Undergraduate CS Concentrations - College of Computing and Informatics (2024)

Major and Minor GPA

The University will calculate major and minor GPAs based on all courses that fulfill program requirements as currently defined, plus all other courses the student has taken with the major orminor prefix. The only exception will be for those courses where grade replacement or forgiveness policy is applied.

BS/BA Concentration Plans of Study

Flexible plans of study at the link below are templates to be used for individual student planning. It is advised to copy and paste the prescribed plan of study to a Google Sheet for making needed adjustments depending on credits completed, personal pace and timeline for graduation, and semester flexibility of some upper level courses. It is important to check course prerequisites when planning. Note that these plans are tools for self-guidance. Academic advisors can help students weigh options, and offer their knowledge and expertise when planning. Plan of study templates can be found here: Academic Plans of Study (2023-2024 Catalog) .

Declare / change concentration

To declare or change your concentration, fill and submit this form. This is done after the completion of ITSC 2214 (Data Structures and Algorithms). Make sure to check all your information for accuracy.

Note: Review your Degree Works audit before submitting this request, using the what-if feature. Be sure to match your Catalog year from Banner with the Catalog year in the what-if audit.

The B.S. program offers a broad core of computing subjects and allows in-depth study in one of SEVEN concentrations:

Students in the AI, Robotics and Gaming concentration will learn how to design and implement intelligent machines. Intelligent systems can be found in many modern computer applications, from gaming and search to finance, and in fields as diverse as robotics, computer vision and image processing to natural language understanding. Students pursuing this concentration will be ready to pursue careers in some of the fastest growing technology companies.

(2021-22)

Students in the Bioinformatics concentration are introduced to the collection, informatics analysis and interpretation of data derived from genomic and biological macromolecular investigations. The major focus is on DNA, the molecule that provides the building plan for all living things. Students will receive training in up-to-date methods for data handling and interpretation while developing an understanding of critical issues in bioinformatics research design, statistical data analysis, and the application of genomics domain knowledge. This program presents up-to-date methods for data handling and interpretation while developing an understanding of critical issues in bioinformatics research design, statistical data analysis, and the application of genomics domain knowledge. The applications are enormous, from health care, to agriculture, to the environment, and the opportunities in this field are limitless.

Bioinformatics (2021-22)

Students in the Cybersecurity concentration will learn about information, network, and software security issues and techniques for protecting systems from cyber attacks. Students will learn the tools and techniques for ensuring privacy and security in software, web, mobile, and cloud systems. UNC Charlotte is designated as an Academic Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education and Research (CAE/IAE, and CAER) by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Details of the Academic Center of Excellence program can be found at http://www.nsa.gov/ia/academic_outreach/nat_cae/.

Cybersecurity (2021-22)

Students in the Data Science concentration will learn how to use and develop processes and tools to extract knowledge or insights from data. Data scientists use their analytical ability to interpret data sources, manage large amounts of data, ensure consistency of datasets, create visualizations to aid understanding, build mathematical models and present and communicate the data insights/findings. Data scientist is the occupation of the 21st century and job prospects are excellent.

Data Science (2021-22)

Students in the Software Engineering concentration will learn about developing and maintaining software systems that behave reliably and efficiently, are affordable to develop and maintain, and satisfy all the requirements that customers have defined for them. This concentration is critical because of the impact of software systems in every aspect of our professional and personal lives and the role of software in safety-critical applications.

Software Engineering (2021-22)

Students in the Software, Systems and Networks concentration will be able to select courses that prepare them for design and development of complex computer systems and applications. Computer networks are the backbone of the Internet. Modern computers are increasingly complex and programming them requires understanding of system organization, software and programming languages, security threats and continually emerging platforms (clouds, mobile, internet-of-things).

(2021-22)

Students in the Web and Mobile Applications concentration will learn about software development using Internet protocols, World-Wide Web technologies, and mobile programming languages and operating systems. The web and mobile platforms are increasingly the default for health, social, educational and customer interaction.

(2021-22)

The B.A. program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in one of THREE concentrations:

Students in the Human Computer Interaction concentration will learn the methods and technology for designing, developing, and evaluating how people interact with computers and other digital devices. As technology becomes more integrated with everyday activities, the user experience and interface design become critical aspects of the success of technology.

Human-Computer Interaction (2021-22)

Students in the Information Technology concentration will learn about the usability, security, and reliability of IT infrastructures with an emphasis on technical writing and communications skills. Students with an IT concentration will be project managers, product managers, and will manage the resources, documents, and customer interaction in IT projects.

Information Technology (2021-22)

Students in the Bioinformatics concentration are introduced to the collection, informatics analysis and interpretation of data derived from genomic and biological macromolecular investigations. The major focus is on DNA, the molecule that provides the building plan for all living things. Students will receive training in up-to-date methods for data handling and interpretation while developing an understanding of critical issues in bioinformatics research design, statistical data analysis, and the application of genomics domain knowledge. This program presents up-to-date methods for data handling and interpretation while developing an understanding of critical issues in bioinformatics research design, statistical data analysis, and the application of genomics domain knowledge. The applications are enormous, from health care, to agriculture, to the environment, and the opportunities in this field are limitless.

