Computer Science Program at SUNY Plattsburgh

Major in Computer Science

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Science (B.S.) in Computer Science (# credits)

Learn the Fundamentals

The first course for majors is Fundamental Concepts of Computing. This course will tell you what computer science is about. There's much more here than just programming - you will look into several areas including algorithms, computer hardware, assembly language programming, web programming, and social issues brought by the development of computer related technology.

Computer programs rely upon hardware and the services of an operating system. And, of course, computing has impact on our society. All our students study the core courses:

Algorithms, with object oriented and concurrent implementations
C and Unix Programming (system programming including shell languages and Perl)
Operating Systems
Computer Architecture (hardware)
Non-imperative programming styles (in Prolog and Lisp or Scheme)
Social Issues
Mathematics and Computing

In order to design programs and systems that work you will need to develop your skills to think with precision and to manipulate abstractions. This is the first reason to study mathematics as part of your computer science education. You will see as well that applying mathematics to computation has made computers run faster with more secure and reliable communication channels.

Learn Programming Languages

As a computer scientist you will learn many languages but the first language that you learn should enforce good programming habits - modularization, encapsulation, strong typing, use of generic tools.

For these qualities Java is outstanding.

You will be using Java in subsequent advanced courses on object oriented program design and in implementations of real time systems. There is a big demand for Java programmers with such experience.

Areas of Specialization

Students can pursue advanced courses in:

Object oriented program design (in Java)
Real time embedded systems
Computer Networks
Computer Graphics
Software Engineering
Theory of Computation
Database Management Systems
Numeric Computing
Theory of Programming Languages
Artificial Intelligence

Program Requirements

Note: these 621kb PFD files require the latest version of Acrobat Reader, which is available as a free download.

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

If you would like more information about Computer Science at Plattsburgh State, please contact

Dr. William Teter, Chair
Office: Redcay 145
Phone: (518) 564-2788
Fax: (518) 564-3010
E-mail: csc@Plattsburgh.edu

Computer Science Program at SUNY Plattsburgh - Major in Computer Science

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