DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
Overview
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Southern Maine in the Dubyak Center for Digital Science and Innovation offers a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. Computer science courses are concerned with the practice and theory of solving problems by computer. More specifically, computer scientists build and analyze tools that allow complex problems to be solved. A component of computer science is the study and use of various programming languages, but computer science consists of much more than programming.
The Computer Science program focuses on software design—how you design and build software to serve a purpose. Students will also have courses in databases, graphics, artificial intelligence, robotics, operating systems, and computer networks. The mathematical theory of computer science aids in determining the efficiency and correctness of algorithms and programs. In addition, a computer scientist must understand how computers are built and operated. The essence of Computer Science is the systematic application of general methods and computing technology to actual problems.
The undergraduate degree in computer science prepares students for careers in both the computing professions and graduate study. Course requirements ensure students receive instruction in both practical and theoretical aspects of computer science.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will have the ability to:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and apply computing principles and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments based on legal and ethical principles in computing practice.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.