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Bachelor Degree Programs
In our bachelor’s degree programs, gain the technical proficiency essential for utilizing, designing, analyzing, and implementing computer software and systems. After fulfilling University Core Curriculum and School of Computing requirements, our Computer Science majors delve into a core set of courses covering programming, data structures, algorithms, computer organization, operating systems, social issues of computing, and a senior project. Tailor your education with a diverse range of computer-based courses spanning languages, networks, databases, graphics, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and more.
Our Bachelor of Science degree, accredited by ABET, positions graduates for technical careers or advanced studies, while the Bachelor of Arts degree offers interdisciplinary focus, allowing specialization in areas like business, engineering, science, education, liberal arts, or mass communication. Your journey to success in the world of computer science begins with us.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
The degree program can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
- University core curriculum: 39 credit hours
- Major Requirements: 71 credit hours
- Additional School of Computing Requirements: 9 credit hours
- General Electives: 1 credit hour
Check out the BS Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years. View all related undergraduate courses.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
The degree program can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
- University core curriculum: 39 credit hours
- Major Requirements: 69 credit hours
- Additional School of Computing Requirements: 12 credit hours
Check out the BA Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years. View all related undergraduate courses.
Tracks
Computer science majors can use their electives to form an optional track in five different computer science areas:
- Cyber Security
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Software Engineering and System Development
- Computer Networks and Distributed Systems
Minor
The computer science program also offers a minor in Computer Science that can augment the training received in many other degree programs.
Open to all majors, a computer science minor serves to broaden your perspective, while allowing you to follow your individual interests.
View program requirements.
Student Organizations
Embarking on a journey through college is not just about academics—it's an opportunity to shape your identity and broaden your horizons. Joining student organizations is a crucial aspect of this transformative experience, offering a unique avenue to enhance leadership skills, forge connections with peers and alumni, and contribute to a community that aligns with your interests. Beyond the classroom, academic organizations provide invaluable networking opportunities and hands-on experience in your field of study. Our student groups in computer science:
ACM - ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTING MACHINERY With over thirty members, mostly from the computer science program, our registered student organization promotes IT awareness, fosters professional opportunities, engages in community service, and offers a rewarding college experience beyond academics.
Minorities in Computer Science (MiCS) amplifies student voices within SIU's Computer Science Program. With the primary goal of enhancing minority enrollment and graduation rates, MiCS boasts a diverse membership of six executive board members and students from computer science and various majors, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge, backgrounds, and experiences.
Security Dawgs Join as we gear up for the Annual Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. This event is a golden opportunity to showcase SIU, garnering support from employers, alumni, and friends to enhance information security training. Become a sponsor, judge, exercise designer, or support staff by contacting bellew@siu.edu.
Tech Dawgs a community outreach group, champions technology service and awareness. Through workshops and programs, they empower the community and offer project-building opportunities within the organization. Their mission is to fuel local interest and education in technology, leaving a lasting impact on the community's tech landscape.
Facilities
Unleash the power of innovation with SIU's cutting-edge Big Dawg computer, a high-performance computing center affectionately known as a "supercomputer," accessible to our dynamic student community. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a technological hub, offering a platform for students to engage with the latest advancements in computing. With 10 specialized research labs and four expansive workspaces, our recently renovated facility is strategically situated close to the electrical and computer engineering departments, as well as the Center for Embedded Systems.
We prioritize staying ahead of the curve, exemplified by our commitment to a three-year computer replacement cycle. This ensures that our students continually have access to the latest computing capabilities, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and knowledge knows no bounds. Join us in this dynamic space where the future of computing is not just envisioned but actively shaped.
Research
Step into the realm of innovation and research excellence at SIU Carbondale, a distinguished Carnegie-classified doctoral research university that draws students from all 50 states and around the globe. As a department with doctoral granting privileges, research is not just a facet—it's ingrained in our DNA.
Immerse yourself in the forefront of groundbreaking research as our faculty and students lead the charge in Cyber Security and Privacy, ensuring the development of resilient digital infrastructures. Our dedication to Data Science and AI fuels advancements in automation, prediction, and understanding across various domains. Explore the evolving demands of the digital age with our research in Systems and Networking, where optimized, resilient, and scalable solutions take center stage.
Delve into the fusion of digital and physical realms with Cyber-Physical Systems and IoT, promising innovation in connecting and enhancing everyday devices. Elevate computational processes through our High-Performance Computing research, enabling faster, more efficient, and complex simulations. Amidst the data surge, our expertise in Data Mining and Big Data Analytics empowers us to extract meaningful insights from vast datasets. We're not just keeping pace with technology; we're shaping its future through multifaceted research endeavors.
Core Research Areas
Cybersecurity and Privacy: Pioneer a safer digital future with our Cyber Security and Privacy research. Addressing the heightened demand for secure systems and protected personal information, we explore encryption, vulnerability assessments, and privacy-preserving solutions. Striking a balance between user convenience and data security, our efforts fortify systems against cyber threats while preserving integrity and privacy.
Data Science and AI: Revolutionizing information comprehension, SIU Carbondale excels in Data Science and AI. Leveraging algorithms and computational models, our research explores predictive analytics, machine learning, and ethical AI applications. Committed to transparency, our department pioneers innovative solutions, addressing global challenges in this new age of information.
Systems and Networking: Systems and Networking are the bedrock of our digital landscape. Our research explores the intricacies of computing systems and networks, from high-speed protocols to cloud computing. Focused on resilience and efficiency, we pioneer next-gen solutions to meet the evolving demands of the global community's digital infrastructure.
Data Mining and Big Data Analytics: Data Mining and Big Data Analytics merge statistical analysis and machine learning, unlocking insights from vast datasets. Our researchers innovate methods for predictive analytics, clustering, and classification, addressing real-world challenges from e-commerce to healthcare. Employing cutting-edge techniques, we transform raw data into actionable insights, driving informed decisions across industries.
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and IoT: Our program is one of the nation’s pioneers in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and IoT integration, bridging computer algorithms with physical processes. Our dedicated team designs, implements, and refines these systems, navigating real-time monitoring and seamless fusion of computational predictions with tangible operations. In the IoT realm, we enhance interoperability and efficiency across devices, envisioning innovations for smarter cities and enhanced quality of life.
High-Performance Computing: Students will find our program is a leader in high-performance computing (HPC), the linchpin in groundbreaking computational research. Focused on cutting-edge platforms and large-scale techniques, our researchers optimize processes, develop scalable algorithms, and unlock parallel and distributed computing potential. Handling massive datasets, we advance theoretical and real-world frontiers, harnessing HPC's unparalleled processing power for transformative research.
Contact Information
Xiaolan Huang
Undergraduate Program Director
Engineering A307A
1230 Lincoln Dr.
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-6036
xhuang@cs.siu.edu
Jack Young
Academic Advisor
Engineering D104
1230 Lincoln Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-2261
jack.young@siu.edu
Careers in Computer Science
Embarking on a career in computer science opens doors to a realm of opportunities, both presently and in the foreseeable future. Beyond the realm of programming, computer professionals are equipped with analytical and technical skills crucial for designing algorithms, understanding sophisticated hardware and software systems, and crafting innovative solutions for diverse applications.