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Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
 

MISSION

The mission of the Bachelor of Science Program in the Department of Computer Science is to provide the opportunity for its students to acquire the educational background necessary to pursue professional careers in the wide variety of positions in which Computer Science is required, or to continue their education toward advanced degrees in computer science. The primary purpose of the Department is to teach theory, abstraction, and design related to the field of computer science.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The goals of the Department of Computer Science are:

1. Provide high quality education in computer science through exemplary teaching, scholarly research, and public service, focused on preparing our student to be distinctive leaders and significant contributors to society.

2. Provide a broad base in the design, implementation, and application of computer software systems and a functional background in computer hardware systems. This primary objective strives to impart lasting theoretical concepts and fundamental skills to prepare the students for lifelong learning as well as to familiarize them with current technology.

3. Give the student the opportunity to develop a well rounded background as an overall articulate individual by requiring study in written and oral communication, natural and social sciences, humanities and the arts, business and economics, as well as promoting their participation in social and professional activities.

4. Prepare students for advanced scholarly endeavors in computer science.

5. Develop professional skills and work ethics (ethics in the workplace and the ethics of working hard).

The Computer Science Program enables students to achieve the following outcomes by the time of graduation:
  • An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
  • An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
  • An ability to design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
  • An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
  • An understanding of professional, ethical, and social responsibilities.
  • An ability to communicate effectively.
  • An ability to analyze the impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society, including ethical, legal, security, and global policy issues.
  • Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
  • An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
  • An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles and computer theory in modeling and design of computer-based systems.
  • An ability to design and development principles in construction go software systems of varying complexity.
  • An understanding the basics of computer hardware and how software interacts with computer hardware.

 

1. What is Computer Science? 
      Computer Science majors learn the technical aspects or the science of computing. They learn how computers and networks function and how they can make them do what they want. Students learn programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, networks, operating systems and computer architecture.

North Carolina A&T State University has several computer oriented degrees besides Computer Science. Computer Science deals primarily with software and networking. While there is much more to Computer Science than programming, computer programming is an important skill for any computer scientists.

Students interested in computer hardware may want to explore Computer Engineering. To learn how to use computer applications in business, students can examine the Management Information Systems concentration in Business Administration. Students interested in becoming computer technicians may earn a degree in Electronics Technology.

2. What Type of Jobs do Computer Scientist Perform?
Some of the job opportunities available are:
  • Application Programmer
  • System Analyst
  • Software Engineer
  • Systems Programmer
  • System Administrator
  • Network Administrator
  • Database Administrator
  • Internet Systems Engineer
  • Web page designer
  • Sales Support Engineer

While many students graduating with a degree in Computer Science work for computer oriented companies (such as IBM or Microsoft), most graduates work for companies whose primary product is not a computer or software.

Every corporation needs computer scientists to help plan and maintain their computing infrastructure and the products of the future. Starting salaries have averaged approximately $50,000.

As with any major, a student's grade point average, experience and effort have a significant impact on his or her expected future salary. About 28% of the graduating students plan to pursue graduate studies.
3. Future of Computer Science
      Every company needs an expert in computing to help them plan for the future and maintain their current systems. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the employment of computer scientists is expected to increase much faster than the average as organizations continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated technologies.

4. Computer Science at NC A&T State University
      The Computer Science Department of North Carolina A&T State University offers BS and MS degrees in Computer Science. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Faculty members teach all of the classes in the Computer Science Department. Graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants provide assistance in scheduled computer laboratories.