Computer Science Major, BS

Program Admission

The computer science program provides quality state-of-the-art education in computer science and information technology to undergraduate students at WSSU.

Student Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the computer science program, students will:

1. Exhibit proficiency in the design and development of computer programs and software systems.
2. Exhibit proficiency in the application of principles of computer organization and architecture.
3. Exhibit proficiency in the application of computer software, hardware, related technologies, procedures, and theories to problem solving.
4. Show evidence of having achieved WSSU Educational Goals.
5. Be equipped to gain immediate employment in computer science related fields and/or pursue graduate studies.

Description

The Computer Science major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. At least 36 hours of computer science, 17 hours of mathematics and 14 hours of laboratory science are required. This program gives the student a broad knowledge of computer science and the freedom to pursue areas of specific interest. Core courses provide foundations in programming and computer languages, the structure of data, computer architecture and the theory of computation and programming languages. Advanced courses provide depth and breadth in computer science. The student must follow one of two options of study: the applied option or the technical option. The option electives taken during the junior and senior years allow exploration of a second discipline or specific areas of computer science, such as Networking, e-Commerce, Database Systems, Computer Graphics, Space Science, High Performance Computing or Theoretical Computer Science.

Both the applied and technical options provide the background for graduate study in computer science and/or fields related to the option of interest. The computer science core and required computer science courses are the same for both options; however, the option electives differ for the two options.

The applied option, with a business orientation, prepares the student for applications programming and computer-related careers in business and industry. The technical option has a scientific emphasis, preparing the student for employment in scientific, mathematical and engineering-related careers. Students completing each option will qualify for entry-level computer science positions in industry and will have the background necessary for graduate study in computer science and related disciplines.