Computer Science

The technology revolution that has given computers a role in virtually every aspect of life – from the routine to the extraordinary – requires skilled professionals who can continue to advance the design, construction and analysis of computer software systems.

Computer scientists discover and resolve problems, improve existing operating systems and develop new applications for industries as diverse as health care, agriculture, national defense and gaming. For example, currently four faculty members and their students are conducting cyber defense research in the department’s new Cyber Defense Lab. Another professor is putting artificial intelligence ‘behind the scenes’ of computer gaming to increase the value of the experience, and one received an Emmy this summer in recognition of his work as co-inventor of the flat plasma display panel. Students have opportunities to get involved in research through the department’s research centers and special courses that provide practical experience with real-world problems, such as the capstone course offered through the Senior Design Center, and AURICS, the Accelerated Undergraduate Research in Computer Science program.

The computer science (CSC) field is particularly suited for students with an aptitude for and interest in problem solving, innovation, applied mathematics, and analysis of computational algorithms. The core curriculum is designed to provide CSC graduates a working knowledge of fundamental principles in:

• object oriented programming
• operating systems
• data structures
• logic and assembly language
• software engineering

Students select from more than 25 senior level courses related to today’s current and emerging hot topics in computer science, including computer security, information security, e-commerce, gaming, networking, interface design and multimedia technology. Objectives of the CSC curriculum are to enable students to:

• gain competence in theoretical and mathematical foundations of computer science
• construct algorithms and data structures applicable to problems solved by computer scientists
• be proficient in one programming language and have a basic knowledge of several others
• understand the hardware and software architecture of computer systems
• demonstrate the ability to participate in professional practices related to software engineering
• communicate effectively about computer science-related topics
• be responsible practitioners of computer science and understand the social and ethical implications of computing

The academic program for exceptional students includes options to graduate with honors, with two undergraduate degrees, or to continue directly into graduate studies, earning a Master of Computer Science degree with just 18 additional credit hours. The undergraduate degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc.

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