Computer Science is the cornerstone of modern information technology. It has revolutionized how we learn, communicate, entertain, conduct business, perform research, and practice medicine. This information revolution is just beginning and is providing computer scientists with nearly limitless opportunities to make satisfying and enriching contributions to society. We can think of the work of computer scientists as falling into three categories:

1. They design and implement software. Computer scientists take on challenging programming jobs. They also supervise other programmers, keeping them aware of new approaches.
2. They devise new ways to use computers. Progress in the CS areas of networking, database, and human-computer-interface enabled the development of the World Wide Web. Now, researchers are working to make robots to be practical aides that demonstrate intelligence, are using databases to create new knowledge, and are using computers to help decipher the secrets of our DNA.
3. They develop effective ways to solve computing problems. For example, computer scientists develop the best possible ways to store information in databases, send data over networks, and display complex images. Their theoretical background allows them to determine the best performance possible, and their study of algorithms helps them develop new approaches that provide better performance. Computer science spans the range from theory to programming. While other disciplines can produce graduates better prepared for specific jobs, computer science offers a comprehensive foundation that permits graduates to adapt to new technologies and new ideas.

The Department of Computer Science offers a wide variety of programs to match the diverse requirements of employers. The computer science major may pursue a program leading to one of four degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Master of Science in Computer Science; or Ph.D. in Computing and Information Systems. (See the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog for information on the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.) Students are prepared for their profession through a comprehensive program of courses and research opportunities in departmental state-of-the-art computing labs.

Grade Requirements

The GPA requirement for all Computer Science undergraduate degree programs is 2.0 or above in each of the following three categories: (1) all courses applied to the degree, (2) all courses in the major, and (3) all upper division courses in the major.

Programs

• Computer Science, Computing Systems Concentration, B.A.
• Computer Science, Computing Systems Concentration, B.S.
• Computer Science, Game Design and Development Concentration, B.A.
• Computer Science, Game Design and Development Concentration, B.S.
• Computer Science, Graphics and Visualization Concentration, B.A.
• Computer Science, Graphics and Visualization Concentration, B.S.
• Computer Science, Intelligent Systems Concentration, B.A.
• Computer Science, Intelligent Systems Concentration, B.S.
• Computer Science, Networking and Distributed Systems Concentration, B.A.
• Computer Science, Networking and Distributed Systems Concentration, B.S.

• Computer Science, Minor

• Game Design and Development, Certificate

• Early Entry: M.S. in Computer Science