Computer ScienceComputer Science Degree

A Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Computer Science prepares students for careers in virtually any industry or to continue on with graduate study in Computer Science and many other fields. Computer science students learn to approach problems from a computational (algorithmic) point of view, this approach to problem solving often leads to better and more general solutions. Software systems, information technology, and large scale data applications are core technologies in every area and the applications continue to grow with software and information systems becoming more and more embedded in the fabric of everyday life. These systems are essential tools in science and engineering, for business and finance, government, communications, medicine, and entertainment. Software systems make the world go round and smart devices, such as phones, tablets, glasses, wearable devices, medical implants are ubiquitous. As a result, computer science has grown from a specialized field to an independent, broadly based area that studies all aspects of the use and understanding of software systems, information, and computational processes. Students studying B.S. in Computer Science at the University of Wyoming can study for the B.S. degree in Computer Science and have the option to focus their studies by taking a concentration in Business, Big Data or International Engineering. All of the Computer Science concentrations lead to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org/ .

Computer Science Undergraduate Major

This major consists of a core set of courses plus a concentration chosen by the student from one of: Computer Science, Computers and Business, International Engineering, or Big Data. In addition to these courses, Com­puter Science majors must satisfactorily meet the requirements of the University Studies Program (USP). See the front sections of this catalog for specifics on the USP. Note that some of the courses required for the Computer Science core or the concentrations will meet some of the USP requirements. Students do not have to take additional courses to meet those requirements. All courses in Computer Science, Mathematics, Application Area (Big Data) and Statistics must be completed with a grade of C or better. A grade of C- is not acceptable.

Big Data Concentration

Big data is high volume, high velocity, and/or high variety assets that require new forms of processing to enable enhanced deci­sion making, insight discovery and process optimization. The Big Data Concentration directs the students toward data handling (AI, visualization, data mining, and machine learning) courses, data analysis (statistics) courses, and adds an interdisciplinary Applica­tion Area component (chosen from a specific set of courses) that will broaden the student’s experience in processing varied forms of data.

It is highly recommended that students in this concentration declare a Statistics minor, since they will meet all the requirements with­out any additional courses. If you are planning on attending graduate school in Computer Science, then you should take COSC 4740 for the operating systems course and COSC 4100 or COSC 4200 and COSC 4780 or COSC 4785 for the two computer science electives.

Computers and Business Concentration

An understanding of business fundamen­tals is essential for students planning a career in applied computer science in a business en­vironment. This program of study provides a foundation in computer science, business and information management. It includes courses in accounting, management, marketing, data­base fundamentals, and design and implemen­tation of software systems. The curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree.

It is highly recommended that students in this concentration declare a Business minor, since they will meet all the requirements with­out any additional courses. If you are planning on attending graduate school in Computer Science, then you should take COSC 4740 for the operating systems course and COSC 4100 or COSC 4200 and COSC 4780 or COSC 4785 for the two computer science electives.

International Engineering Concentration

Computer Science is a global profession, and today’s computer scientists must be able to work and interact in a variety of diverse cultural and technical environments. The international engineering concentration gives computer science students an opportunity to study culture and foreign language at the same time as they pursue their computer sci­ence degrees.

The concentration includes at least one semester of study abroad with courses taken in a foreign language. In addition, students may participate in a four-to-five month inter­national internship. Foreign language skills can be earned through a variety of means, includ­ing formal university coursework, intensive summer language programs, and previous education.