Computer Science

Undergraduate Program
Oklahoma State University

Computers are an integral part of our daily lives. The personal computer and the Internet have made computers available to almost everyone. It would be difficult to think about a world without computers today.

There are two important parts to a computer. One is the hardware-the computer itself, the monitor, keyboard, and printer. The second part is the software-these are the written series of instructions called the computer program. A computer cannot run without these instructions. The Computer Science degree gives you the background to learn programming and computing skills to prepare you for this second area.

Most jobs in the computer science area require a proficiency in mathematics. Other traits are thinking logically, persistence, and enjoying exacting, analytical work. Computer Science is an exciting and continually changing field. This means continually updating skills and knowledge. Employers are looking for graduates who are technically competent in computer science, who have good communication skills, and who work well with others.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for computer scientists, computer engineers, and system analysts are expected to be the top fastest growing occupations through the year 2006.  As technology becomes more sophisticated, organizations will need to adopt and integrate these technologies. As a result, employment of computing professionals is expected to increase rapidly, with many advancement opportunities for those working in the field.

All varieties of companies, both large and small, are looking for employees with computer skills. Computing skills can be combined with other interest areas such as business, natural or social sciences, math, or statistics. The main types of companies that hire computer science graduates include: software manufactures, hardware manufacturers, telecommunications, oil and gas, retail, health, research, transportation, accounting, government, education, electrical, and many others.

The jobs that are available are varied and each company has different job titles and needs. However, a list of the most frequently used job titles are:

Applications Programmer - Scientific or Business
Computer Programmer
Systems Programmer
Systems Analyst
Software Engineer
Computer Graphics
Communication and Network Specialists
Professor/Teacher
Database Programmer
Security Specialist
Technical Writer
Consultant
Multimedia Programmers and Specialists
End User Training and Support
Webmasters and Web Designers

The Computer Science Department also offers a Master's degree  and a Ph.D. degree in Stillwater and OSU-Tulsa.

• Computer Science Department Web Page

• Degree Sheet for Computer Science for 2001-2002

• Degree Sheet for Computer Science for 2002-2003

• Degree Sheet for Computer Science for 2003-2004

• Tulsa Undergraduate Program Information

• Flow Chart for Fall 2001- 2002 (some changes in course numbers over year before)

• Flow Chart for Fall 2002 - 2003 and 2003-2004

• Four Year Computer Science Undergraduate Degree Plan for 2001-2002

• Four Year Computer Science Undergraduate Degree Plan for 2002-2003 and 2003-2004

• Minor Requirements in Computer Science

• List of Job Titles Used in Computer Science

• List of Job Titles used by Industry and list of Programming Languages used in Industry

• List of Career Information Resources

• List of Employers Hiring Computer Science Students

• OSU Career Services Office

• Other Computer Related Degree Programs at OSU

Computer Science Department