Compare Majors | School of Computing

The School of Computing offers four majors: data science, computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering. Students can expect to take many of the same courses and learn valuable computing skills in each major, but courses and requirements will vary among the four.

Learn more about our four majors by reviewing each of the majors pages, the charts and information below, and additional details about courses and requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Majors Overview

Data Science

The data science major prepares students with skills and competency in data analysis and interpretation, algorithm design and implementation, and problem solving. The interdisciplinary program enables students to take advantage of career opportunities across diverse fields involving data-rich, data-driven systems and applications.

Computer Science

The computer science major focuses on theoretical and practical disciplines that will prepare students for any computing career path. Students will learn both fundamentals and high-level concepts and will have the flexibility to explore a variety of specialized computing topics tailored to their specific goals, interests, and desired skills.

Computer Engineering

The computer engineering major focuses on the integration of hardware and software system design, and students will learn to combine computing concepts with technical hardware skills. This major prepares students with the range of expertise required to develop a holistic view of computer-based systems and to make global design decisions.

Software Engineering

The software engineering major focuses on the engineering principles and practices necessary to build, maintain, and protect complex modern systems. Students study within a small cohort of fellow majors and are well prepared for careers in the tech field thanks to this program’s unique, hands-on curriculum modeled after real industry work.

What You'll Learn

Data Science

Students will study various aspects of data science such as data collection, visualization, computational methodologies, and applications. In addition to choosing a focus area, they’ll also pursue either a minor or a second major in a discipline that both complements and enhances their data science studies.

Computer Science

Students will study advanced computing topics such as artificial intelligence, security, networking, cryptography, and high-end computing. Many choose to add a second major or a minor in another complementary subject such as business or math. They can also add another minor if they’ve completed the foreign language requirement.

Computer Engineering

Students will study topics such as digital logic and technologies, programming, system components and design, application of theory, experimentation, tools and techniques, and maintenance. Students will take many of the same courses as computer science majors, but will take electrical engineering courses instead of other subjects.

Software Engineering

Students will learn software engineering concepts such as design, architecture, development, analysis, testing, maintenance, and documentation starting in their first year. Students also spend not just one but two years collaborating on professional projects in our Senior Design capstone course.

Majors Requirements

	Data Science	Computer Science	Computer Engineering	Software Engineering
Total Credit Hours	120	120	126	123
Major Credit Hours	33	36	42	63
Foreign Language	4 years high school	4 years high school	2 years high school	2 years high school
Science	8 hours including at least one laboratory	12 hours including at least one laboratory	Physics and Chemistry	12 hours including at least one laboratory
Mathematics	Calc I and II, or Business Calc and Contemporary Math	Calc I, II, Stats, Linear Algebra	Calc I, II, III, Diff. Eq., Linear Algebra	Calc I, II, Stats, Linear Algebra and one elective
Technical Electives	12 (toward required focus area)	9	15	15
Open Electives	0	11	3	0
Capstone	One year	One year	One year	Two years
Internship	Optional	Optional	Optional	Required
Second Major	Optional	Optional	Not required	Not required
Minor	Not required	Required	Optional Minor	Optional Minor
Focus Area	Required	Optional	Optional	Optional