Department of Computer Science

This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ndsu.edu.

Undergraduate Programs Offered

  • Computer Science (major, minor)
  • Computer Science and Mathematics (double major)
  • Computer Science and Physics (double major)

Graduate Programs Offered

  • Computer Science (M.S. & Ph.D)
  • Software Engineering (Certificate, M.S., M.S.E. & Ph.D.)
  • Computer Science Education (Certificate)
  • Cybersecurity (Certificate)

Degrees Offered

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.)
  • Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Master of Software Engineering (M.S.E.)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Graduate Certificate

Department Description

The Department is located on the second floor of the Quentin Burdick Building along with the office of Information Technology Services.  Computer Science has twenty-one faculty with interests in most areas of computer science. The Department has two dedicated student instructional laboratories, a cybersecurity laboratory, as well as ten research laboratories in which undergraduate and graduate students work together on a wide variety of research projects. 

Graduates in computer science might choose a job in any of these areas: artificial intelligence, systems analysis, software development/engineering, security, information assurance, bioinformatics, data science, web development, networking, information system development, database management, cybersecurity, technical support, robotics, and automatic systems.

Graduates of the computer science program have recently accepted employment in major local and national businesses and industries. Many have chosen positions in North Dakota and adjoining states. With the wide use of computers and the Internet there is a growing need for computer specialists within North Dakota, the region, and the nation. Graduates are typically offered attractive and competitive starting salaries. Placement rates are high, and job prospects are projected to grow dramatically in upcoming years.

To be prepared to enter the Computer Science program, a student should have the usual college preparatory courses including at least three years of mathematics. Courses that develop the ability to think logically, to organize, and to analyze are especially important.

Students who have taken college-level courses or who have computer experience can have their work evaluated for possible departmental advanced placement. The results of an Advanced Placement test may be used also.

Advisors will provide students with personal attention in formulating programs with personal attention tailored to the interests and abilities of the individual student. For students with no computer experience, introductory courses are offered in the standard curriculum for majors. The university has a military transfer guide in computer science. It is possible for advanced undergraduate students to take graduate courses while completing the undergraduate program.