Computer Science Major

In our program, you’ll focus on theory, algorithms and applying computing concepts. In addition to learning about software development and hardware design, you’ll explore networks, graphics, programming language and artificial intelligence.

You’ll also delve deeply into a particular field within the general computer science curriculum by choosing from one of our concentrations.

Hands-On Learning

We offer many ways for you to gain practical, real-world experience while earning your degree. You can take advantage of our internships, which enable you to apply what you’re learning in the classroom to actual work situations — while getting paid. Internships are usually offered during the summer or fall or spring semester, and most students who participate in one graduate after five years with one year of practical experience and some spending money.

Directed Studies and Research projects examples:

• Terrain modeling
• Big data record analysis
• Text analyses

You may also choose to work on directed studies and research projects. Recent projects graduates have worked on include:

• a facial recognition app for roll calls
• game development

• computing on encrypted values

Career Options

As a computer science major, you’ll be well equipped to pursue studies in the field or to begin your career. Some of our graduates have worked in the following positions:

• Associate Consultant, RayBeam Corporation
• Front End Developer, Silver Tech Inc.
• Infrastructure Project Manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• Software Engineer, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
• Software Engineer and Scrum Master, Fidelity Investments
• Senior Software Engineer, Dynamic Research Corporation

What You’ll Take

Satisfying the requirements for the major in Computer Science includes completing a minimum of 62 credits in the major and cognate courses.  

Required Courses
(All Concentrations)

CSC 1610	Problem Solving with Java
CSC 2620	Object-Oriented Programming
CSC 2710	Analysis of Algorithms I
CSC 2820	Data Structures
CSC 3320	Operating Systems
MTH 1217	Calculus I
MTH 1314	Discrete Mathematics

Additional Course Requirements by Concentrations

• Each concentration requires nine, 4-credit courses.  For each of the concentrations, students may replace one of the electives with CSC4815 - Directed Study.

Software Engineering Concentration

This concentration focuses on software development, theory, and algorithms.  It prepares students for jobs in software development and design, as well as continued graduate study. 

Required Courses (complete all)

CSC 3555	Theory of Computation
CSC 3810	Database Principles
CSC 4720	Computer Architecture
CSC 4910	Computer Science Capstone
CSC 3120	Programming Language Principles

Electives (select four)

CSC 3335	Artificial Intelligence
CSC 3725	Numerical Analysis
CSC 3030	Analysis of Algorithms II
CSC 3055	Network Security I
CSC 3155	Cryptography I
CSC 3210	Computer Graphics
CSC 3935	Data Networking
CSC 3995	Data Mining

Cryptography and Security Concentration

This concentration focuses on the development and analysis of secure systems, software and networks. It prepares students for careers as security experts both in the public and private sectors, as well as continued graduate study.

Required Courses (complete all)

CSC 3555	Theory of Computation I
CSC 4910	Computer Science Capstone
CSC 3055	Network Security I
CSC 3056	Network Security II
CSC 5155	Cryptography I
CSC 3935	Data Networking

Electives (select two)

CSC 3810	Database Principles
CSC 3995	Data Mining
MTH 4600	Topics in Mathematics
POL 3541	Cyber Security:  Intersection of Technology and Policy

 

Computational Mathematics Concentration

This concentration prepares students for careers in modeling the behavior of complex systems such as weather patterns, the spread of disease, animal behavior, and finance, among others. It also prepares students for continued graduate study. 

Required Courses (complete all)

CSC 3555	Theory of Computation I
MTH 1218	Calculus II
MTH 2219	Calculus III
MTH 2220	Differential Equations
MTH 2644	Combinatorics and Graph Theory
MTH 3701	Modeling and Simulation
MTH 3725	Numerical Analysis

Electives (select two)

CSC 3030	Analysis of Algorithms II
CSC 3155	Cryptography I
CSC 3210	Computer Graphics
MTH 3335	Linear Algebra
MTH 4336	Abstract Algebra

Mobile and Web Development Concentration

This concentration focuses on areas of website and mobile application development with an emphasis on design and databases. It prepares students for careers in web services, technology, web design, web management, and mobile application development.

CSC 3500	Mobile Application Development
CSC 3810	Database Principles
CSC 3950	Web Development
DES 2830	Graphic Design Studio I
DES 3830	Visual Web Design
DES 3890	Advanced Interaction Design

Three courses from the following:

CSC 3055	Network Security I
CSC 3935	Data Networking
DES 3860	UX Design
DES 2860	Graphic Design Studio II
DES 3840	Motion Design