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.