COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR
Introduction
The goal of the Department of Computer Science is to provide individuals
with a broad-based theoretical and practical understanding of Computer
Science. Students who complete the program are prepared to pursue
graduate study or to assume positions which include software
engineering, technical programming, and the application of computers and
related technologies to problems in industry such as computer security,
network design and management, and Web design.
The curriculum offered by the Department of Computer Science is designed to serve these purposes:
- To offer an undergraduate major program in computer science for individuals who wish to pursue a career in this field;
- To prepare students for graduate work in computer science;
- To offer a minor in computer science for those who feel the need for a less extensive concentration in computing;
- To serve students in other academic disciplines by offering instruction in computer applications that are useful in these disciplines.
Contact Information
Chair: Marcelo Sztainberg, Ph.D.
Advisor: Susan Snyder
Website: http://www.neiu.edu/~compsc/index.html
About
The Department offers an undergraduate major with four choices of concentration. In each concentration, students are guided through a carefully selected sequence of courses designed to provide a thorough grounding in practical aspects of the field. Students will also acquire sufficient theoretical background to enable them to keep up with the rapid changes in computer technology and methodology. Students should consult a Department advisor to determine which concentration and electives to choose.
Major Requirements
Required Core Courses:
- Programming I
- Discrete Structures
- Programming II
- Computer Organization with Assembly Language Programming
- Data Structures
- Operating Systems
- Fundamentals of Software Engineering
- Introduction to the Design of Algorithms
- Programming Languages
- Computer Architecture
- Theory of Computation
- Computer Networks
- Two computer science 300-level electives (most be approved by academic advisor)
- Systems Programming
- Event-Driven Programming
- Object Oriented Programming
- Open Source Systems
- Two computer science 300-level electives (most be approved by academic advisor)
- Cyberlaw
- Network Security
- Cryptography
- Cybersecurity
- Two computer science 300-level electives (most be approved by academic advisor)
- Client-side Web Development
- Data Base Managment
- Object Oriented Programming
- Server Side Web Development
- Computer Networks
- One computer science 300-level elective (most be approved by academic advisor)
Minor Requirements
A student may complete a minor in computer science by selecting at least 6 courses from those offered by the Department of Computer Science. A recommended minor would include at least 2 courses at the 300-level. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 3 courses toward a minor at Northeastern Illinois University.
Additional Requirements
1. General Education Program: All undergraduate students must
complete the General Education Program requirements consisting of 39
semester hours in the following distribution areas:
2. University Requirements:
3. Residency: The last 30 consecutive credit hours must be taken at Northeastern, unless permission is received from the Office of Enrollment Services.
4. Upper Division: Students must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours at the 300 level and -18 semester hours at the 200 or 300 level.
5. Grade Point Average:
To be eligible to graduate, a student must have a minimum cumulative
2.0 GPA (overall "C" average). Some academic programs and departments
have other specific grade requirements. Check with your academic
advisor.
- Behavioral/Social Sciences (12 hours)
- Natural Sciences (9 hours)
- Mathematics (3 hours; grade of "C" or higher at college level)
- Humanities (9 hours)
- Fine Arts (6 hours)
2. University Requirements:
- English Composition I (grade of "C" or higher);
- Constitution (includes Illinois State Constitution);
- lmproving Human Relations (consult the schedule of classes or catalog for listing of courses);
- English Competency Examination.
3. Residency: The last 30 consecutive credit hours must be taken at Northeastern, unless permission is received from the Office of Enrollment Services.
4. Upper Division: Students must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours at the 300 level and -18 semester hours at the 200 or 300 level.
Other
Students who complete the program are prepared to assume positions which include applications programmer, systems programmer, system analyst, and software engineer. In addition, students who complete the undergraduate degree are prepared to enter a graduate program in computer science.