Computer Science
The study of information and how to exploit it
Become a Computer Scientist and join a growing and rewarding field. A degree in CS teaches versatile skills for processing and representing information. This program prepares you for a wide range of computing careers. CS majors learn to code and to design efficient algorithms. We study real-world factors affecting software performance and security, reason about the nature of computation, and more.
Major
Double Major
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Minor
Course Requirements for the Major
- CSCI 156 Computer Science I - 4 Credits
- CSCI 157 Computer Science II - 4 Credits
- CSCI 206 Algorithm Design - 4 Credits
- CSCI 225 Computer Organization - 4 Credits
- CSCI 305 Theory of Computation - 4 Credits
- CSCI 425 Operating System - 4 Credits
- MATH 181 Discrete Mathematics or MATH 281 Foundations of Higher Mathematics - 4 Credits
- MATH 151 Calculus I - 4 Credits
- Plus 13 credit hours of Computer Science courses and electives, at least 8 of which must be 300-level.
Electives for the Major
- CSCI 311 Database Systems - 4 Credits
- CSCI 315 Computer Networking - 4 Credits
- MATH 231 Introduction to Data Science - 4 Credits
- MATH 351 Introduction to Operations Research - 4 Credits
- MATH 371 Linear Algebra - 4 Credits
- MATH 381 Mathematical Statistics - 4 Credits
- Other elective courses may be approved with Division permission.
Total credit hours: 45
All minor courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.
Since some elective computer science courses require prerequisite courses and are offered only in the spring, fall, or every other year, students must plan the sequence of courses for the minor carefully and in advance.
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Understand and apply problem-solving techniques
- Read, write, and analyze computer algorithms and code.
- Communicate computer science knowledge both orally and in writing.
- Understand concepts and applications from a broad range of areas.
- Understand the ethical ramifications of implementing computational solutions.
Computer Science as a double major is available to any AU student. To earn a Computer Science double major, take all courses listed below, totaling 69 credits.
Learn more about Double Majors
- CSCI 156 Computer Science I
- CSCI 157 Computer Science II
- CSCI 206 Algorithm Design
- CSCI 225 Computer Organization
- CSCI 305 Theory of Computation
- CSCI 425 Operating Systems
- MATH 181 Discrete Mathematics
or MATH 281 Foundations of Higher Mathematics - MATH 151 Calculus I
- Plus 13 credit hours of computer science courses and electives, at least 8 of which must be 300-level.
Requirements for the Minor
- CSCI 156 Computer Science I - 4 Credits
- CSCI 157 Computer Science II - 4 Credits
- CSCI 206 Algorithm Design - 4 Credits
- Plus 12 credit hours of Computer Science courses and electives, selected in consultation with the Computer Science minor advisor
Electives for the Minor
- CSCI 225 Computer Organization - 4 Credits
- CSCI 305 Theory of Computation - 4 Credits
- CSCI 311 Database Systems - 4 Credits
- CSCI 315 Computer Networking - 4 Credits
- CSCI 425 Operating Systems - 4 Credits
- MATH 181 Discrete Mathematics - 4 Credits
- MATH 231 Introduction to Data Science - 4 Credits
- MATH 281 Foundations of Higher Mathematics - 4 Credits
- MATH 351 Introduction to Operations Research - 4 Credits
- MATH 371 Linear Algebra - 4 Credits
- MATH 381 Mathematical Statistics - 4 Credits
- Other elective courses may be approved with Division permission.
Total credit hours: 24
All minor courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.
At least half of the required minor credits must be completed at Alfred University.
Since some computer science courses require prerequisite courses and/or are offered only in the spring, fall, or every other year, students must plan the sequence of courses for the minor carefully and in advance.
Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 356,700 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.
The median annual wage for this group was $104,420 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.