ComputerScience

About the Major

The programs of study in computer science are designed with the flexibility to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing profession and to allow strong preparation for graduate education in the field. In addition to the courses in the major, the Bachelor of Science program emphasizes foundation courses in the sciences and in applied mathematics, leading to careers involving applications in science and engineering. The Bachelor of Arts degree emphasizes foundation courses in the humanities and the social sciences, leading to careers involving applications in those areas.

Core courses in all programs include programming and data structures, programming language concepts, computer systems architecture, and a track of courses in software methodology and engineering. Students also choose two other tracks from the following: artificial intelligence, computer graphics, computer and network security, data structures and algorithms, game development and design, human-computer interaction, numeric and symbolic computation, operating systems and programming languages. Please contact the department for a current list of computer science elective and track courses.
The BS and BA programs are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET.

Mission Statement

To educate students for computer science careers in industry and research with an emphasis on analysis of problems, understanding of fundamental concepts, and interest in lifelong learning. To integrate real-world experiences, e.g. , as obtained through the cooperative education program, into the academic curriculum.

Computer Science Program Outcomes:

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program prepares its graduates:

to understand and be able to apply the underlying principles of Computer Science to a variety of problem domains;
to develop good communication skills so that they can solve problems and communicate their solution;
to develop strong analytical skills so that they can quickly assess how to solve problems;
to be able to work in groups and appreciate the dynamic and collaborative nature of problem solving;
to be equipped with a thorough understanding of the development process of software including design, implementation, documentation, and testing;
to appreciate the role that computers play in society and to be able to direct the use of technology in a beneficial way and to solve new problems.
to understand and be able to apply mathematics and science.

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science program prepares its graduates:

to understand and be able to apply the underlying principles of Computer Science to a variety of problem domains;
to develop good communication skills so that they can solve problems and communicate their solution;
to develop strong analytical skills so that they can quickly assess how to solve problems;
to be able to work in groups and appreciate the dynamic and collaborative nature of problem solving;
to be equipped with a thorough understanding of the development process of software including design, implementation, documentation, and testing;
to appreciate the role that computers play in society and to be able to direct the use of technology in a beneficial way and to solve new problems.
to have a broad education in the liberal arts balanced with technical study in computer science.

Computer Science Program Educational Objectives

Drexel Computer Science alumni will:

be valued employees in a wide variety of occupations in industry, government and academia, in particular as computer scientists and software engineers;
succeed in graduate and professional studies, such as engineering, science, law, medicine and business;
pursue life-long learning and professional development to remain current in an ever changing technological world;
provide leadership in their profession, in their communities, and society;
function as responsible members of society with an awareness of the social and ethical ramifications of their work.

For more information about this major, contact the Department of Computer Science.