Bioinformatics (2021-22)

What Can I Do With My Computer Science Concentration?

Are you curious about prospective jobs and potential roles to which your concentration might apply? Check out this LIST.

Check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook’s Computer and Information Technology Job Descriptions, HERE.

Undergraduate CS Concentrations - College of Computing and Informatics (2024)

FAQs

How hard is computer science undergraduate? ›

Earning a computer science degree has been known to entail a more intense workload than you might experience with other majors because there are many foundational concepts about computer software, hardware, and theory to learn. Part of that learning may involve a lot of practice, typically completed on your own time.

What's the easiest computer science degree to get? ›

An associate degree in computer science is the easiest undergraduate computer science degree to obtain in terms of the credit hours required. You must earn 60 credit hours of required general education and major courses. Examples of courses related to your computer science major include: Database systems.

What is the difference between computer science and computing and informatics? ›

Computer Science classes will be more focused on programming, like the other guys said. Informatics will have programming, but will also have writing, visual design, information design, project management, etc. Informatics exposes you to more areas of knowledge, whereas Computer Science hones in one area of knowledge.

Is computer science the hardest major? ›

The short answer is “yes.” Search any list of majors to study, and you'll likely find that computer science tops the list as one of the most challenging disciplines to learn. Compared to other fields of study, pursuing a career in computer science requires both technical and analytical skill sets.

What is the dropout rate for CS majors? ›

From the data of the report, 22% of all students who began degree studies in computer science, failed to finish the degree and dropped out.

What is the failure rate for computer science? ›

Data pretty regularly shows that computer science programs have among the highest failure and dropout rates of any college program. A number of sources all echo the finding that roughly one-third of incoming CS majors do not progress to a second year, higher than most other majors.

Is CS worth it anymore? ›

With the ever-growing demand for technology worldwide, computer science graduates are in high demand with some of the highest-paying jobs in the world. In the United States, the average software engineering salary is $110,140 (Phillips, 2024), making it one of the highest-paying jobs.

Is it OK to major in computer science with no experience? ›

You do not need any prior knowledge of computer science to earn a computer science bachelor degree, although different programs will have their own requirements. And with digital transformation impacting so many different industries, it's an especially opportune time to look into computer science careers.

What is the most difficult course in computer science? ›

Top 7 Toughest Courses In Computer Science Engineering
  • Theory of Computation. Students will learn how to use computers while being aware of their limitations. ...
  • Artificial Intelligence. ...
  • Advanced Database Systems. ...
  • Compiler Design. ...
  • Algorithms. ...
  • Discrete Math. ...
  • Computer Architecture.

Which is better computer science or computing? ›

Ultimately, the best field for you depends on your interests and skills. If you are interested in the theoretical foundations of computing, then computer science is a good choice. If you are more interested in using computers to solve practical problems, then computing is a good choice.

What is computing and informatics degree? ›

The Bachelor of Arts in Computing and Informatics is a new degree designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in information technology which requires a solid understanding of the principles of computing - but not the underpinnings of computer science theory and mathematics.

Is computer science a better degree than computer engineering? ›

Neither degree is inherently better than the other. The choice depends on your career goals and interests. Computer science is ideal for those interested in software, programming, and algorithms, while computer engineering is suited for those who prefer working with hardware and system design.

Do you have to be smart to do computer science? ›

Computer Science requires extreme attention to detail, a really good memory, an ability to think abstractly, and the use of creativity and intuition. Students can learn to do all of these things with sufficient time and practice.

Is computer science math heavy? ›

Computer science operates on the language of math. That means earning your bachelor's degree in computer science will likely require taking several math courses. Of course, the number and kinds of classes will depend on your program. At its core, math is about verifying whether certain logical statements are true.

Is CS harder than engineering? ›

Computer engineering is more difficult than computer science because, in addition to computer science courses, you must also take more advanced math courses, additional electrical engineering courses, and a handful of practical laboratory sessions in order to obtain your degree.

Is undergraduate computer science worth it? ›

Computer science degrees tend to be highly valued among employers. In fact, the Education Data Initiative determined CS degrees to be the most cost-efficient bachelor's degree available, with a lifetime return on investment (ROI) of 716.6 percent.

What is a good GPA for computer science undergraduate? ›

The average CS GPA serves as a benchmark for computer science majors. While it can vary from one institution to another, a typical range falls between 3.0 to 3.5. Understanding this baseline is essential, but remember that the competitive landscape might demand more.

Which is harder, IT or computer science? ›

You may find yourself comparing computer information systems vs computer science. While the two degrees do overlap, computer science programs generally give students a more thorough and complex knowledge of the design of computers and computational processes.

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