Computer Science, BS

View Computer Science Department website

The computer science major is designed to prepare students for graduate work in computer science and for a variety of careers in computer science-related fields in government, business or industry.

All students are expected to learn methods and techniques of problem solving, to develop a facility in the expression of problem solutions as computer algorithms and programs and to become acquainted with the major areas of current interest and importance in computer science.

The computer science minor is designed for all interested students, but it is particularly suited for students majoring in mathematics, any of the sciences, economics, psychology, sociology or various special areas such as digital imaging (in the art major), as well as for students interested in pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching Program after graduation. The minor will introduce the student to programming, algorithms, data structures and computer architecture, as well as some more advanced aspects of computer science.

Learning Outcomes

• Construct solutions to computer science problems using the fundamental principles of computer science (computer science organization, software development, algorithmic design, programming languages, and theoretical foundations)
• Explain at least three specialized areas of computer science, including operating systems, networks, software engineering, architecture, theoretical computer science, and artificial intelligence
• Create complex (multi-class, multi-objective) software applications
• Formulate an informed opinion on a problem in order to inform the design and implementation of a software solution
• Develop a written and oral opinion on a technical subject for a non-expert audience
• Construct solutions to computer science problems using available, reliable sources