2012-13 Undergraduate Catalog

The study of computer science involves becoming a top-notch problem solver. The solutions computer scientists focus on are processes for solving problems. These processes are expressed using the language of algorithms. Ultimately, the solution is programmed into a computer.

Because of their flexibility, computers are integral to most research and are indispensable in most professional careers. In education they are used for instruction, for learning, and for efficiency. In industry they are revolutionizing businesses, and in science they allow us to simulate a Jupiter fly-by, to design the next generation air-bus, and to investigate the effects of pollutants on the environment.

Computer Science majors learn to look at complex situations, identify patterns, and develop processes that take advantage of those patterns in order to solve a problem or improve an approach to a problem. Computer Science majors learn how to solve problems from a wide variety of domains. Working in teams, students learn to transform their solutions into algorithms and implement programs for a broad range of software systems. Majors in Computer Information Systems, a program offered jointly with Business Administration, study problem solving and software development for automating business processes.