Computer Science Undergraduate Requirements

You can choose from three areas of emphasis designed to prepare you for a career in software development:

  • Software development
  • Enterprise software
  • Computational software

You will build a strong foundation through coursework in programming languages, software engineering, databases, development environments and operating systems. Additional requirements outside the department vary depending on the emphasis you choose.

For detailed course requirements, please refer to the academic catalog.

Emphasis Options

All three emphases provide you with the core skills needed to succeed as a software developer, while allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.

You may change your emphasis at any time. However, switching emphases may add additional course requirements and could impact your time to graduation.

Software Development

This emphasis fulfills the minimum requirements for the major and provides you with a broad, practical foundation in software design and development.

Software development four-year degree path

Enterprise Software

This emphasis adds three business courses, some of which may overlap with business minor requirements or help prepare you for an MBA program. It is recommended if you are interested in management roles, leading software development teams or pursuing opportunities in technology startups.

Enterprise Software four-year degree path

Computational Software

This emphasis includes significantly more coursework in mathematics and statistics—enough to complete an applied mathematics minor by meeting the emphasis requirements. It is recommended if you are interested in theoretical computer science, research, graduate studies or actuarial science.

Computational software four-year degree path

Contact Us

Undergraduate Advising
askCSCIundergrad@niu.edu
Department of Computer Science
Psychology/Computer Science building, room 460
815-753-0378