Computer Science (BS): Software Engineering Concentration
Program Overview & Accreditation
The Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering at NC State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree. This program provides a comprehensive technical education and is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (https://www.abet.org).
The First-Year Foundation
Students begin their academic journey by completing the standard Engineering First-Year curriculum. This foundational year includes essential coursework in the humanities, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computing. Upon successful completion of these requirements, students apply to join the Department of Computer Science as degree-seeking students via the College’s Change of Degree Application (CODA) process.
Core Curriculum & Skills
Our curriculum is designed to transform students into versatile problem solvers. Core courses provide a rigorous foundation in the social, ethical, and technical dimensions of the field, teaching students to specify, design, implement, and test complex software systems. Key areas of study include:
- Programming languages and data structures
- Software engineering and secure systems design
- Computer systems and architecture
- Theory of computation
- Teaming and professional communication
Advanced Specializations & Electives
Starting in the junior year, students consult with advisors to customize their degree through advanced electives. These courses allow for deep exploration into specialized fields, including:
- Systems & Infrastructure: Cloud computing, computer architecture, networks, sensor systems, and database management.
- Intelligence & Data: Artificial intelligence, data science, and social computing.
- Security & Privacy: Cryptography, privacy, and network/software security.
- Interfaces & Media: Computer graphics, human-computer interface design, game development, and web services.
- Development: Compilers, DevOps, and educational technology.
Software Engineering Concentration
The Software Engineering (SE) Concentration provides the student with the opportunity to apply deep expertise in both the theoretical basis and professional practice of software engineering including core concepts and methods, technologies and practices, and ethical and policy concerns in pursuit of advanced degrees and careers. Students complete 21 credit hours of focused work on advanced SE topics.
Capstone Experience: The Senior Design Center
All Computer Science majors complete their degree with a semester-long team project under the auspices of the Senior Design Center. Many of these projects are supported by industrial sponsors, allowing student teams to work directly with industry representatives. This capstone experience challenges students to solve real-world technical problems while mastering the communication and process skills required for professional success.
Departmental Information
The Department of Computer Science is located in Engineering Building II on NC State’s Centennial Campus.
Plan Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Field of Study Requirements | ||
| Math | ||
| MA 141 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| MA 241 | Calculus II 1 | 4 |
| MA 242 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MA 305 | Introduction to Linear Algebra and Matrices | 3 |
| ST 370 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| Sciences | ||
| CH 101 & CH 102 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science and General Chemistry Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| PY 205 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I 1 | 4 |
| PY 208 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists II | 4 |
| CSC Major | ||
| CSC 116 | Introduction to Computing - Java 1 | 3 |
| CSC 216 & CSC 217 | Software Development Fundamentals and Software Development Fundamentals Lab 1 | 4 |
| CSC 226 | Discrete Mathematics 1 | 3 |
| CSC 230 | C and Software Tools | 3 |
| CSC 246 | Concepts and Facilities of Operating Systems for Computer Scientists | 3 |
| CSC 316 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| CSC 326 | Software Engineering | 4 |
| CSC 333 | Automata, Grammars, and Computability | 3 |
| CSC 379 | Ethics in Computing | 1 |
| CSC 492 | Senior Design Project | 3 |
| Other Major | ||
| CSC 201 | Fundamentals of Applied AI 2 | 3 |
| CSC 301 | Problem Solving with Applied AI | 3 |
| Other Restricted Elective - Group B | 3 | |
| ENG 331 | Communication for Engineering and Technology | 3 |
| Concentration Courses/Groups/Electives | ||
| CSC 404 | Software Testing 1 | 3 |
| CSC 408 | Software Product Management 1 | 3 |
| CSC SE Core 1 | 3 | |
| CSC SE Restricted Electives 1 | 6 | |
| SE Restricted Electives | 6 | |
