Advanced Technologies in Computer Science

Summary

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at Lawrence Technological University offers you a sound foundation in computer science, combining industry-relevant courses and labs teaching state-of-the-art technologies within one of the country's strongest undergraduate research programs.

The problem-solving skills and out-of-the-box mindset combined with knowledge in the most advanced technologies creates the ultimate computer science undergraduate education experience. You may choose one of several concentrations: business software development, scientific software development, or game software development.

Why Computer Science at LTU?

The faculty at Lawrence Tech is dedicated to your success and can provide one-on-one advising to help you reach your individual goals and create a program geared to your specific interests. Small classes enhance your interaction with your professors and other students. You will learn in specialty labs devoted to multimedia, computer graphics, distributed computing, and robotics.

With our project-based educational approach, LTU is also one of the nation’s leading institutes in undergraduate research in computer science, reflected by objective standard metrics such as student-authored scientific publications and student discoveries featured in the popular press. The world-class education and LTU’s reputation are also reflected by one of the highest employment rates. Nearly 100% of are graduates are employed in the field or attend graduate schools.

Lawrence Tech’s signature “theory and practice” approach combines strong instruction in the fundamentals of computer science with a focus on the practical skills needed in the workplace. You can participate in cooperative projects and in classroom, state, national, and international competitions that can further enhance your team-building and leadership skills. Opportunities for paid internships can also provide links to employers as well as valuable hands-on experience.

Minor/Dual Major

Students can complete a minor in computer science by taking 24 credit hours of computer science courses that are at a level of MCS1514 Computer Science 1 or above.

Students can earn a dual major in computer science and another discipline by completing the requirements of both programs.

Certificate

The certificate in Computer Science requires the following courses:

Course No	Subject
MCS1514 MCS2514 MCS2534 MCS2523 MCS3543 MCS3663 MCS4623 MCS4653 MCS4663	Computer Science 1 Computer Science 2 Data Structures Discrete Math Intro to Database Systems Computer Architecture and Assembly Prog. Intro to Software Engineering Theory/Computation Operating Systems

*MCS1514 and MCS2514 may be transferred in with a grade of B or better.
*A 2.0 GPA average in these classes is required to earn this certificate.

Concentrations

To view four-year course listings for each of the available concentrations, click either Concentration Flowcharts or Concentration Summary Records.

Scientific Software Development

The Scientific Software Development concentration for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is the best selection for the greatest flexibility. It prepares the student for all areas of software development, and combines problem-solving skills with the most current technologies in the field. At LTU students also have the to participate in research at the highest possible level. Our program is one of the top in the nation in student-authored scientific publications, as well as news articles describing work done by students. The scientific software development concentration also provides the best preparation for graduate work in Computer Science.

Game Software Development

The Game Software Development concentration for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is an exciting option for students interested in preparing for a career in the rapidly expanding game development industry. In hands-on interactive studios, students explore animation, interactive computer graphics, two- and three-dimensional representation and transformation, modeling, game genres, and graphics programming. They also create their own completely envisioned computer games.

Business Software Development

The Business Software Development concentration for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is designed for the student interested in non-scientific applications. It prepares the student for database, web and business application development.

Curriculum

Your degree requires 121 to 122 credit hours, depending on the concentration chosen, and consists of:

Humanities (with emphasis on leadership)	28
Natural Science	7 - 8
Mathematics	18 - 21
Computer Science	47
Electives
Total	121 - 22

Graduates with a degree in Computer Science have many career options:

Applications programming/design
Artificial intelligence
CAD/CAM design
Computer engineering
Customer support
Game design
Information systems
Network administration
Operations research
Programming/analysis
Software development
Technical sales/support
Technical writing
Web design

A variety of dynamic careers await you as a computer science graduate. With many basic programming and support tasks being shipped overseas, computer science majors can concentrate on the engaging aspects of intelligent systems, autonomous robots, game development, computer security, Web application development, data mining, networks, and virtual environments, just to mention a few.

Career opportunities occur in a wide variety of settings, such as large or small software companies, computer services companies, and various other organizations, including industry, government, banking, and health care.

While starting salaries vary widely, computer science graduates are typically well-paid.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers recently reported that the average annual salary for computer science graduates was more than $50, 000.