Department of Computer Science

The demand for programmers, software and app developers, cybersecurity experts and other information technology professionals has never been greater.

In our department, you will learn the programming and other technological skills you need to succeed in a wide variety of computer science career fields. You will also gain the practical hands-on experience that will give you a head start once you graduate.

Degrees

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science
This degree covers all aspects of computer science and is also flexible so you can specialize in the areas that interest you the most.

By completing specific four-course blocks within your degree plan, you can also earn additional certificate credentials:

Begin a career in computer game development at ASU. The Computer Science Department was named in 2010 to Princeton Review’s list of the “Top 50 Undergraduate Game Design Programs.” The ASU program maintains the Entertainment Computing Laboratory for computer science students specializing in game development, and offers a four-course sequence designed to prepare students for a career in the entertainment software industry.

By completing a four-course sequence with grades of C or better, any student can earn a certificate in Computer Game Development. The four required courses are:

CS 3371 – Computer Game Development I
CS 3372 – Handheld Game Development
CS 4318 – Artificial Intelligence
CS 4371 – Computer Game Development II

Students without prior programming experience will prepare for certificate courses by completing CS 1336, CS 1337 and CS 2336.

See our examples of student work to play real games that our students have developed here at ASU!

Web and mobile apps are more important than ever. By completing a four-course sequence with grades of C or better, any student can earn a certificate in Web and Mobile Development. Three courses are required:

CS 3312 – Web Programming
CS 3372 – Handheld Game Development
CS 4312 – Internet Technologies

In addition, one of these two courses must be completed:

CS 1314 – Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving
CS 1351 – Java Programming

Students without prior programming experience will prepare for certificate courses by completing CS 1336, CS 1337 and CS 2336.

Any student can earn a certificate in Cybersecurity Technologies by completing four courses with grades of C or better. Three courses are required:

CS 3310 – Principles of Unix (offered Fall every even year, prerequisite CS 1337)
CS 4314 – Computer Networking (offered every Spring, no prerequisite)
CS 4320 – Introduction to Computer and Network Security (offered every Fall, no prerequisite)

In addition, any one of these four courses must be completed:

BOR 3307 – Introduction to Cybersecurity (online 8 week, offered every Fall, no prerequisite)
BOR 3309 – Information Security and Protection (online 8 week, offered every Spring, no prerequisite)
BOR 4303 – Digital Footprints (face-to-face, offered every Fall, no prerequisite)
CS 4340 – Offensive Security Techniques (offered every odd year, prerequisites CS 4314, CS 4320, CS 3310)

Computer Science Minor
Computer science is a popular minor among math and physics majors because they can benefit from learning to write their own software. It is also a common minor among management information systems majors in the Norris-Vincent College of Business.

Digital Bytes

As you well know, we live in a digital world. Everything is computerized, and you can run your whole life from the palm of your hand. An ASU degree is your ticket to join the exciting and dynamic computer science and information technology industry. Where would we be without our phones, gaming consoles, computer networks, databases and the internet? It’s no wonder there are so many jobs available and that they pay so well.

Sep 29

National Security Agency (NSA) Grant to Expand Cybersecurity Program

Jun 15

New Computer Science Transfer Agreement with Goodfellow AFB

Around the Department

Take a look at some other aspects of our department that make ASU an outstanding place to study computer science.

State-of-the-Art Labs

Gain the hands-on experience you need in our multiple computer labs. They are highlighted by our Entertainment Computing Lab that features high-speed computers with the latest in graphics cards, development software, sound editing software, video equipment, 3-D painting and more.

Student Jobs

Get even more practical experience as a tutor or as an assistant in one of our campus computer labs. You could also work part-time for our IT Department.

Scholarships

Several scholarships are available for students majoring in Computer Science. Check out the scholarships page for eligibility and application information.

Summer Code Camp

Every summer, our department hosts a free Summer Code Camp for local and area junior high and high school students. You could help shape the computer science professionals of tomorrow.