Computer Science

Overview

Computer Science is the scientific study of how computers, data systems, and information networks perform their functions. With this knowledge, computer scientists create innovations in computer hardware and software that enlighten, enable, and entertain. As computer technology makes everyday modern life possible, the knowledge and skills computer scientists possess are critical. As a result, computer scientists find employment in virtually every sector of the economy.

Among their most common tasks, computer scientists:

• write software applications for a variety of industries and purposes

• secure computing devices and networks from cyber security breaches

• protect critical infrastructures from cyber attack

• probe the security of computers and networks to identify vulnerabilities

• perform forensic investigations of computers and networks to determine if data were compromised

• develop video games and video game development tools

• develop apps for smartphones and tablets

• design and implement databases

• design database-driven websites and web applications

• write software for robots and other machines that automate manufacturing and other tasks

• simulate human learning through artificial intelligence to assist with problem solving

• create special effects tools for entertainment media

• develop more efficient, scalable ways for organizations to store massive amounts of data (such as in the cloud)

• devise techniques for distributing the processing of very complex problems using multiple computers operating in parallel

• create simulations of physical systems that help scientists understand subtle details of scientific processes.

Theory and Application

Computer Science emphasizes both the theoretical and the applied. The goal of Computer Science education is not to prepare a technician who is skilled only in using today's tools and meeting only today's challenges in a single field. Instead, computer scientists thoroughly understand how computer technologies do what they do and why they were designed as they were. This frees computer scientists not only to solve today's challenges with today's tools, but to seek better solutions and to adapt to changing challenges and needs in a wide variety of disciplines. Computer scientists can do this because their coursework has given them a keen understanding of the technical aspects of hardware and software design and operation, how computers represent and process data and instructions, how data are encrypted and authenticated, how databases organize information for rapid recall, how mathematical systems can be solved and visualized graphically, and how all of these technical considerations impact the design and performance of an integrated computer system. This comprehensive background in computing prepares students to face challenges and create opportunities in science, engineering, business, education, and, indeed, in society as a whole.

Programs Offered

The Department of Computer and Mathematical Sciences offers undergraduates several opportunities for studying Computer Science:

• The majority of students pursue a BS in Computer Science. Students who pursue the BS in Computer Science may, if they wish, further clarify their interests and focus by choosing to pursue one or more of the following seven Concentrations:
  • Software Engineering: the development of software and systems for mobile devices and embedded control systems.
  • Cyber Security Operations: the theory and practice of securing computer systems and computer-dependent infrastructures against cyber-attack, as well as investigating security breaches.
  • Gaming and Simulation: the development of software that simulates the behavior of systems and environments mathematically and depicts them graphically.
  • Computational Theory: the study of how computer systems represent and process data and instructions, with particular attention paid to computing frontiers such as artificial intelligence and large-scale data systems.
  • Data Science: the field of study within Computer Science that explores how large quantities of data can be efficiently stored, managed, queried, and summarized.
  • Networking: the study of how computer systems communicate data securely, reliably, and efficiently (this includes Cisco Networking Academy coursework).
  • Digital Forensics: the theory and practice of how data are stored and communicated by computer systems and how that data may be recovered.
• Students who prefer to pursue a slightly less vigorous program in Computer Science may pursue a BA in Computer Science instead.
  
• Students interested in earning a master's degree in computer science, cyber security or data science may enter a 4+1 Program earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and leading to a Master of Science degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or Data Science.  Both BS and MS can be completed in just five years.
• Students who want to focus more on hardware design than on software systems should major in Computer Engineering.
• Students majoring in other disciplines who desire an exposure to the tremendous breadth of the field may earn a Minor in Computer Science.
• Students majoring in other disciplines who are interested in cyber security may earn a Minor in Cyber Security Science.
• Students majoring in other disciplines who are interested in interpreting and visualizing large data sources may earn a Minor in Data Science.
• Students majoring in other disciplines who are interested in developing solutions for the arts, literature, communications, and entertainment may earn a Minor in Web and Mobile Application Development.

In addition to a very interesting set of curriculum options, students also have excellent opportunities to obtain valuable work experience while attending Lewis University. Lewis provides numerous work-study jobs for its undergraduates, in which students can gain hands-on experience maintaining computer systems and assisting other students. Local businesses frequently contact the department concerning both part-time and full-time employment opportunities. Many Mathematics, Computer Science, and Computer Engineering majors work at Argonne National Laboratory as part of a cooperative education program.

In summary, a computer science education teaches students interested in computer technology how computers and networks function, how to develop applications for them, how to design systems that integrate a variety of computing technologies for accessing and interpreting diverse data sets, and how to secure computers and networks to ensure that sensitive data stay protected against cyber attack. With this broad foundation, Computer Science students can then specialize in more specific interest areas, particularly through their choice of elective courses in the field. They then graduate prepared to address critical and interesting challenges in diverse fields.

Recommendations for Other Studies

As computer scientists play important roles in virtually every other field, students who major in Computer Science are encouraged to minor or otherwise pursue coursework in other areas that interest them. For example, courses in Physics will help computer scientists create better simulations of mechanical and electrical systems; courses in Biology will help computer scientists learn how to model the dynamics of the human body, securely store and process private health information, and investigate the intricacies of the genetic code; courses in Media and Communications will give computer scientists ideas for how to contribute content and tools to creative pursuits; and courses in Business will make computer scientists more aware of how their thorough understanding of software, hardware, and networks can be applied to advancing the mission of a commercial enterprise and how sound project management techniques can significantly improve their work designing and developing computing solutions.

Transfer Students

Most transfer students who enroll at Lewis starting their junior year complete the major in two years. It is important, however, that students carefully evaluate which of their prior coursework will transfer by examining course descriptions instead of course titles, as the meaning of course titles do vary across different institutions.