Computer Science

View Programs and Courses 

View Computer Science Flowsheet 

Faculty

Professor Bo Jin Hatfield, Chairperson

Professor: Mikhail S. Brikman

Associate Professors: Joseph S. Kasprzyk, Gregg C. Whyte

Assistant Professors: Sheila D. Shea, Beifang Yi

Faculty Emeriti

Professors: Robert Campbell, Edward J. Wilkens, Joan G. Wuterich

Programs Offered

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science 

Option Sequences (all sequences consist of two courses)

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Computation Theory
Computer Graphics and Visualization
Computer Networking and Security
Distributed and Cloud Computing
Embedded Systems
Object-Oriented Programming
Parallel Computing
Software Engineering

Minor

Computer and Information Studies  

Programs in the Computer Science Department

The Computer Science Department offers a well-integrated curriculum for its Computer Science major and minor and a diverse offering of Information Technology service courses. With well-credentialed faculty, the department strives for excellence in providing students with a strong foundation in computer science and information technology concepts, processes, and tools. The department engages students in developing the analytical, design, and communication skills necessary to be successful in computing fields or in graduate school.

Computer Science Major

The Computer Science major is accredited by ABET, Inc. (http://www.abet.org ), which is the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. Among the most respected accreditation organizations in the U.S., ABET had provided leadership and quality assurance in higher education for over 75 years.  Through lectures and extensive laboratory experiences, Computer Science majors learn about current computing environments and programming languages, a systematic methodology of software design and implementation, and the theoretical foundations of Computer Science. A wide variety of current and state-of-the-art platforms, applications and tools are utilized in the major. By choosing an Option Sequence and appropriate upper-division electives, students can specialize in a particular area such as computation theory, artificial intelligence, computer networking, embedded systems, object-oriented programming, parallel computing, cloud computing, or software engineering.

In addition to preparing students for careers in a variety of computing fields, the Computer Science major curriculum also provides a foundation for further study at the graduate level. The Computer Science major consists of fourteen Computer Science courses, together with five support courses in Mathematics, one in Physics, and three Science courses chosen from specified lists. (See the Computer Science major flow sheet.)

Although the Computer Science major does not require the completion of a minor, students in the program are urged to consider using some of their electives to assemble a minor in an area of personal interest that integrates and/or applies computing methods and/or technologies. A minor in Mathematics is particularly convenient since many of the Mathematics support courses required within the Computer Science major can be used as part of this minor. Other possibilities include Business Administration or one of the sciences. (Before embarking upon a minor, the student should confer with the chairperson of the appropriate department to determine the proper selection of courses.) 

Retention in the Computer Science Major

In order to remain in the Computer Science degree program a student must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 2.7 (B-) or higher in Computer Science major courses (courses with a CSC prefix) and 2.3 (C+) or higher in the support courses. Exceptional circumstances will be handled on an individual basis.  

Computer and Information Studies Minor

Computers and application software play an important role in almost any major and any career choice. The primary goal of the Computer and Information Studies Minor is to provide an introduction to computing topics that can be used by students in all majors to supplement their primary studies. This minor allows students to develop understanding and skills in the following areas:

• fundamental concepts of Computer Science including systems, algorithms, programming languages, application software and networking;
• programming skills including sound design methodologies, a programming language and its major constructs, and testing and performance evaluation;
• the opportunity to study additional computing topics that may give students a major edge in future employment - choices include web-based software development, embedded systems, databases, networking, software engineering, and artificial intelligence.
  
  The Computer and Information Studies Minor is appropriate for students who anticipate that computer knowledge and skills will have a prominent role to play in their academic and professional careers.  For additional information go to the Computer and Information Studies Minor  page.

Computer Science Courses Across the Curriculum

Computer Science Department courses are incorporated into majors as diverse as Business Administration, Chemistry and Sociology, and may be taken as free electives by students in any discipline.

Any of the courses ITC 100 , ITC 117 , ITC 181  and CSC 200A  may be used to satisfy the Computer Literacy Competency-Based Skills Core requirement.