Specializations in Computer Science

The department offers specializations in several important and emerging areas. The area of specialization is marked in the student's transcript as well as the diploma. Certain specializations, such as the information assurance specialization, enable a student to qualify for specific scholarships. See details below.

A student can graduate with a specialization by (1) taking specific upper-division core courses which also meet the C.S. major requirements; (2) choosing electives from a selected set of courses; and (3) doing a senior project or thesis. The specializations can be completed by taking no more than the 120 credits required for a B.S. degree.

The department offers the following specializations:

• Computer-Human Interaction
• Game Programming
• Information Assurance

Specialization in Computer-Human Interaction

The specialization in computer­-human interaction requires four courses. The psychology aspect of the specialization deals with the design of effective computer-­human interactions; the computer science aspect deals with the technical design and implementation of the sys­tems for those interactions. A student is considered to be a participant in the specialization after successfully completing courses 1 and 2 below.

1. CSE/ISE 333 User Interface Development
2. PSY 260 Survey of Cognition and Perception

The concentration requires completion of at least two electives from the following list:

1. CSE 328 Fundamentals of Computer Graphics
2. CSE/ISE 332 Introduction to Scientific Visualization
3. CSE 334 Introduction to Multimedia Systems
4. CSE 364 Advanced Multimedia Techniques
5. PSY 384 Research Lab: Human Factors

Specialization in Game Programming

The specialization in game programming prepares students for a career as either a professional game developer or researcher. Game graphics and multi-player network programming techniques are stressed. The specialization also empasizes original game development, game design methodology, and team projects and presentations. It requires four core courses, two electives, and a project. Students may declare their participation in the specialization after completing the courses in 1 and 2. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

1. Core Courses
1. CSE 310 Data Communication and Networks or CSE 346 Computer Communications
2. CSE 328 Fundamentals of Computer Graphics
3. CSE 380 Computer Game Programming
4. CSE 381 Advanced Game Programming

 

2. Two electives from the following
1. CSE 306 Operating Systems
2. CSE 320 Computer Architecture
3. CSE 334 Introduction to Multimedia Systems
4. CSE 352 Artificial Intelligence
5. CSE 364 Advanced Multimedia Techniques
6. CSE 370 Wireless and Mobile Networking
7. CSE 408 Network Security

 

3. Project CSE 487 or 495/496
Completion of CSE 487 Research in Computer Science, or CSE 488 Internship in Computer Science, or CSE 495/496 Senior Honors Research Project I, II on a topic in game programming.

Specialization in Information Assurance

The specialization in information assurance (IA) has been developed as part of the University's establishment of a Center for Cybersecurity and designation by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. This is included in a multifaceted effort to expand and increase information assurance education and research. The special­ization deals with the principles, design, development, and management of networks and software systems that provide high levels of assurance in the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of electronic information. It requires four core courses, two electives, and a project. Students may declare their participation in the specialization after completing the courses in 1a and 1b. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

Click here for course details:

• Information Assurance Specialization at the B.S. Level
• Game Programming Specialization at the B.S. Level