about the course of study in each program, career opportunities, and are introduced to the faculty, students, and laboratory facilities in each program.

During the first year, each student will take a three-course sequence in both programming and mathematics, appropriate for each option. An academic adviser will consult one-on-one to ensure each student stays on track. Students may choose a major at the end of any quarter while in either of the exploration options. Course work taken while in the computing or informatics exploration option will be applied accordingly to the new program of study. The two GCCIS exploration options are:

Computing Exploration Option

Dr. Jim Vallino, Computing Exploration Faculty Coordinator

The computing exploration option is designed for freshmen who are interested in computing but are unsure whether computer science or software engineering is the correct choice for them.

Computing exploration option, freshmen year course sequence

*Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.

Informatics Exploration Option

Dr. Luther Troell, Director, School of Informatics and Informatics Exploration Faculty Coordinator

The informatics exploration option is designed for freshmen who are interested in the application of computing to meet the needs of today’s society. Students in this exploration option will spend their first year exploring four programs of study - applied networking and system administration, information security and forensics, information technology, and medical informatics before selecting a major.

Informatics exploration option, freshman year course sequence

*Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.