Why Study Computer Science
Computer Science is an exciting, growing and challenging field which impacts almost every aspect of our lives. Medicine, pharmacology, communications, entertainment, automobiles, weather forecasting, mining, manufacturing, forensics, disaster recovery, security, law and business are just a sample of the vast application areas of computer technologies. It would be hard to find some aspect of life that has not benefited from applications of computer science. And what is even more amazing is that what awaits to be done is far greater than what has already been accomplished, and you can be involved in making what is dreamed of today into reality and impact the world and make it a better place.
Degree Options
Majors
- Computer Science, B.S. - This curriculum emphasizes a solid foundation in computer science principles coupled with real-world experience and integrated communication skills.
In addition to this standard four-year program, we offer the ability to specialize with the following three concentrations:
- Gaming/ New Media Design and Production Concentration (B.S. in Computer Science) - This concentration encompasses the next generation of web and entertainment technologies, including computer science, visual story-telling, and graphic arts where words, images, sounds, and human commands are integrated to produce an exciting new media format. Students will spend the second semester of their junior year and first semester of their senior year onsite at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology where they will complete concentration coursework in Harrisburg's state-of-the-art production facilities.
- Information Technology and Security Concentration (B.S. in Computer Science) - This concentration is designed for students seeking a career in Information Technology. Emphasis is placed on system/network administration with particular attention paid to security-related issues.
- Software Development Concentration (B.S. in Computer Science) - This concentration is designed for students seeking a career in programming or software engineering. Emphasis is placed on issues related to knowing how to use all the features of modern programming languages, the design & implementation of algorithms, and the process of developing and maintaining software.
Minors
Career Opportunities
There are many areas in the computer science industry from software engineering to database administration. The common skills needed for computer scientists to be successful in their chosen career are their ability to solve problems, excellent communication and working independently and as a member of a team. and Because of this computer science graduates are some of the most sought-after graduates and earn among the highest salaries of any major right out of college.
| Computer Science Occupation |
Expected Employment Growth |
Average Starting Salary |
Median Salary |
|
| Computer Systems Administrators |
23% |
$41,000 |
$66,310 |
|
| Database Administrators |
20% |
$39,900 |
$69,740 |
|
| Network Systems & Data Communications Analysts |
53% |
$41,660 |
$71,100 |
|
| Computer Software Engineers – Applications Specialists |
34% |
$53,720 |
$85,430 |
|
| Computer Software Engineers – Systems Specialists |
30% |
$57,810 |
$92,430 |
|
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational employment projections to 2018