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Computer Science, B.S.

Solve Problems Through Computing
  • 94%

    Of 2019-20 graduates Were Employed or Planning to Attend Graduate School

  • 353

    Number of Students Who Declared a Computer Science Major, Fall 2022

  • 21

    Full-Time Faculty, 10 (47%) Female

Alumni have lucrative careers such as:

Software engineers develop, design, and test software applications. They apply engineering principles to the process of building software.

Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.

Alumni work as computer support specialists, or help-desk technicians, who assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.

Analysts assist in technology integration, including overseeing a company's current IT systems to ensure technology-related goals are met.

Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information.

Learn To

Knowledge of mathematical, algorithmic, and computing principles appropriate to the design and implementation of computer-based systems

Ability to apply analysis, design, development, and testing principles in the construction of software systems

Ability to function effectively on a software development team and to communicate effectively on technical subject matters

Recognition of the value of continued professional development, as evidenced by the ability to acquire and use appropriate techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice

Understanding of professional, ethical, legal, and security issues and responsibilities, and the societal impact of computing

“ Between fantastic relationships with faculty, well thought out degree requirements, and opportunities for undergraduate research, I received an educational experience I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. ”
Computer Science Alum
Computer Science, B.S. Program Overview

Choose Your Program of Study

We offer two programs of study leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Both options will prepare you to attend graduate school or to pursue career opportunities in computer science or closely related areas.

Both options follow the systems-based approach set forth by the Association for Computing Machinery and the IEEE Computer Society for undergraduate degree programs in computer science.

2 Tracks

ABET LogoThe Systems Option (Option 1), which is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), contains more thorough coverage of concepts in operating systems, scientific computing, and has more elective credit hours in upper-level computer science courses to allow you the flexibility to explore additional advanced topics.

Option 2 is designed to give you a sound background in computer science and the opportunity for in-depth study of a computer science application area.

What The Curriculum Looks Like

To solve problems using computers you should be able to make the computer do what you want it to do, i.e., by programming it. Thus, the early part of the curriculum is focused the principles and the practice of programming.

Later, you will learn techniques and concepts specific to sub-areas like operating systems, computer networks, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, compiler construction, or databases.

Implementing the techniques you learn in these courses will require you to write computer programs.

Programming Languages

We currently use the programming languages Python and Java in the introductory 3 course sequence of CSC 131, CSC 231, and CSC 331.

Later courses may teach, or require you to learn, other languages. For instance, the operating systems course may use C or C++, the database course may introduce PHP, and a course on Artificial Intelligence might use Prolog.

Sample Courses in Computer Science

Table lists sample courses for this program
CSC 131 Introduction to Computer Sciences
CSC 231 Introduction to Data Structures
CSC 302 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CSC 340 Scientific Computing
CSC 380 Design & Analysis of Algorithms
CSC 421 Computer Gaming
CSC 450 Software Engineering
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Declare my Major?

Students may declare a major in computer science at any point.

Read our FAQs

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Department

Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

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  • Graduate Programs to Consider Next

    Computer Science and Information Systems, MS-CSIS

    The program prepares students to take on leadership roles in the development and implementation of computer and information systems.

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    Computer Science and Information Systems, M.S.

    Gain advanced skills and knowledge in planning, design, implementation, testing and management of computer systems and applications.

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