Program Overview

Computer Science Program

The Computer Science program is offered by the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University.

Program Overview

Computer science is the study of computers and computer systems, including the design and development of software. From smartphone apps to artificial intelligence technology, computer scientists are at the forefront of innovation and key to the advancement of fields such as medicine, economics, finance, and more.

Curriculum

The computer science curriculum involves an in-depth study of computer science fundamentals and practice, including programming concepts and languages, software engineering, operating systems, and computer architecture.

Concentrations

• Computing for Interactive Arts: This concentration prepares students for technical-oriented careers relating to computer graphics, digital animation, video games, and interactive experiences.
• Other Areas of Concentration: While not formal concentrations, the major offers a wide choice of technical electives that allow students to focus on particular areas of computer science, including:
  • Databases
  • Distributed computing
  • Software engineering
  • Programming languages
  • Graphical user interfaces
  • Operating systems
  • Computer networks
  • Computer graphics
  • Artificial intelligence

Minors

• Computer Science Minor: With a computer science minor, students will learn the fundamentals of computer science, including data structures, programming, and design, as well as computer architecture and a variety of elective areas.
• Computing for Interactive Arts Minor: This cross-disciplinary minor, offered jointly by the Art and Design and Computer Science Departments, allows the integration of coding and algorithmic thinking with the principles and methodology of visual design.
• Cross Disciplinary Studies Minor in Data Science: The Computer Science and Statistics Departments offer a cross-disciplinary minor in data science, a rapidly evolving field that uses elements of statistics and computer science to gather, organize, summarize, and communicate information from a variety of data sources and data types.

Blended Program

Computer Science majors can participate in a blended program where they can earn their bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time. To be eligible for the program, students must have completed 20 units of CSC courses past CPE 203. Participation in the program is based on prior academic performance and other measures of professional promise, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

About the Program

A degree in computer science prepares students to design and develop computer technologies such as operating systems, websites, and mobile apps, artificial intelligence suites, software for robotics, search engines, and more. Modern labs help students gain a practical understanding of computer science from learning algorithmic problem-solving to high-level programming languages. Individual and team projects, as well as internships and co-ops throughout California's technology hubs, reinforce the concepts learned and provide students with the opportunity to apply and communicate their knowledge. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Learn by Doing

From programming artificial intelligence problems to designing and developing their own software, students will learn to apply their knowledge to create innovative solutions to real-world problems. They could explore robotics by building underwater autonomous vehicles or make systems more secure by engaging in ethical hacking practices. With a wide range of electives, clubs, and industry projects, students are able to focus on the areas that interest them the most.

Our Graduates

Computer science graduates are highly recruited by industry, including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo, IBM, SUN, Intel, Intuit, Amgen, Adobe, Salesforce, DreamWorks, Disney, Electronic Arts-EA (and other game companies), Raytheon, Boeing, Cisco, HP, JPL, Saint Jude Medical, Lawrence Livermore National Labs, and many more. Graduates work as developers, software engineers, computer programmers, database administrators, systems analysts, and more.