ComSci at NSU

Degree Program

At NSU, the Computer Science program conforms to the general objectives and curriculum guidelines set forth in Computing Curricula 2001, which was developed jointly by the two most prominent international computing professional organizations: the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) and The Computer Society (IEEE).

Our goal is to provide a strong combination of theory and practice that prepares our graduates well for the rapidly evolving workplace. Our core (required) courses are strong, and students interested in attending graduate school can be prepared to do so if they do well and if they take an appropriate minor.

In addition to the required courses, each student must take 12 hours of CS electives. The core courses and the electives are listed in the NSU Computer Science degree plan.

The NSU CS faculty work hard to keep our degree program current. We believe that we have the strongest and most current variety of elective course offerings in Oklahoma and surrounding states. Some of our elective courses are: Game Programming, Windows.Net programming in C++ or C#, Java Internet Programming, Network Security, Language Theory and XML/HTML, Database Theory and SQL, Artificial Intelligence, Linux Operating System, TCP/IP Networking, Technology in Modern Society, and Visual Basic Programming.

Choosing a minor

Computer Science majors must also take a minor. They may choose any minor offered at NSU. This provides flexibility for CS majors to specialize in a second area of particular interest to them, which should strongly enhance their job outlook and their personal and career satisfaction.

What Do Computer Scientists Do?

There are many different kinds of careers in computing. The STEM Scholarships are available for degrees in Computer Science, which differs from Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, and Computer Technician. For information on these computing disciplines, how they are different, and how they relate to each other please read the Computing Curricula 2005 - The Overview Report (PDF) by the Joint Task Force for Computing Curricula 2005. A Cooperative Project of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), IEEE Computer Society, and AIS.

Computer Science is the study of solving problems and using computers to assist in solving those problems.

1. Learn how to solve problems and develop effective ways to solve those problems. Some attributes that are helpful to computer scientists are: solving puzzles or playing creative games, patience, desire to understand how things work, attention to detail, analytical thinking, creativity, etc., develop an appreciation for/understanding of complex systems, that consist of many interrelated parts.
2. Design and write software (programs). You will learn to use a variety of tools such as programming languages, program development tools, and operating systems.
3. Develop new ways to use computers. These can be large contributions or small complements to existing knowledge. The World Wide Web was an idea of one person, but it was built on many ideas and systems that came before.

Computer Scientists can specialize in (take a particular interest in) one or more areas of computer science such as web programming, mathematical programming, game programming, software engineering, networking and security and others.

Computer Science majors at NSU can choose any minor, and the minor can help enhance your interest in computing and help define your career. For example: Information Systems or Business are minors that will help a student pursue a business-oriented career in computing. Any of the physical sciences are excellent complements to a computing career. Mathematics is a good choice to support a career involving Artificial Intelligence, mathematical modeling, game programming, or cryptography.

Variety of Careers

Many computer scientists are employed in some capacity as programmers/problem solvers, but there are many other kinds of careers to follow. Some of the most common of these are technical consultant, administrator of technical support, and technical writer.  A CS degree gives you specialized skills that are useful to a wide range of professional activities/positions:

• Analytical thinking.
• Breaking down large problems into smaller more manageable parts.
• Understanding of how complex systems are composed of smaller pieces that work together to form the whole.
• Ability to organize information and activities.

Because of these skills, computer science graduates are not limited to the jobs described here. They are qualified to do a wide variety of administrative and technical jobs; a Computer Science major combines very well with a variety of other skills and interests such as mathematics, business, accounting, geography, criminal justice, or any of the natural sciences.