Computer Science

The study of information and how to exploit it

Become a Computer Scientist and join a growing and rewarding field. A degree in CS teaches versatile skills for processing and representing information. This program prepares you for a wide range of computing careers. CS majors learn to code and to design efficient algorithms. We study real-world factors affecting software performance and security, reason about the nature of computation, and more.

School/Division

Campus Locations

Main Campus - Alfred, NY

Major

Computer Science (BA)

Double Major

Double Major option(s) offered.
Learn More

Minor

Computer Science

The Computer Science major requires 45 total credit hours.

CSCI 156        Computer Science I                                        4

CSCI 157        Computer Science II                                       4

CSCI 205        Database Systems                                          4

CSCI 206        Algorithm Design                                           4

CSCI xxx         Computer Architecture                                 4                      new course

CSCI xxx         Computer Networking                                  4                      new course

MATH 151     Calculus I                                                              4

MATH xxx*     Discrete Mathematics and Logic               4                      new course
(* student may substitute MATH 281 in place of MATH xxx)

Plus 13 credit hours selected from the following, at least 8 of which must be 400-level (other courses may be approved with Division permission)

Electives:

CSCI 305        Theory of Computation                                  4

CSCI 400        Topics in Computer Science                         4

CSCI 450        Independent Study                                        2-4

ENGR 471      Genetic Algorithms                                         3

MATH 351     Operations Research                                       4

MATH 371     Linear Algebra                                                   4

MATH 381     Mathematical Statistics                                  4

MECH 435     Industrial Control via Microcontroller         3

RNEW 303     Software Engineering                                    4

 

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS = 45

 

Potential Future Electives (depending on faculty specialties and resources):
Web Design
Compiler Design
Distributed Systems
Operating Systems
Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence
Human-Computer Interaction
Parallel Computing
Computer Graphics
Numerical Computation
LINUX/UNIX

In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the major in Computer Science, as well as the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences general education requirements, you'll be required to complete the College's First Year Experience Program or Transfer Student Program.

Computer Science as a double major is available to any AU student. To earn a Computer Science double major, take all courses listed below, totaling 69 credits.

Learn more about Double Majors

  • CSCI 156 Computer Science I
  • CSCI 157 Computer Science II
  • CSCI 206 Algorithm Design
  • CSCI 225 Computer Organization
  • CSCI 305 Theory of Computation
  • CSCI 425 Operating Systems
  • MATH 181 Discrete Mathematics
    or MATH 281 Foundations of Higher Mathematics
  • MATH 151 Calculus I
  • Plus 13 credit hours of computer science courses and electives, at least 8 of which must be 300-level.

The computer science minor requires the following 16 credit hours:

  • CSCI 156 Computer Science I
  • CSCI 157 Computer Science II
  • CSCI 205 Database Systems
  • CSCI 206 Algorithm Design

Plus 8 credit hours selected from the following in consultation with your minor advisor (other courses may be approved with division permission):

  • CSCI/MATH 305 Theory of Computation
  • ENVS 220 Introduction to GIS
  • ENVS 320 Advanced GIS Applications
  • MATH 231 Introduction to Data Science
  • MATH 281 Foundations of Higher Mathematics
  • PHIL 282 Introduction to Logic
  • RNEW 303 Software Engineering

According to figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the vast majority of growth in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) occupations through 2020 will occur within computing fields.

Computer Science graduates enjoy a wide variety of employment fields including:

  • Mobile App Development
  • Gaming
  • Mobile Focused Companies (like Uber/Lyft)
  • Software Engineering
  • Program Analysis
  • Consulting
  • Robotics
  • Financial Institutions
  • Communication
  • Computer Industries
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