Computer Science - B.A. and B.S. Download to print

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science has been designed for students who seek a liberal arts education combined with a solid foundation in computer science. Students may choose electives from any complementary liberal arts education program beyond computer science. A double major would be an exciting option for the student interested in attaining depth of knowledge across two related areas.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in intended to teach students how to understand, design and build complex computer software systems. Foundational coursework and materials will explain the theories and practices of programming and designing software. Students will learn to understand how the underlying operating and networking systems interact with local and remote information sources to solve complex problems. Computer science offers a foundation which will enable the graduate to adapt to new technologies and new ideas over their lifetime. Computer science majors have careers in developing, managing and building software in a variety of industries including finance, health care, entertainment, telecommunications and manufacturing.

In addition to the general program, the B.S. in Computer Science offers two areas of concentration: Game Programming and Information Security.

The Game Programming concentration will provide students with a solid understanding of the algorithms, techniques and software used to construct interactive virtual environments. Students will work in teams with content specialists and artists to develop the teamwork skills required in this multidisciplinary field, which includes a range of opportunities from the game industry to education to training design.

The Information Security concentration will prepare students to meet the security needs of industry and government through coursework that will provide a thorough understanding of security, privacy and cryptographic techniques and protocols used in computing and communication.

Computers influence the daily lives of almost every individual and industry in today's civilization. There are actually more computing jobs than qualified people to fill them in the United States. Additionally, computing jobs are among the highest paid and have the highest job satisfaction.

The work of computer scientists broadly falls into three categories: (a) designing and building software; (b) developing effective ways to solve computing problems, such as storing information in databases, sending data over networks or providing new approaches to security problems; and (c) devising new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as robotics, computer vision, digital forensics, computer game design and information management.

Many careers in computer science involve large amounts of social interaction with users, customers and fellow team members. Careers often require real creativity, the solving of complex challenging problems, and the learning and application of new technologies. Computer scientists help drive innovation in the sciences (e.g., human genome project, AIDS vaccine research, environmental monitoring and protection, just to mention a few), and also in engineering, business, entertainment and education. It is a career that will allow you to make a positive difference in the world.

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

The Game Programming concentration not only trains students in game development but prepares them to work in the increasingly important industries involved in the development of training simulators and educational virtual environments.

Information Security has become one of the biggest challenges of this century. The interconnection of various financial, governmental and service industrial systems through the internet has increased both the risk and severity of potential harm. The Information Security concentration trains students for careers in industry and government with a specialized focus on managing security needs.

General Admissions for Freshman Students: Admission Requirements at the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy at the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago. For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.
 

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

Minimum 120 total credit hours and 42 upper-division credit hours. Minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA and 2.000 major GPA.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles, and theories relating to Computer Science.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply computer science concepts to solve computer related problems.
3. Analysis of algorithms, computer science methods and techniques.
4. Analyze and plan the development of a typical professional computer science problem. Make succinct oral presentations and written expositions about technical problems  and their solutions. Be able to work effectively as a member of a software development team.