A computer science degree is in the top 5 majors targeted for hiring increases, Careers in the computer sciences are projected to be the fastest growing and rank among the top 20 in the number of new jobs from 1998 to 2008

BS - Computer Science

What is a Computer Science degree?

From theoretical and algorithmic concepts to research, design, development and testing of software and information systems, computer science spans a broad range of topics. Run by the College of Engineering, students getting a computer science degree study the structure of typical computer systems, and the techniques and theories supporting software development. Specialized topics in the computer science degree program include robotics, database development, computer vision, intelligent systems, bioinformatics, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, networks, information management and human-computer interaction. While other majors promote immediate and specific job-related skills, a computer science degree offers a comprehensive foundation that permits graduates to easily adapt to new technologies and ideas. As part of a strong philosophy of hands-on education, Florida Tech faculty and students are continually involved in funded research projects with practical and widespread impact. This is especially true in computer science. CS is a premier program at Florida Tech, securing more than 25 percent of the university's total research expenditures.

Advantages

Why Florida Tech:

• About 10% of undergraduates are provided financial support through research grants directed by computer science faculty.
• Professors bring current knowledge and best practices into the classroom; research informs the curriculum
• Freshman courses in the computer science degree include building and testing computers
• Capstone student design experience that gives students the opportunity to work in teams in addressing real-world issues through hands-on projects
• Countless co-op, internship and job opportunities
• Proximity to high-tech companies means close involvement with the latest advances in science and engineering
• Software evolution lab
• The F.W. Olin Engineering Complex's three levels are linked by the latest electronic and communications technology which promotes cross-function learning
• Florida Tech's alliance with Microsoft allows students to receive Microsoft products for free
• ProTrack Co-op program option, which incorporates 3 professional work experiences into your four-year degree curriculum

The Numbers: Average class size: 20,Student-to-faculty ratio: 9:1

Facilities: The F.W. Olin Engineering Complex's three levels are linked by the latest electronic and communications technology which promotes cross-functional learning. A 142-seat multimedia auditorium and 26 specialized research and teaching laboratories support multiple departments within the College of Engineering Research labs in the complex include antenna systems electronics and digital design, lightwave systems, computer design, artificial intelligence and software reliability. Other labs and research facilities include: Beowulf Project Center for Computation and Intelligence Computer Vision Group Lab for Learning Research Temporal Multidimensional Reasoning Center for Information Assurance Center for Software Testing Education and Research Software Evolution Lab SQL server ava3D, OpenGL, X/Motif, Tcl/Tk, Gimp Windows, Linux, and UNIX operating systems

Learning

Clubs and Organizations: Association for Computing Machinery,Association for Women in Computing,Computer Gaming Society,Computing Research Association,Digital Domain,IEEE/Computer Society,Upsilon Pi Epsilon, Computer Science honor society

Internships and Cooperative Learning: Computer-related research projects, co-op and internships are funded by major corporations such as BMW, DARPA, Harris, IBM, Microsoft, NASA, NSF, Rockwell Collins, United Space Alliance, and Texas Instruments

Future Outcomes

Outcomes - Career and Salary: Here's just a few of the more than 100 corporations who have hired our students earning a computer science degree for internships, co-ops, and employment: AirTran American Airlines America West Avionyx The Boeing Co. Continental Express Defense Information Systems Agency Delta Airlines DRS Technologies EA Games Ensco Federal Bureau of Investigation GE Harris Corp HNTB IBM J.D. Edwards Intersil Corporation Lockheed Martin Microsoft Corporation NASA NTSB New Piper Aircraft Northrop Grumman Northwest Airlines Peace Corps Progressive Insurance Raytheon Systems Rockwell Collins Sabre-Holdings (Travelocity) Siemens Southwest Airlines Sun Microsystems Texas Instruments United Space Alliance U.S. Air Force U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Army ROTC U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy

Curriculum

Curriculum program plans shown reflect current degree requirements. Previous academic year requirements can be accessed from the catalog page by choosing the appropriate academic year.

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Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Computer scientists are deeply involved in activities that are essential in our modern civilization. These activities include basic research, design, development and testing of software and information systems that serve society and its many needs. Computer technology is found in every aspect of today’s world. Common uses include word processors, spreadsheets, computer games and entertainment, communications and information systems, transportation, education and training, medicine, criminology, factory automation, space exploration and assistive devices for the disabled.  Computers have led to significant quality of life improvements, and yet their potential is still to be fully realized. Computing professionals design and develop computer systems that are, insofar as possible, free from defects and protected from misuse that would harm the health or welfare of society or the environment.

The educational objectives of the bachelor of science degree program are to prepare students so that within a few years after graduation they will be well-respected computational problem solvers and recognized as algorithmic specialists contributing to the development of new technology and software products; they will be actively engaged in continual professional development; and will be using their technical knowledge, interpersonal and personal skills and professional attitude to advance their careers, the careers of others and the organizations for which they work.

The computer science curriculum at Florida Tech is a unique and well-rounded program that provides a solid technical background for careers in the computing profession or for graduate studies. Undergraduate students study the structure of typical computer systems, the techniques and theories supporting software development and specialized areas such as computer graphics, artificial intelligence, networks and information management. After graduation, they are equipped to enter the work force as systems analysts, application and system developers, or software specialists and are provided with the background necessary for graduate study.

Because the subject matter of programming, algorithms and data structures forms a critically important foundation for all advanced computer science courses, the minimum grade for satisfying the prerequisite requirements is a grade of C for each of the following courses: CSE 1001, CSE 1002 and CSE 2010.

Students must complete the following minimum course requirements:

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 127

*Students select one laboratory science sequence (BIO 1010/BIO 1020, CHM 1101/CHM 1102, or PHY 1001/2091 and PHY 2002/2092). Students who complete the physics sequence may apply two credits toward the Restricted Elective (Science) requirement.

Not all humanities core courses are offered online or every term; check the current schedule of classes for humanities core options.

***One additional 3-credit Restricted Elective (CSE) may be taken in place of either CSE 4081 or CSE 4083.