Computer Science

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, Inc., providing majors with a sound educational base in Computer Science. The Minor in Computer Science and the Minor in Information Security and Computer Forensics are available for students majoring in disciplines other than Computer Engineering.

The Department offers an MS in Computer Science and an MS in Software Engineering.

The Department also offers programs in conjunction with other units: with the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, a BS and an MS in Computer Engineering (refer to the Computer Engineering section of this catalog).

Degree Programs

Only matriculated students upon completing all the degree requirements are entitled to receive certificates. Certificates are not a priority and there are no guarantees that courses required for a certificate will be offered in time before graduation.

BS in Computer Science

Certificate in Cyber Defense and Operations

Certificate in Game Engineering

Certificate in Information Assurance and Security

Certificate in Software Engineering

Certificate in Systems Software

Minor in Computer Science

Minor in Information Security and Computer Forensics

MS in Computer Science

MS in Software Engineering

Certificate in Advanced Studies

Certificate in Computer Architecture

Certificate in Computer Engineering

Certificate in Computer Networks and Communications

Certificate in Data Management Systems

Certificate in Data Mining

Certificate in Information Assurance and Security - Graduate

Certificate in Intelligent Systems

Certificate in Software Engineering - Graduate

Certificate in Systems Software - Graduate

Accreditation

In addition to the University's full accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is also individually accredited by Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, Inc.

Notice to Students RE: Professional Licensure and Certification

California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a California State University program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Special Features

  • The research interests of the department faculty span a broad spectrum of Computer Science including active databases, algorithm analysis, , compilers, computer architecture, computer forensics, computer graphics and computer game design, computer networks and communications, computing theory, cryptography, data models and database management systems, data mining and machine learning, machine vision, artificial intelligence, distributed systems and real-time systems, formal methods, human-computer interfaces, information assurance and security, , Internet and Web technologies, mobile and cloud computing, network security, operating systems, performance modeling and evaluation, programming languages and methodologies, software architecture, software project management, software requirements engineering, software system engineering, verification and validation, VLSI design.
  • A large and heterogeneous network of Linux and  Windows systems support the instructional programs. Specialized laboratories support systems, communications and networking, computer security, and computer architecture instruction.
  • Majors are urged to join the student chapters of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) or the IEEE Computer Society. Students with high scholastic achievement may be invited to join Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the national honor society for Computer Science.
  • The University's proximity to many California State agencies and major computer corporations provides numerous opportunities for part-time student employment as well as full-time employment after graduation.

Bachelor of Science Educational Objectives

Three to five years after graduation, a graduate of the B.S. in computer science should have:

  1. Made contributions to the development, maintenance, and support of real world computing systems.
  2. Taken initiative and assumed responsibilities as an effective member of project teams.
  3. Worked independently and functioned effectively in an environment with incomplete information.
  4. Progressed in the computing field, engaged in professional development, and/or pursued an advanced degree.
  5. Produced quality technical and non-technical documents and presentations for a variety of audiences.
  6. Adhered to the ethical standards of the profession and understood the implications of his/her professional activities.

Career Possibilities

Computer Scientist · Computer Engineer · Software Engineer · Computing Science Educator · Information Technology Specialist · Computer Systems Analyst · Scientific Application Programmer · Computer Operations Manager · Computer Services Coordinator · Database Administrator · Computer Game Developer · Data Communications Manager · Data Processing Manager · Data Processing Application Programmer · Network Administrator · Programmer Analyst · Software Requirements Engineer · Software Architect · Software Quality Assurance Specialist · Software Development Project Manager · Systems Manager · Systems Programmer · Computer Graphics Specialist · Knowledge Engineer · Systems Engineer · Cyber Security Specialist · Information Assurance Specialist · Information Security Officer · Data Mining Analyst · Web/eCommerce Developer · IT Business Analyst · IT Infrastructure Specialist · Technical Control Specialist · Technical Representative

Contact Information

Nikrouz Faroughi, Department Chair
Veronica Pruitt, Administrative Support Coordinator
Riverside Hall, Room 3018
(916) 278-6834
Department of Computer Science Website

Faculty

ARAD, BEHNAM S.

BAYNES, ANNA

CHEN, HAIQUAn (VICTOR)

CHENG, YUAN

DAI, JUN

FAROUGHI, NIKROUZ

GORDON, V. SCOTT

JIN, YING

KROVETZ, TED D.

MUYAN-OZCELIK, PINAR

OUYANG, JINGSONG

PHOULADY, PARHAM

SALEM, AHMED M.

SHOBAKI, GHASSAN

SUN, XIAOYAN

WANG, XUYU

YANG, JINGWEI

ZHANG, CUI