About Computer Science

Computer science (CS) is a discipline that stresses the design, analysis, implementation, management and application of large software systems, as well as systems combining both hardware and software. In the Watson School, we offer a rich set of courses in software design, programming, hardware design and everything in between.

Flexibility is key to our program. Students begin taking CS courses in their first semester at Binghamton and then can specialize in such areas as software systems, networking, operating systems, Web-based systems, graphics, robotics, microprocessor-based design and game design. Our flexibility in choosing courses also allows students to minor in such areas as the arts, business, math, music, languages or the sciences.

Our accredited program offers degrees at the bachelor's, master's and PhD levels and attracts top researchers in:

• computer architecture (including parallel processing and VLSI systems design)
• computer networks (with a focus on fast networking infrastructures, wireless networking and distributed processing)
• grid computing
• image processing
• modern software design (especially software specification and verification, object-oriented design)
• database and information systems (with an emphasis on Web-based information retrieval, heterogeneous query processing, image and multimedia databases)

Educational Mission and Goals

In keeping with the Watson School's Mission Statement, we strive to provide our CS graduates with a firm grounding in the fundamentals of computer science, elements of practical application and an appreciation for liberal learning.

At their core, our degree programs aim for all of our graduates to understand the theory and practice of automating the representation, storage and processing of information. Knowing that our graduates will pursue a wide variety of career paths after graduation, our goal is to also provide our students the opportunity to pursue their individual interests within computer science and/or other disciplines.

Objectives

To achieve our educational goals, CS graduates are expected to have:

1. strong foundation in computer science, including:
   • computer systems,
   • formal techniques and theory, and
   • software design and development;
2. the ability to apply knowledge gained in the curriculum to analyze, design and implement solutions to a variety of problems;
3. a strong foundation in mathematical and scientific principles and an appreciation for the liberal arts and humanities; and
4. the ability to:
   • speak and write effectively,
   • learn independently, and
   • recognize the importance of ethical and social issues related to computing.

Outcomes

Students must demonstrate:

1. an ability to apply the principles of computer science to solving problems;
2. an ability to design and develop software;
3. an understanding of calculus, discrete mathematics, probability and statistics;
4. an understanding of automata theory and algorithm analysis;
5. an understanding of the principles of computer architecture and operating systems;
6. the ability to make effective oral and written presentations on technical topics;
7. completion of a broad program of courses in the liberal arts and humanities;
8. the ability to learn new material outside the classroom from a variety of sources; and
9. an understanding of the social and ethical implications of computing.