Computer science is the scientific study of computing devices, the software that drives them, and the computational tasks they are capable of performing. Computer science studies both hardware and software; as with all sciences, each of these possesses both theoretical and applied components. Computing theory shares knowledge and techniques with the fields of mathematics, physics, engineering, philosophy, psychology and linguistics. Its applications span the range of human endeavors: the physical, life and social sciences; the literary, visual and performing arts; law, government, recreation, and virtually every sector of the commercial world. Thus, computer science is by its very nature an interdisciplinary subject that offers both a solid, unifying foundation for a liberal arts education and valuable career skills.

The curriculum consists of a rigorous course of study in computer science and mathematics, and provides the student with a thorough grounding in programming, fundamentals of computer organization, data structures and algorithm design. It is designed to prepare students for careers in the computer industry and graduate work in computer science.

All courses submitted toward either major or minor requirements in the Computer Science Department must be taken for a letter grade (A-F). This includes electives in CS and all other courses taken to satisfy the major. This does not apply to courses that are challenged. Only those classes for which the student has received a C- or better may be used to satisfy prerequisite requirements. An instructor may require the student to provide evidence of having met prerequisite requirements.