The College of the Ozarks Computer Sciences Department prepares students for a successful computing career in programming, website design, systems analysis, and other core Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) specified curricula.
Computer science focuses on the study of programming and the creation of software solutions. With a strong understanding of problem-solving and mathematics, students majoring in computer science may follow a career path that results in the design and development of a software system.
Computer Information Science is focused on managing and determining how a software system will benefit those using it and focuses on bringing different applications and tools together to form a whole system. Those wanting to major in CIS are more interested in the relationship between an organization and the data produced by the system.
Cybersecurity is the study of how humans misdirect technology in many different ways and the steps we can take to mitigate those misdirections. This cybersecurity program approaches security from a defensive standpoint, addressing important technical aspects of cyber defense while emphasizing networking, ethics, and management concepts to ensure well-rounded graduates.
College of the Ozarks Computer Science and Computer Information Science students have the opportunity to participate in Hackathons annually. For several years College of the Ozarks students have participated in Tigerhacks. Tigerhacks is an annual competition held by Missouri University where innovative students from colleges around Missouri compete in creation of the most useful, marketable, or creative program in just 36 hours. Read more about this event in CofO's Press Release.
Title: Associate Professor of Computer Science
Email: ckembell@cofo.edu
Teaching Focus: Information Technology
Education: B.S., Missouri State University, 2002; M.S.C.I.S., Missouri State University, 2008
Professor Kembell began teaching in the Computer Sciences Department in fall 2017 after 19 years in the information technology industry. She completed her undergraduate and masters degrees at Missouri State University. She teaches a range of courses from fundamentals of computer science to website design, IT project management, e-Commerce, software engineering and the CS capstone course. She is working towards a Ph.D. in Information Technology from the University of the Cumberlands in KY. Professor Kembell is a licensed REALTOR® in Missouri as well as a member of ACM, AITP and the National Association of REALTORS®.
LinkedIn
Title: Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Email: tfoley@cofo.edu
Teaching Focus: Cybersecurity
Education: A.S., Moberly Area Community College, 2010; B.S., Columbia College, 2015; M.S., Missouri State University, 2017
Professor Foley began teaching in the Computer Sciences Department in the spring of 2022 after 16 years in the information technology industry. During this span, he has held a variety of positions in IT, but his main areas of interest have been networking and cybersecurity. He earned his undergraduate degree at Columbia College of Missouri and his master's degree at Missouri State University. He teaches a variety of topics, such as IT Security and Networking, Operating Systems, and Fundamentals of Programming II.
Email: bosborne@cofo.edu
Teaching Focus: Database, Data Science, Programming
Education: B.S., Arkansas State University, 1988; M.S., Texas Tech University, 1994; D.C.S., Colorado Technical University, 2020
Dr. Osborne joined the College of the Ozarks in 2023. He brings over two decades of IT industry experience and a business, management, and marketing background. An accomplished and results-driven Information Technology and business professional, the combination of his IT experience and that of an award-winning business owner provide him with a unique perspective in transferring technical experience and skill sets across multiple disciplines. Before entering academia in 2014, he served in many roles during his IT career, including data analysis and modeling, database administration, system administration, systems analysis, systems integration, application design, and business continuity. Current areas of focus are data science and database technologies.
CAREERS
Graduates of the Computer Sciences Department consistently maintain a 100% job placement rate. Students have gained employment at well-known companies, including but not limited to:
INTERNSHIPS AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Internships are encouraged during the four-year program to allow the students to gain industry experience. Our computer sciences students spend their summers participating in paid internships across the country.
Additionally, College of the Ozark’s work program provides students a unique opportunity to gain work experience prior to graduation. Students working in the Computer Center gain real world development skills as well as IT helpdesk experience. Students working in the Computer Science Department are given the opportunity to assist students in learning how to solve real-world problems through programming.
Internships and the work program both provide College of the Ozarks students with substantial opportunities in the future.
Student Groups
Association for Computing Machinery
Association of Computing Machinery Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month in Plaster 309.
Sigma Zeta
Sigma Zeta is a national honor society founded in 1925 to recognize undergraduate excellence in the natural sciences, computer science, and mathematics. The society's purpose is to encourage and foster the attainment of knowledge in the natural and computer sciences and mathematics.
Work Program