The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science seeks to prepare students to have successful careers as computing professionals, with a solid understanding of software development and computer systems and the foundation for life-long learning in the field; to have an academic foundation suitable for graduate study in computer science or related areas; to be able to function effectively on software development teams, with oral and written communication skills. and with an understanding of professional ethics and responsibility.
Graduates of the B.S. degree in Computer Science have careers in developing, managing and building software in a variety of industries, including finance, health care, entertainment, telecommunications and manufacturing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the following as top occupation choices for Computer Science majors: computer network architect; software developer; information security analyst; database administrator; computer systems analyst; computer programmer; and network and computer systems administrator.
Computer Science students may apply early to the M.S. degree in Computer Science and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.
The Computer Science major includes the following optional concentrations:
- The Data Engineering concentration prepares students to perform the data analysis and modeling needed by organizations and to process structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data using statistical and semantic analysis techniques to meet their employers' needs.
- The Game Programming concentration provides students with a solid understanding of the algorithms, techniques and software used to construct interactive virtual environments. Students work in teams with content specialists and artists to develop the teamwork skills required in this multidisciplinary field, which includes a range of opportunities, from the game industry to education to training design.
- The Information Security concentration prepares students to meet the security needs of industry and government through coursework that provides a thorough understanding of security, privacy and cryptographic techniques and protocols used in computing and communication.
- The Robotics and Embedded Systems concentration prepares students to work with devices that combine hardware and software. Such devices include robots and most high tech mechanical devices like cars, planes, farm equipment and construction equipment.