Choosing a Major

The Computer Science Department offers majors and minors in Computer Science (CS), Computer Security (SEC), and Information Technology (IT), and additional minors in Bioinformatics, Robotics, and Web Design and Programming.

Computer Science (CS) explores programming and theoretical foundations of computing with emphasis on algorithms and mathematical principles. Computer scientists work on developing new designs for hardware and software. CS majors prepare for careers in software development or for graduate studies in any area of computing. If you dream about designing space missions at NASA, this can be your starting point!

Computer Security (SEC) deals with major challenges experienced whenever computers are used, in all sectors of life: small businesses, large corporations, organizations, law enfocement, the military, and the government. Computer security professionals analyze and counteract threats to networks and computer systems, detect intrusions and assure privacy. This work is higly valued, and demand for professionals with such an expertise is expected only to grow. To work on computer security one needs a very rigorous prepartion including fundamentals of hardware and software.

Information Technology (IT) is concerned with forming and maintaining computing environments for businesses and organizations. Information technicians chose and configure hardware and software, monitor performance and security of databases, web servers and computer networks. If you dream about providing computing support at the 21st century level, IT is for you! IT technicians are sought in health care, financial or educational services, commerce and manufacturing. As our IT major requires only a small number of credits, it can be easily taken as a second major.

According to recent job market analysis, computing jobs form one of the fastest growing segments and will remain in that position for a number of years. Because of security concerns, most current and future computing jobs will not be subject to outsourcing — they will remain in the country. Altogether, CS, SEC and IT are excellent career choices for life!

If you like programming, problem solving and math, choose the CS major. And, if you want to make it even stronger, add the SEC, IT or Robotics Minor.

If you like problem solving and math, choose the SEC major. And, if you want to make it even stronger, add the CS or IT Minor.

If you like problem solving but are not sure what major to choose, start with the IT major — it requires a smaller number of credits and gives you flexible options:

Computing majors:

Computing minors:

Interdisciplinary minors related to computing:

Our courses, whether in IT, CS or SEC, have the same prefix, CSC.

Many students choose a major and a minor, or even two minors. Some of our students choose a double major. However, please notice that the recipients of state or federal financial aid are bound by the rule that the aid will cover only 120 credits and by some other restictions that can be explained by the Office of Financial Aid. Studnets with strong academic results enroll in the Honors Program or write a thesis for an advanced honors project. They also register as Teaching Assistants at our department or work as tutors in the Learning Center. We encourage you to consider right from the start how you can distinguish yourself.