Computer science (CS) stresses the design, analysis, implementation, management and application of large software systems, as well as systems combining both hardware and software. The Watson School offers a rich set of courses in software design, programming, hardware design and everything in between.
Students begin taking computer science courses in their first semester at Binghamton, and the department welcomes incoming first-year students with or without prior CS experience. In their first year, students with limited programming experience begin the year with Programming Concepts and Applications; otherwise, they start with hardware and software systems. During the first two years, students study multiple programming languages and computer systems principles. Required courses build a strong foundation across the core areas of CS, such as computer systems design, programming languages, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems and formal methods. A wide variety of elective classes allows students to pursue the areas that interest them most, while applying and building on their foundation. We offer electives in software systems, networking (including mobile and wireless networks), web-based systems, machine learning, data mining, artificial intelligence (AI), computer graphics, computer vision, cybersecurity, embedded systems, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, robotics and game design. To maximize scheduling flexibility, every required CS course is taught every semester. This enables different paths through the program and allows students to minor – or even earn a dual degree – in the arts, business, math, music, languages, the sciences and more. Students can also study abroad, pursue a semester-long co-op for credit, or both.