| College Requirements | ||
| Orientation Course(s): | 4 | |
| Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving 1,3 | ||
| Engineering in the 21st Century 2 | ||
| Introduction to Computing Environments 1 | ||
| Other: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Economics | ||
or EC 201 | Principles of Microeconomics | |
or ARE 201 | Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics | |
| General Education Program Requirements | ||
| ENG 101 1,3 | 4 | |
| GEP Humanities | 6 | |
| GEP Social Sciences | 3 | |
| GEP Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 2 | |
| GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives | 3 | |
| GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement) | ||
| World Language Proficiency (verify requirement) | ||
| Total Hours | 121 | |
- 1
Grade of C or higher required
- 2
Grade of C minus or higher required
CSC SE Core
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 418 | Software Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CSC 419 | DevOps: Modern Software Engineering Practices | 3 |
| or CSC 519 | DevOps: Modern Software Engineering Practices | |
| CSC 421 | Generative AI for Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSC 454 | Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
| or CSC 554 | Human-Computer Interaction | |
CSC SE Restricted Elective
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC SE Core | 3 | |
| CSC 251 | Python Applications | 3 |
| CSC 342 | Applied Web-based Client-Server Computing | 3 |
| CSC 411 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| or CSC 520 | Artificial Intelligence I | |
| CSC 412 | Compiler Construction | 3 |
| or CSC 512 | Compiler Construction | |
| CSC 415 | Software Security | 3 |
| or CSC 515 | Software Security | |
| CSC 417 | Theory of Programming Languages | 3 |
| CSC 422 | Automated Learning and Data Analysis | 3 |
| or CSC 522 | Automated Learning and Data Analysis | |
| CSC 433 | Privacy in the Digital Age | 3 |
| or CSC 533 | Privacy in the Digital Age | |
| CSC 434 | Human-Centered Security | 3 |
| or CSC 534 | Human-Centered Security | |
| CSC 440 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| or CSC 540 | Database Management Concepts and Systems | |
| CSC 442 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
| CSC 450 | Web Services | 3 |
| CSC 455 | Social Computing and Decentralized Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| or CSC 555 | Social Computing and Decentralized Artificial Intelligence | |
| CSC 517 | Object-Oriented Design and Development | 3 |
SE Restricted Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC SE Restricted Electives | ||
| ANT 261 | Technology in Society and Culture | 3 |
| COM 110 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| COM 112 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COM 201 | Introduction to Persuasion Theory | 3 |
| COM 202 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
| COM 211 | Argumentation and Advocacy | 3 |
| COM 240 | Communication Inquiry | 3 |
| COM 289 | Science Communication and Public Engagement | 3 |
| COM 395 | Studies in Rhetoric and Digital Media | 3 |
| or ENG 395 | Studies in Rhetoric and Digital Media | |
| EC 351 | Econometrics I | 3 |
| DSA 405 | Data Wrangling and Web Scraping | 1 |
| DSA 406 | Exploratory Data Analysis for Big Data | 1 |
| DSA 412 | Exploring Machine Learning | 1 |
| DSA 435 | Predictive Analytics for Improving Services | 1 |
| DSA 440 | Introduction to APACHE Spark Using Big Datasets | 1 |
| ENG 317 | Designing Networked Communications | 3 |
| ENG 421 | Computer Documentation Design | 3 |
| ENG 438 | Responsible Artificial Intelligence and Society | 3 |
| or STS 438 | Responsible Artificial Intelligence and Society | |
| EI 331 | Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurial Thinking I: Skills and Planning Basics | 3 |
| PHI 214 | Issues in Business Ethics | 3 |
| PHI 227 | Data Ethics | 3 |
| PHI 425 | Introduction to Cognitive Science | 3 |
| or PSY 425 | Introduction to Cognitive Science | |
| or PHI 525 | Introduction To Cognitive Science | |
| or PSY 525 | Introduction To Cognitive Science | |
| PHI 447 | Philosophy, Evolution and Human Nature | 3 |
| or PHI 547 | Philosophy, Evolution and Human Nature | |
| PS 314 | Science, Technology and Public Policy | 3 |
| PSY 307 | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 311 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 340 | Human Factors Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 400 | Perception | 3 |
| PSY 420 | Cognitive Processes | 3 |
| STS 302 | Contemporary Science, Technology and Human Values | 3 |
| STS 304 | Ethical Dimensions of Progress | 3 |
| STS 315 | Feminist Futures | 3 |
| or WGS 315 | Feminist Futures | |
