Computer Science, B.S.

The Department of Computer Science at NIU has provided students access to the breadth and depth of computer science for over thirty years. For students interested in business careers, our programs keep pace with an ever-changing industry. For students interested in careers in high-tech industries or research, we provide introductory and advanced courses in a variety of core and specialty areas. We also provide exciting courses for non-majors desiring a basic introduction to computing and for students interested in interdisciplinary careers. Such students might choose to minor in computer science. The Department offers three emphases at the undergraduate level: 5 Emphasis I, Software Development (formerly known as the General Emphasis): Concentrates on only computer science classes, without additional mathematics or business courses. Students are well-prepared for software development careers in virtually any industry. 5 Emphasis II, Enterprise Software (formerly known as the Applied Emphasis): Requires three courses in accountancy, finance, management, or marketing. An Enterprise Software major typically programs business applications and is well-positioned to move into management later in his or her career. 5 Emphasis III, Computational Software (formerly known as the Theoretical Emphasis): Combines the study of computer science with a set of advanced courses in applied mathematics and statistics. A Computational Software major generally goes on to graduate school or takes a position in mathematical programming, such as in research or statistical programming for an insurance company. Most Computational Software majors complete a minor or double major in Mathematics. All three emphases require the completion of 12 courses in computer science, including various languages (e.g., C++, Java, IBM Assembler, PHP, JavaScript, Perl, and Visual Basic), software engineering, security, databases, development environments (e.g., .NET), and operating systems (e.g., UNIX, Windows, and IBMs z/OS).