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Northern Illinois University

Computer Science

Choosing an Emphasis

Contents

The following assumes that a student is following the 2009-2010 Catalog. Students on earlier catalogs should see “Choosing a Catalog Year” at left for a listing of requirements for earlier catalogs.

Overview of the Three Computer Science Emphases

All three emphases—Software Development, Enterprise Software, and Computational Software—require the same eleven core computer science courses plus one course specific to the individual emphasis (see "Program Requirements" at left for specifics). Coursework includes instruction in various languages (e.g., C++, Java, IBM Assembler, PHP, JavaScript, Perl, etc.), software engineering, security, databases, development environments (e.g., .NET), and operating systems (e.g., UNIX, Windows, and IBM’s z/OS). Extra-departmental requirements vary by emphasis. The following summarizes the differences between the three emphases:

  • Emphasis I, Software Development (formerly called the General Emphasis): Concentrates only on computer science classes, including one more elective than the other two emphases. Extra-departmental requirements include two to three mathematics courses and one 300-level statistics course. Software Development majors are well-prepared for software development careers in virtually any industry.
  • Emphasis II, Enterprise Software (formerly called the Applied Emphasis): Requires CSCI 465, Enterprise Applications. Extra-departmental requirements include three business courses, two to three mathematics courses, and one 300-level statistics course. An Enterprise Software major typically programs business applications and is well-positioned to start an MBA degree program or move into management later in his or her career.
  • Emphasis III, Computational Software (formerly called the Theoretical Emphasis): Requires CSCI 462, Foundations of Computer Science. Extra-departmental requirements include a course in physics, at least seven mathematics courses, and a calculus-based statistics course. Most Computational Software majors complete a minor or double major in mathematics. A Computational Software major generally goes on to graduate school or takes a position in mathematical programming, such as in research or statistical programming for an insurance company.

Students can be reassured that the majority of computer science courses are identical regardless of emphasis. Accordingly, freshmen and sophomores need not be too awfully worried if they are having difficulty selecting an emphasis, since the computer sciences courses they typically take are required for all three emphases.

However, extra-departmental courses (business courses for the Enterprise Software emphasis and mathematics courses for the Computational Software emphasis) are quite a different matter; they could end up delaying graduation if not started fairly early in a student's program.

The distribution of students completing the three emphases has been remarkably consistent throughout the department’s history. Approximately 45% of computer science majors complete the Software Development, another 45% complete the Enterprise Software emphasis; and 10% complete the Computational Software emphasis.

A student contemplating graduate work at an institution other than NIU should include MATH 229, MATH 230, MATH 232, MATH 240, and STAT 350 in his or her program of study, regardless of the emphasis choosen.

Changing Emphasis

To change emphasis, a student should come to the Department of Computer Science during the 3rd to 6th week of spring and fall semesters or 2nd to 4th weeks of summer semesters, to fill out the appropriate paperwork.