| STS 322 | Technological Catastrophes | 3 |
| STS 405 | Technology and American Culture | 3 |
| SOC 301 | Human Behavior | 3 |
| SOC 401 | Theories of Social Interaction | 3 |
| SOC 410 | Sociology of Organizations | 3 |
| ST 307 | Introduction to Statistical Programming- SAS | 1 |
| ST 372 | Introduction to Statistical Inference and Regression | 3 |
| ST 430 | Introduction to Regression Analysis | 3 |
| ST 431 | Introduction to Experimental Design | 3 |
| ST 432 | Introduction to Survey Sampling | 3 |
| ST 437 | Applied Multivariate and Longitudinal Data Analysis | 3 |
| ST 440 | Applied Bayesian Analysis | 3 |
| ST 445 | Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management | 3 |
| Students must be enrolled in the Business Administration Minor for these courses to count in this elective group: | ||
| MIE 201 | Introduction to Business | 3 |
| ACC 210 | Concepts of Financial Reporting | 3 |
| ACC 220 | Introduction to Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| ACC 280 | Survey of Financial and Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| BUS 320 | Principles of Finance | 3 |
| BUS 340 | Information Systems Management | 3 |
| BUS 360 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| BUS 370 | Operations and Supply Chain Management | 3 |
| M 380 | Doing Business Globally | 3 |
| MIE 305 | Legal and Regulatory Environment | 3 |
| MIE 310 | Entrepreneurial Value Creation | 3 |
| MIE 330 | Managing People | 3 |
CSC Restricted Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 236 | Computer Organization and Assembly Language for Computer Scientists | 3 |
| CSC 302 | Introduction to Numerical Methods | 3 |
| or CSC 580 | Numerical Analysis I | |
| CSC 342 | Applied Web-based Client-Server Computing | 3 |
| CSC 401 | Data and Computer Communications Networks | 3 |
| or CSC 573 | Internet Protocols | |
| CSC 402 | Networking Projects | 3 |
| CSC 405 | Computer Security | 3 |
| CSC 406 | Architecture Of Parallel Computers | 3 |
| or CSC 506 | Architecture Of Parallel Computers | |
| CSC 408 | Software Product Management | 3 |
| CSC 411 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| or CSC 520 | Artificial Intelligence I | |
| CSC 412 | Compiler Construction | 3 |
| or CSC 512 | Compiler Construction | |
| CSC 414 | Foundations of Cryptography | 3 |
| or CSC 514 | Foundations of Cryptography | |
| CSC 415 | Software Security | 3 |
| or CSC 515 | Software Security | |
| CSC 416 | Introduction to Combinatorics | 3 |
| CSC 417 | Theory of Programming Languages | 3 |
| CSC 418 | Software Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CSC 419 | DevOps: Modern Software Engineering Practices | 3 |
| or CSC 519 | DevOps: Modern Software Engineering Practices | |
| CSC 422 | Automated Learning and Data Analysis | 3 |
| or CSC 522 | Automated Learning and Data Analysis | |
| CSC 431 | File Organization and Processing | 3 |
| CSC 433 | Privacy in the Digital Age | 3 |
| or CSC 533 | Privacy in the Digital Age | |
| CSC 440 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| or CSC 540 | Database Management Concepts and Systems | |
| CSC 442 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
| CSC 447 | Introduction to Cloud Computing | 3 |
| or CSC 547 | Cloud Computing Technology | |
| CSC 450 | Web Services | 3 |
| CSC 451 | Robot Motion Planning | 3 |
| CSC 453 | Introduction to Internet of Things (IoT) Systems | 3 |
| CSC 454 | Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
| or CSC 554 | Human-Computer Interaction | |
| CSC 455 | Social Computing and Decentralized Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| or CSC 555 | Social Computing and Decentralized Artificial Intelligence | |
| CSC 456 | Computer Architecture and Multiprocessors | 3 |
| or CSC 506 | Architecture Of Parallel Computers | |
| CSC 461 | Computer Graphics | 3 |
| or CSC 561 | Principles of Computer Graphics | |
| CSC 462 | Advanced Computer Graphics Projects | 3 |
| or CSC 562 | Introduction to Game Engine Design | |
| CSC 467 | Introduction to Quantum Algorithms | 3 |
| CSC 469 | Quantum Programming | 3 |
| CSC 471 | Modern Topics in Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CSC 472 | Cybersecurity Practicum | 3 |
| CSC 474 | Network Security | 3 |
| or CSC 574 | Computer and Network Security | |
| CSC 481 | Game Engine Foundations | 3 |
| or CSC 581 | Game Engine Foundations | |
| CSC 482 | Advanced Computer Game Projects | 3 |
| CSC 484 | Building Game AI | 3 |
| or CSC 584 | Building Game AI | |
| CSC 486 | Computational Visual Narrative | 3 |
| CSC 490 | Independent Study in Computer Science | 1-6 |
| CSC 491 | Special Topics in Computer Science | 1-6 |
| CSC 499 | Independent Research in Computer Science | 1-6 |
| CSC 501 | Operating Systems Principles | 3 |
| CSC 503 | Computational Applied Logic | 3 |
