Department of Computer Science at KU

What Can I Do with a Major in Computer Science?

Study at Kutztown University

Computing is woven into the fabric of our modern society. Many businesses, professions and disciplines use computers. The use of computing in our society is expected to expand even further in the next two decades. Consequently, career opportunities are quite diverse. They include careers in business data processing; technical careers with computer manufacturers and software companies; scientific computing careers in various types of laboratories; programming careers for applications in almost any field imaginable; and academic careers in universities, secondary schools and industry. The KU program in Computer Science has two tracks, Software Development and Information Technology.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The BS degree in Computer Science offers students two separate tracks of study: Software Development and Information Technology.

The software development track is the traditional computer science degree. It focuses on the fundamentals for computer science. Students can take such courses as computer organization, object-oriented programming courses, theory of programming languages and compiler design. Students who receive a degree in the software development track may choose to work in a variety of areas after graduation, such as application development, software engineering and software support. Students in this track may also choose to go to graduate school or enroll in the BS/MS five year program at Kutztown. This allows students to complete a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master's of Science in Computer Science in five years.

The information technology track focuses on the broader technology areas of computer science, focusing on the design, development, implementation, support and management of computer-based information systems. Students in this track will take courses relating to security, networking and web development. Upon graduation these students may choose to work as security specialists, network managers or technicians, system administrators or web developers.

Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master's degree in Computer Science offers graduate students a chance to pursue more in-depth topics related to the field of computer science. The department offers a variety of courses including those in the area of compiler, security, networking and database. The curriculum has both a breadth and a depth to it. This allows students to learn some about many areas along with the ability to delve more deeply into others. Students can do research with professors working in their fields of interest. The students also have the opportunity to work as graduate assistants in the program.

The 5-Year Plan for the BS/MS in CS

Study at Kutztown University

For students who do their undergraduate work at Kutztown there is the opportunity to enroll in the BS/MS five year program. This allows students to complete an bachelor of science in computer science and a Master's of Science in Computer Science in five years. This process is made possible by the fact that an undergraduate student may take up to 12 semester hours of 400 level courses that will count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. This process allows students to finish a Master's degree with one full time year of study beyond the undergraduate degree.

Admission to Graduate School is based on the student's undergraduate record after 3 years, or the completion of 30 undergraduate CSC credits (with a B-average).