Program Overview

Computer Science, B.S.

The Computer Science (Bachelor of Science) program at Florida Tech is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computer science, including programming, algorithmic thinking, and the design, development, and testing of software and information systems.

Program Overview

The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs. Students can customize their studies with options like the artificial intelligence track, where they can explore machine learning, robotics, computer vision, and more, or the cyber operations concentration, which offers cutting-edge, hands-on training to investigate, analyze, and respond to cyber-attacks.

Career Opportunities

With demand rising across industries, a computer science degree opens the door to careers in software development, data science, AI, cybersecurity, and more. Key positions include:

• Software developer
• Systems analyst
• Database administrator
• Network architect
• IT consultant
• Cybersecurity analyst

Students pursuing the cyber operations concentration often focus on roles such as:

• Cyber operations specialist
• Security engineer
• Incident response analyst
• Penetration tester
• Cyber forensics analyst
• IoT security specialist
• Cloud security engineer
• Threat intelligence analyst

Students pursuing the artificial intelligence track often aim for roles such as:

• Machine learning engineer
• AI software developer
• Computer vision engineer
• Robotics engineer
• Natural language processing (NLP) specialist
• Intelligent systems designer
• Applied machine learning specialist
• Algorithm engineer
• AI research scientist
• Data scientist

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in algorithmic thinking, programming, and computer organization, with hands-on computer science from day one. Students can tailor their degree with options like:

• Cyber Operations Concentration: Study algorithm analysis, reverse engineering, and vulnerability research, plus advanced topics like cyber offense and defense, wireless security, and digital forensics.
• Artificial Intelligence Track: Focus on machine learning, robotics, and computer vision, along with advanced topics such as natural language processing and intelligent systems design.

Classes include:

• Computer Disciplines and Careers
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Computer Architecture and Assembly Programming

Research Opportunities

Well-qualified computer science students are invited to join faculty teams of active and internationally known researchers in the fields of software testing, information assurance (cybersecurity), and intelligent systems. Research opportunities allow students to gather hands-on experience in career areas such as:

• Computer security
• Intelligent systems
• Computer vision
• Complex networks
• Distributed negotiations
• Cyber operations

Several special-purpose laboratories are available to students doing advanced research, including the L3Harris Institute for Assured Information, an interdisciplinary center and the university’s focal point for cutting-edge research and education in cyberdefense—often of special interest to students in the cyber operations concentration.

Campus Organizations

At Florida Tech, students can find plenty of ways to get involved and add depth to their computer science degree. Join academic groups, professional clubs, or honor societies—there are more than 200 to choose from. Some examples include:

• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Student Chapter
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• FITSEC: A competitive cybersecurity team

Advanced Degree Options

Many computer science graduates go on to advanced degrees at Florida Tech or other prestigious schools, specializing in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, bioinformatics, networks, and computer graphics. Available advanced degrees include:

• Computer Engineering, M.S.
• Computer Information Systems, M.S.
• Computer Science, M.S.
• Computer Engineering, Ph.D.
• Computer Science, Ph.D.
• Systems Engineering, Ph.D.

Locations Offered

The Computer Science, B.S. program is offered at the Melbourne Campus.

Accreditation

The Computer Science (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs. Additional information can be found on the department’s ABET information page.