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Welcome to the Computer Science Program!
About Us
Tarleton State University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. This program is growing to meet the increase in CS majors and is focused on software engineering and embedded systems.
The intent of the program is to prepare students to enter the work force or graduate school with the knowledge and skills necessary to function to their maximum capacity. This is achieved through course work and active interaction between the students. The student is encouraged to seek out and take advantage of opportunities that will further their expertise. This includes computer related part-time employment, pursuing internships and participation in the Computer Science club. Students learn best by applying their skills to classroom work and in their daily life.
What is Computer Science?
Computer engineering is concerned with the design and architecture of hardware. Computer Science (CS) is the study and application of software and computer hardware expertise in solving today's problems. The emphasis is on software but a good software developer needs to understand the hardware that the software runs on. Computer engineering, in contrast, is concerned with the design and architecture of hardware.
Most people with a degree in Computer Science develop software applications. These applications can range from embedded software that might control a wristwatch or a nuclear reactor to a business application that manages the payroll system of a company. Software is found almost everywhere today. Our world is information intensive and it is the software that allows us to manage this information.
How does it differ from Computer Information Systems?
A common question concerns the distinction between CS and Computer Information Systems (CIS). Both areas are concerned with the development of software. CS is a more general discipline that is concerned with software for a wide variety of application domains. CIS is more focused on business applications.
While the specific differences between a CS and CIS program will vary by school, CS is normally more mathematical and technical in nature. A CS program will focus on the current approaches to develop software and look more closely at system software (such as operating systems and compilers) and the hardware used to support a system.