Objectives

The B.S. Degree Program in Computer Science prepares students to become life-long learners and successful professionals in the field by achieving these fundamental objectives:

  • Knowledge of the physical and logical principles that determine how computers work.
  • Proficiency in the basic mathematics employed in computer science.
  • Ability to explain key logical constructs that underlie all computer programming.
  • Differentiate among essential data structures used in computer programming, and explain how they work.
  •  Gain knowledge of algorithms and their role in computer science.
  • Identify, explain and apply fundamental structured programming techniques.
  • Apply mathematical concepts to technical problem-solving situations
  • Utilize important data structures and associated algorithms in the development of computer programs.
  • Develop computer programs using functional programming and object-oriented programming paradigms.
  • Apply techniques of software validation and reliability analysis to the development of computer programs.
  • Demonstrate the critical thinking and communication skills required in a technical environment.
  • Acquire the knowledge, skills, experience and values to become lifelong learners able to obtain employment in a computer-related field or go on to graduate study. 

Students also will demonstrate proficiency in a second, complementary area by mastering a computer science-related option within the main program (not required for the degree).

Objectives: Business Option

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the basic elements of business administration—accounting, business law, management and marketing.
  • Use computer systems to solve problems in a business setting.
  • Compare and contrast essential communications technologies and explain how they work.
  • Identify central issues in telecommunications.
  • Apply techniques of analyzing, designing and implementing telecommunications systems.

Objectives: Computer Security Systems Option

  • Identify major threats to computer systems and networks.
  • Formulate and implement solutions that prevent cyber attacks.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of central legal and ethical issues in computer security.

Objectives: Networking and Telecommunications Option

  • Identify the major issues involved with designing and maintaining computer and telecommunications networks.
  • Formulate and implement solutions to networking problems and challenges as experienced by corporations, nonprofit institutions and government agencies.
  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the theory and application underlying the design of computer network systems.

Objectives: Healthcare Informatics Option

  • Respond to the pressing national goal to improve the efficiency, quality and accessibility of the American health care system.
  • Develop the computer systems that will facilitate the delivery of health care around the world.

Objectives: Web Services Concentration

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the essential elements of successful Web design, programming and architecture.
  • Understand the foundation of computer theory underlying the Internet as well as languages and protocols including HTML, CSS and Javascript among others.
  • Identify and understand the social and business applications of Web-based communications and commerce.