Computer Science

The field of computer science leads to a variety of careers that all require core computer science skills. These skills include theory classes in Computer Hardware, Data Structures, Databases, and Networks, as well as programming in different computer languages. Thereafter, within the field, areas of specialty lead into careers including software development, project management, systems analysis, and maintenance among other areas. With the Internet being an integral part of everyday life, Web page authoring and Web application development have been other areas of high demand in the job market. This major also lead to many other careers.  For additional possibilities, visit the Career Services Center on campus to utilize computerized career information systems and other valuable career resources.

Degrees & Certificates

Course Descriptions

About Online Classes

About Hybrid Classes

Certificates of Achievement

Computer Science majors cover a broad spectrum of courses ranging from core computer science to a variety of branch fields of computer science. This major provides the student with the basic skills required of core computer science. Courses include programming in low-level and essential languages, Database Theory, Operating System Fundamentals, Computer Hardware and Data Structures. Students finishing this major are well equipped to work in the field of computer science as well as transfer to a four-year degree program in this area.

A computer programmer is a professional who is skilled in writing medium to large-scale computer applications. This requires the knowledge and practice of a multitude of areas in Computer Science. This certificate focuses on learning and using advanced programming techniques to build software applications. In addition, it covers core computer science concepts such as Operating Systems and Database Theory.

A Database Applications Developer develops user-friendly interfaces to database applications. A database application is made of data, a database engine to store the data, and an interface to extract and display the data. The skills needed to build a database application range from database theory and design, using a database engine such as SQL server, or Oracle, to programming ADO technologies to extract the data, as well as programming in Windows and Web applications on a client and server-side basis to present the data. In addition, with increasing concerns over security , a database developer must also be able to write secure code that minimizes the risk of attacks.

A Web Programmer designs and develops applications and scripts for the World Wide Web (WWW). Web programmers need to be knowledgeable in a variety of Internet technologies (HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, Perl/CGI, Java, JSP, PHP, and the Microsoft .Net platform), networking, and database management. They are chiefly responsible for providing the programming which makes Web pages interactive or allows users to interact with back-end applications and databases. Web programmers are instrumental in making electronic commerce on the Internet possible.

Department Certificates

This certificate provides the student with the basic skills needed to enter the world of programming. It covers a range of programming language courses that expose the student to the spectrum of different languages that are popular today.

A certificate in IS Management aims to provide Computer Science students with the knowledge needed to develop Information Systems in a real-world setting. Students learn how to develop medium to large scale applications while applying the skills needed to plan and budget resources in development projects from conceptual design to deployment.

A certificate in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) aims to provide Computer Science students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the emergent AI career field, which includes robotics, knowledge engineering, and virtual human design. Students learn how to program embedded systems to operate mobile robotics that can interact with changing environments, how to create and maintain expert systems, and how to design and build virtual humans that converse much like people. All classes are very much "hands-on".

The IT world is integrated by networks. Success in IT disciplines like database, website, or e-commerce development demands a supporting grasp of the network environment. Major technologies are the networks themselves, their fit within the operating platforms they connect to, specific network applications, and measures to achieve networks security. Network engineers and other qualified IT specialists must understand the various protocols, programs' interfaces to them, how networks are presented and managed on Unix and Windows platforms, specific server programs and their clients, and what the inherent risks are.