Computer Science (Why does the technology work?)
Computer science grew out of the mathematics and electrical engineering disciplines. It involves the design and development of all types of software from operating systems and phone applications to interactive games and other forms of interactive technology. A CS major must have a strong background in mathematics and creative problem solving. Basically, CS majors study what makes computers work and how they process data. The strength of CS graduates lie in the ability to solve problems of efficiency and overall performance of applications from a machine perspective, and an overall technical orientation to problem-solving. Below are just a few of the many topics a CS major can expect to study:
- Computer programming
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Networks
- Computer algorithms: analysis and design
- Computer Organization and Architecture
- Data Structures
- Data Base System Concepts
- Operating systems
- Software Engineering
The computer science major focuses heavily on the study of programming (such as Java), data structures and operating systems. As a result, many CS graduates pursue careers in programming and software development. Other job titles may include:
- Systems Analyst
- Programming Engineer
- Database Administrator (DBA)
- Project Manager
- Network Administrator
How to Choose Between CS and IS
- Computer Science. If you’re going into a computer science degree, you need to expect to study advanced mathematics, up to calculus 2 and 3. You will gain a deeper understanding of programming languages, and be able to critically analyze problems, and develop effective long term solutions. You will learn not just how to write code, but understand why code works the way it does.
- Information Systems. IS offers a more broad, “big picture” perspective of the coding world, going less in depth than a computer science program would. There is more emphasis on how computer systems can help an organization in doing their business, and this degree program may be intended for someone equally as interested in business and project management as they are in writing code.
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IS (information systems) |
CS (computer science) |
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Focus |
Business and computing |
Software Development |
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Objective |
More efficient or effective business |
Reliable computer program |
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Core Skill |
Business creative thinking, Problem Solving |
Logic/Procedures, Engineering critical thinking. |
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Core Task |
Determine business requirements for information systems |
Deliver information systems to meet defined requirements |
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Theoretical vs. applied |
Balanced |
Applied |
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Generic Job title |
Analyst/Designer |
Developer/ Software Engineer |
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Typical starting job title |
Business Systems analyst |
Application Programmer |
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Career goals |
Senior IT Organizational Manager |
Senior Software Development Manager |
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College / School |
Business or Science |
Science |
BSc degree in computer science:
The college awards the BSc degree in computer science, and in order to obtain the degree, the student must satisfies the following:
Successfully complete a minimum of four years of study (135 credit hours). This is by successfully completing a number of accredited units from the General Curriculum at Al-Maarefa Colleges for Science and Technology, a number of accredited units from the compulsory courses taught at The College of Applied Sciences as well as a number of accredited units from their chosen discipline.
Complete the graduation project (two phases) during the fourth year.