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Computer Science
Computer science is all about problem-solving with technology. Whether you’re interested in programming, software engineering, cybersecurity, or data analysis, this major gives you the skills to design and build the tech that powers our world.
Experiential Learning
- Build a strong foundation in programming, systems, networking, databases, and software engineering.
- Work on real-world projects in small, collaborative classes where faculty know you by name.
- Compete in coding challenges and develop professional connections through the Association for Computing Machinery student chapter.
- Gain valuable internship experience at companies like Walgreens, Caterpillar, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, ProducePro, and Illinois Mutual Insurance.
Program Details
Required Courses – 48-50 hrs.
- CS 101: Introduction to Programming (4 hrs.)
- CS 102: Data Structures (3 hrs.)
- CS 200: Advanced Programming Concepts and Languages (3 hrs.)
- CS 210: Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms (3 hrs.)
- CS 215: Computability, Formal Languages, and Heuristics (3 hrs.)
- CS 220: Computer Architecture (3 hrs.)
- CS 321: Operating Systems (3 hrs.)
- CS 330: Net-Centric Computing (3 hrs.)
- CS 370: Database Management Systems (3 hrs.)
- CS 390: Introduction to Software Engineering (3 hrs.)
- CS 480: Social and Professional Issues in Computing (2 hrs.)
- CS 490: Capstone Project I (3 hrs.)
- CS 491: Capstone Project II (1-3 hrs.)
- MTH 120: Discrete Mathematics (3 hrs.)
- MTH 121: Calculus I (4 hrs.)
- MTH 122: Calculus II (4 hrs.)
- MTH 325: Probability and Statistics I (3 hrs.)
- or IME 311: Introduction to Engineering Statistical Methods (3 hrs.)
- or QM 262: Quantitative Analysis I (3 hrs.)
- MTH 121 should be taken first, followed by MTH 122 then MTH 120.
Math Elective (choose one) – 3-4 hrs.
- MTH 207: Elementary Linear Algebra With Applications (3 hrs.)
- MTH 223: Calculus III (4 hrs.)
- MTH 224: Elementary Differential Equations (3 hrs.)
- MTH 300: Topics for Middle School Math Teachers (3 hrs.)
- MTH 301: Combinatorics (3 hrs.)
- MTH 302: Introduction to Graph Theory (3 hrs.)
- MTH 305: Modern Geometry (3 hrs.)
- MTH 307: Linear Algebra (3 hrs.)
- MTH 310: Introduction to Number Theory (3 hrs.)
- MTH 325: Probability and Statistics I (3 hrs.)
- MTH 326: Probability and Statistics II (3 hrs.)
- MTH 335: Topics in Actuarial Science (3 hrs.)
- MTH 345: Differential Equations (3 hrs.)
- MTH 371: History of Mathematics (3 hrs.)
- MTH 390: Mathematical Modeling (3 hrs.)
- MTH 403: Complex Variables I (3 hrs.)
- MTH 404: Modern Algebra I (3 hrs.)
- MTH 405: Modern Algebra II (3 hrs.)
- MTH 406: Elementary Topology (3 hrs.)
- MTH 414: Partial Differential Equations (3 hrs.)
- MTH 420: Introduction to Analysis (3 hrs.)
- MTH 421: Advanced Calculus (3 hrs.)
- MTH 427: Applied Statistical Methods (3 hrs.)
- MTH 428: Topics in Applied Statistics (3 hrs.)
- MTH 435: Stochastic Processes (3 hrs.)
- MTH 490: Topics in Mathematics (3 hrs.)
- MTH 491: Directed Individual Studies in Mathematics (1-16 hrs.)
- MTH 494: Senior Project in Mathematics I (0 hrs.)
- MTH 495: Senior Project in Mathematics II (3 hrs.)
- MTH 501: Topics in Applied Mathematics I (3 hrs.)
- MTH 502: Topics in Applied Mathematics II (3 hrs.)
- MTH 510: Numerical Methods I (3 hrs.)
- MTH 511: Numerical Methods II (3 hrs.)
- MTH 514: Partial Differential Equations (3 hrs.)
Science Courses
8 semester hours of science: two courses, with laboratories, designated for science or engineering majors.
Degree Concentrations
Take your career any way you want! Explore the different degree concentrations that we offer so you can personalize your education.
Love video games? This concentration introduces you to game design, programming, and production while building your skills in systems, networking, and software development. Want to dive deeper? Add an interactive media minor or double major.
Data is everywhere—and so are the opportunities to use it. Learn how to analyze big data, use AI and machine learning, and solve real-world problems in business, healthcare, social media, and more.
Bring ideas to life by designing and developing mobile apps and wireless networks. You’ll learn how to build secure, user-friendly mobile experiences while strengthening your skills in programming and web technology.
Want to fight cyber threats? This concentration gives you the skills to protect information and stop hackers in their tracks. Learn about network security, cryptography, and cybersecurity strategies used by top companies and government agencies.
Career Opportunities
A computer science degree opens doors to a wide range of industries. Recent graduates have:
- Developed software at top tech companies like Microsoft and Epic Systems
- Built digital tools for media giants like the New York Timesand Sony
- Worked in cybersecurity, data analysis, and IT infrastructure for major corporations
Minors
The Computer Game Technology minor provides students with essential background, understanding, knowledge, and skills in the practice of computer game software design and development.
The computer science and information systems minor, which is open to all students, gives you a foundation in software development and computer science basics.
You can customize the minor by choosing electives in databases, networking, software engineering, security, gaming or mobile computing. It’s often paired with engineering and interactive media majors.
The data science minor, which is open to all students, gives you a basic understanding of tools to gather and understand large amounts of data.
These tools are important for economic management, wealth creation, life and health improvement, and other applications in engineering, science, business, health care and education. The minor is a valuable addition to business, science and engineering majors.