Computer Science

"Computer science spans a wide range, from its theoretical and algorithmic foundations to cutting-edge developments in robotics, computer vision, intelligent systems, bioinformatics, and other exciting areas. We can think of the work of computer scientists as falling into three categories.

  • They design and implement software. Computer scientists take on challenging programming jobs. They also supervise other programmers, keeping them aware of new approaches.
  • They devise new ways to use computers. Progress in the CS areas of networking, database, and human-computer-interface enabled the development of the World Wide Web. Now CS researchers are working with scientists from other fields to make robots become practical and intelligent aides, to use databases to create new knowledge, and to use computers to help decipher the secrets of our DNA.
  • They develop effective ways to solve computing problems. For example, computer scientists develop the best possible ways to store information in databases, send data over networks, and display complex images. Their theoretical background allows them to determine the best performance possible, and their study of algorithms helps them to develop new approaches that provide better performance.

Computer science spans the range from theory through programming. Curricula that reflect this breadth are sometimes criticized for failing to prepare graduates for specific jobs. While other disciplines may produce graduates with more immediately relevant job-related skills, computer science offers a comprehensive foundation that permits graduates to adapt to new technologies and new ideas." Source ACM Computing Curricula 2005, pp.13-14

 

Degree Programs in Computer Science

The following provides the degree options available for the Computer Science (CS) program:

  • Program Description

    The MSCS program is designed to serve two kinds of qualified students who want to further their study in computer science: those who have BS degree in computer science, and those with undergraduate degrees in areas other than CS with required computer science and mathematics course work.

    The MSCS offers excellent curriculum that blends theoretic foundations of computer science with the state-of-the-art computing technologies. The program provides students with opportunities in computer science research, advanced project development and interdisciplinary study, with maximum of flexibility in study plans and class attendance options.a research-oriented computer science graduate program, with applied computing options, and in interdisciplinary option. Courses are offered using a hybrid distance learning delivery model that supports remote attendance and asynchronous attendance.

    For more information regarding this program please visit the College of Computing and Software Engineering website.

  • Program Description

    The program in computer science (CS) provides a blend of the foundations of CS and applications in the information technology (IT) industry. The CS program emphasizes the study of computer systems architecture, software development, and data communications. Core technology areas include programming, computer architecture, operating systems, data communication, database systems, and software engineering. These areas are supported by a strong foundation in computing principles such as the design of programming languages, data structures, and operating system principles. The program includes a mathematics component, and mathematics concepts are incorporated into many of the major courses. A certificate in Mathematical Foundations of Computing is also available. CS majors are strongly advised to take advantage of this new option for credentialing their academic accomplishments.

    Careers

    Graduates of the CS program are prepared for a variety of careers in CS and IT, especially in the development of software for distributed systems. Example job titles from KSU graduates of the CS program include information technology specialist, programmer analyst, software engineer, network administrator, and software consultant. This program also prepares students for graduate studies in IT-related fields.

    Early career job titles include:

    • Digital media designer
    • Computer programmer
    • Computer game designer
    • Software developer

    For more information regarding this program please visit the College of Computing and Software Engineering website.

  • Program Description

    For students interested in developing their knowledge and credentials in the computing area. The minor is approachable for students from a variety of majors with a technical interest, with MATH1112 or MATH1113 as the math prerequisite to CS 1301. The student must earn a ‘C’ or better in all courses for the minor. At least 12 hours of a minor must be non-duplicative with the course requirements of the student’s major, with 9 hours of upper-division.

    For more information regarding this program please visit the College of Computing and Software Engineering website.

  • Program Description

    The MSCS program serves two audiences: the student of computer science with a research-oriented program; and the industry practitioner with an applied program. In order to serve these two audiences, the program has a thesis option, a variety of applied tracks, an Interdisciplinary Study option, and a Technology Commercialization option. This graduate certificate serves the practitioner with a foundations-building graduate certificate for the student without an undergraduate degree in the discipline.

    The Graduate Certificate in CS Foundations develops a breadth of knowledge across the computer science discipline, necessary to sustain graduate study in computer science. The MS CS Admissions Committee may optionally conditionally admit applicants lacking foundational knowledge in computer science, with the requirement to complete this certificate program.

    For more information regarding this program please visit the College of Computing and Software Engineering website.

  • Program Description

    This certification program serves students interested in developing expertise in High Performance Computing Clusters (HPCC), and Big Data Analytics using Lexis Nexis technologies. This is a graduate level certificate requiring for admission either practitioner experience in this area or a solid undergraduate foundation in computing and statistics. All courses include both theory (math and statistics concepts and computer science) and hands-on applied activities and lab experiments, investigations, and programming and software development using Lexis Nexis technologies.

    This graduate certificate program is appropriate for students from a variety of academic backgrounds with sufficient math, stats, and computer programming background and experience. This certificate is a stand-alone certificate, whose courses may be allowed as electives in some graduate programs.

    For more information regarding this program please visit the College of Computing and Software Engineering website.

 

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