Computer Science

J. Coy, Chairperson

bsu.edu/cs

The Department of Computer Science offers a major in computer science with a focus in five concentration areas, plus two minors. BSU computer science graduates pursue high-paying careers that make a difference in the world, with titles such as software developer (ranked #2 best job in 2021 by U.S. News and World Report), software engineer, computer programmer, game developer, software test engineer, full-stack web developer, database administrator, business analyst, data scientist, and product manager.  Our students also continue on to graduate studies in computer science, business administration, and other related subjects. Further information about careers for computer science majors can be found on the departmental website, www.bsu.edu/cs.

The core courses required for all concentrations build a foundation of understanding of the principles of computer science.  Students in all concentrations take the same courses during their freshmen and sophomore years, specialize in their junior and senior years, and join back together in a 2-semester immersive learning capstone experience shared by all concentrations.  The core courses provide foundations in algorithmic principles and computing theory, strengthen design and development techniques, instill ethical professional competence, develop communication abilities, and build the teamwork skills necessary for working on a software project in today's industry.

Each of the five concentrations offered within the major focus on a specific area of computer science, while allowing flexibility in the choice of electives to customize a students' learning journey:

• General Computer Science (GCS) concentration dives deeper into the core computer science knowledge areas, gaining an in-depth understanding of computer science theory, networks, operating systems, programming languages, and database design.  GCS concentration students are poised to continue their studies into graduate school, tackle advanced problems in computer science research, or transition into a career in many different specialty areas.
• Web and Mobile App Development (WMAD) concentration focuses on one of the most in-demand specialties in the field, where dynamic software is delivered on demand to mobile devices or accessed through web browsers.  Students in the WMAD concentration gain experience designing and deploying web-based and mobile-based applications following a user-centered design process, with a focus on effective user interface design.
• Cybersecurity and Secure Software Design (CSSD) concentration emphasizes understanding the current cybersecurity landscape and building the next generation of secure software and systems.  Students in the CSSD concentration learn to design and evaluate secure software, develop security policies, and manage complex network systems and software environments.
• Game Design and Development (GDD) concentration is a uniquely interdisciplinary program that builds the full suite of knowledge needed to design and implement digital games.  Students will learn how to follow a player-centered design process for creating original interactive media, as well as take cross-discipline courses to learn 3D animation and digital sound manipulation.  GDD concentration students collaborate on interdisciplinary teams to create original video games in an authentic modern studio environment, using contemporary best practices and industrial-strength tools.
• Data Analytics and Machine Learning (DAML) concentration applies computer science techniques, including machine learning, to the study of large amounts of data in order to extract meaning.  DAML concentration students use these computer science techniques as a basis for critical thinking and decision-making in multiple domains, including scientific inquiry and enterprise-level data analysis.

The department also offers two minors:

• The computer science minor allows students majoring in other disciplines to learn the foundations of computer science, and customize the minor to focus on building knowledge and skills especially relevant to their primary major.  Just about every other major can benefit from the applied problem solving and computational skills learned in a computer science minor.

• The cybersecurity minor explores modern issues in computer and information security such as digital forensics and encryption.

Computer Science majors are required to own a laptop computer and may be required to bring the laptop to class. Some classes may require running software under Windows, but a Mac with Parallels Desktop software will work as well.