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About Computer-Related Disciplines

Drexel offers real choices among majors that are genuinely distinct. By learning more about computer-related disciplines, students can decide which discipline is best suited to their interests:


Computer Science
College of Engineering
Computer science majors spend most of their time studying and designing algorithms, implementing them into software systems, and improving their performance. Study of theories and techniques are covered in such courses as Object-Oriented Programming, Analysis of Algorithms, Software Engineering, and Programming Language Concepts. Areas of application range from operating systems to artificial intelligence, scientific computing to computer networks, and expert systems to computer graphics.

Students interested in enhancing the performance of computers via software and related technology should consider a major in Computer Science.

Computer Engineering
College of Engineering
Computer engineers work for computer and microprocessor manufacturers; manufacturers of digital devices for telecommunications, peripherals, electronics, control, and robotics; software engineering; the computer network industry; and related fields. A degree in Computer Engineering can also serve as an excellent foundation to pursue graduate professional careers in medicine, law, business, and government.


Software Engineering
College of Information Systems and Technology and College of Engineering
Drexel's software engineering program focuses on the application of processes, methods, and tools to building and maintaining quality computer software, at a predictable cost, on a predictable schedule.

Drexel's software engineering program focuses on the application of processes, methods, and tools to building and maintaining quality computer software, at a predictable cost, on a predictable schedule.

Students in this major learn to appropriately apply discrete mathematics, probability, statistics, and relevant topics in computer science and supporting disciplines to complex software systems, and to work in one or more significant application domains designing software.

Students interested in analyzing, designing, verifying, validating, implementing, applying and maintaining software systems should consider a major in Software Engineering.

Information Systems
College of Information Systems and Technology
Information systems analysts and designers spend most of their time learning how to elicit system requirements from users, modeling these requirements, building and testing prototypes, developing software specifications, designing and developing graphical user interfaces, and evaluating the organizational effectiveness of information systems.

Students who are interested in designing requirements-driven information systems should consider a major in Information Systems.


Information Technology
College of Information Science and Technology
The bachelor of science in Information Technology integrates closely with Drexel’s bachelor of science in information systems (B.S.I.S.), and each enriches the other.The two degrees share a common freshman year and the same set of major courses, but they have different requirements.The difference is in the nature of specialization in upper-level courses.

The B.S.I.T. is aimed at students who want a degree focused on applied information technology — but with an emphasis on IT infrastructure rather than applications in business.

Students who are interested in analyzing IT problems and design, as well as implementing and evaluating effective and usable IT solutions should consider a major in Information Technology.

Management Information Systems (MIS)
Lebow College of Business
Combining the science, technology, and theory of information systems with an advanced knowledge of business functionality is the aim of management information specialists. The Management Information Systems concentration emphasizes human-computer interaction and the practical applications of computer systems in business, including effective data management and efficient systems of information relay. Career opportunities exist in a wide range of business settings.

Digital Media
Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
Drexel's major in Digital Media is designed to educate creative innovators and visual problem solvers in areas of theory and practice in traditional and new media. The freshman year includes foundation courses in basic design, art history, drawing, and liberal arts. In subsequent years, courses in several disciplines— including graphic design, photography, film and video, computer programming, and human-computer interaction—are required to broaden students perspective about digital media. These courses are taken concurrently with professional studio workshop courses in 3D modeling, animation, multimedia interactivity, and visual effects.