Computer Science (CS) is a technical major program, which combines broad experience in the arts and sciences with professional training in the area of computer science. CS as a discipline goes far beyond basic computer usage and requires in-depth logical and mathematical skills for problem solving and analytical thought. It is the detailed study of algorithms, methods, tools and techniques for writing effective and efficient software programs. Our CS curriculum is designed to educate students in the basic areas of computer science, including general problem solving techniques, architecture, concepts of programming languages, design and analysis of algorithms, operating systems and theoretical concepts dealing with efficient computation. CS majors learn ways to develop efficient programs using industry-standard computer languages. Computer programs are used to control hardware in order to achieve a desired objective.

A common misconception among students attracted to the CS discipline is that they will learn to be skilled web page developers, photo / image specialists, or users of word processing, spreadsheets, graphical design, and CAD applications. If your interest is in learning about tools for the creation of computer art, then an art major with a minor in CS or Web Design would be most beneficial. If your interest is in learning how to communicate effectively through a web-based communication medium (online portals, news organizations), then a Web Design or Professional Communications major would be most appropriate. On the contrary, if your interest is in writing efficient software applications for the World Wide Web, then a CS degree with an appropriate minor (in Art, English or Web Design) would be your best option.

Effective Fall, 2004, students entering Tennessee Tech (or any other Board of Regents constituent university) are required to complete 120 hours of credit in order to obtain a degree in computer science. (Most majors now require 120 hours, although a few, such as Engineering, require more because national accreditation standards necessitate more hours.). Requirements for the 120-hour computer science curriculum can be found at this website: www.tntech.edu/ugcat/2004/html/general_ed_core.asp

The introductory courses in computer science are taught using Java and the Windows operating system environment; these courses include CSC 2010/2011 (Introduction to Computer Science) and CSC 2020/2021 (Data Structures). After taking these two courses, a student will take CSC 2300 (C/C++ in Unix) in order to learn this language and environment, which are widely used in industry. Many subsequent courses in computer science assume that you know one of these languages (or both). You will also learn an assembly language in CSC 3410 (Computer Organization and Assembly Language). Students may elect to take CSC 3620 (File Processing), which covers Cobol programming; this language is widely used in the business world. You elect to take some advanced or special topics course in which you learn another language.

Many students own their own computer, and this has obvious advantages in terms of convenience. But, you are not required to have your own computer. The University has many labs that are open for many hours during the week for you to use. Lab computers have the software you will need in various classes. Some computer labs are devoted to computer science exclusively, while others are meant for the general Tennessee Tech student population. Thus, some labs have specialized software installed that is not available in every lab.