| CSC 505 | Design and Analysis Of Algorithms | 3 |
| CSC 510 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSC 517 | Object-Oriented Design and Development | 3 |
| CSC 530 | Computational Methods for Molecular Biology | 3 |
| CSC 537 | Systems Attacks and Defenses | 3 |
| CSC 541 | Advanced Data Structures | 3 |
| CSC 542 | Neural Networks and Deep Learning | 3 |
| CSC 546 | Management Decision and Control Systems | 3 |
| CSC 548 | Parallel Systems | 3 |
| CSC 563 | Visual Interfaces for Mobile Devices | 3 |
| CSC 565 | Graph Theory | 3 |
| CSC 568 | Enterprise Storage Architecture | 3 |
| CSC 570 | Computer Networks | 3 |
| CSC 572 | Optimizations and Algorithms | 3 |
| CSC 575 | Introduction to Wireless Networking | 3 |
| CSC 576 | Networking Services: QoS, Signaling, Processes | 3 |
| CSC 577 | Switched Network Management | 3 |
| CSC 578 | LTE and 5G Communications | 3 |
| CSC 582 | Computer Models of Interactive Narrative | 3 |
| CSC 583 | Introduction to Parallel Computing | 3 |
| CSC 591 | Special Topics In Computer Science | 1-6 |
| CSC 595 | Cybersecurity Practicum | 3 |
| ECE 482 | Engineering Entrepreneurship Senior Design I | 3 |
| ECE 483 | Engineering Entrepreneurship Senior Design II | 3 |
| MA 414 | Foundations of Cryptography | 3 |
| MA 416 | Introduction to Combinatorics | 3 |
| ST 442 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
Other Restricted Elective - Group B
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC Restricted Elective Courses | 1-6 | |
| ACC 310 | Intermediate Financial Accounting I | 3 |
| ACC 311 | Intermediate Financial Accounting II | 3 |
| ACC 330 | An Introduction To Income Taxation | 3 |
| ACC 340 | Accounting Information Systems | 3 |
| ARS 306 | Music Composition with Computers | 3 |
| BUS 320 | Financial Management | 3 |
| BUS 340 | Information Systems Management | 3 |
| BUS 360 | Marketing Methods | 3 |
| BUS 4** | ||
| CHE 435 | Process Systems Analysis and Control | 3 |
| CHE 465 | Colloidal and Nanoscale Engineering | 3 |
| CSC 427 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis I | 3 |
| CSC 428 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis II | 3 |
| DSC 405 | Data Wrangling and Web Scraping | 1 |
| DSC 406 | Exploratory Data Analysis for Big Data | 1 |
| DSC 410 | Data Internship Preparation for Social Impact | 1 |
| DSC 412 | Exploring Machine Learning | 1 |
| EC 3** | ||
| EC 4** | ||
| EC 5** | ||
| ECE 3** (except for ECE 309) | ||
| ECE 4** | ||
| ECE 5** | ||
| EED 401 | Teaching Undergraduate Engineers | 3 |
| or EED 501 | Teaching Undergraduate Engineers | |
| EED 411 | Societal Foundations for Engineering Education | 3 |
| or EED 511 | Societal Foundations for Engineering Education | |
| EED 414 | Ethics for Engineering Education | 3 |
| or EED 514 | Ethics for Engineering Education | |
| EED 495 | Special Topics in Engineering Education | 1-3 |
| EED 502 | Engineering Education : Content, Assessment, and Pedagogy | 3 |
| EED 509 | Field Experiences in Engineering Education | 3 |
| EED 595 | Special Topics in Engineering Education | 1-3 |
| EMS 480 | Teaching Mathematics with Technology | 3 |
| GC 320 | 3D Spatial Relations | 3 |
| GC 350 | Applied CAD/D and Geometric Controls | 3 |
| GC 420 | Visual Thinking | 3 |
| GN 5** | ||
| ISE 311 | Engineering Economic Analysis | 3 |
| ISE 361 | Deterministic Models in Industrial Engineering | 3 |
| ISE 4** | ||
| ISE 5** | ||
| LOG 335 | Symbolic Logic | 3 |
| LOG 435 | Advanced Logic & Metamathematics | 3 |
| LOG 535 | Advanced Logic and Metamathematics | 3 |
| MA 302 | Numerical Applications to Differential Equations | 1 |
| MA 341 | Applied Differential Equations I | 3 |
| MA 351 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematical Models | 3 |
| MA 401 | Applied Differential Equations II | 3 |
| MA 402 | Mathematics of Scientific Computing | 3 |
| MA 403 | Introduction to Modern Algebra | 3 |
| MA 405 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MA 407 | Introduction to Modern Algebra for Mathematics Majors | 3 |
| MA 408 | Foundations of Euclidean Geometry | 3 |
| MA 410 | Theory of Numbers | 3 |
| MA 412 | Long-Term Actuarial Models | 3 |
| MA 413 | Short-Term Actuarial Models | 3 |
| MA 425 | Mathematical Analysis I | 3 |
| MA 426 | Mathematical Analysis II | 3 |
| MA 427 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis I | 3 |
| MA 428 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis II | 3 |
| MA 430 | Mathematical Models in the Physical Sciences | 3 |
| MA 432 | Mathematical Models in Life Sciences | 3 |
| MA 437 | Applications of Algebra | 3 |
| MA 5** | ||
| MAE 3** | ||
| MAE 4** | ||
| MAE 5** | ||
| MIE 3** | ||
| MIE 4** | ||
| MSE 3** | ||
| MSE 4** | ||
| MSE 5** | ||
| MUS 306 | Music Composition with Computers | 3 |
| NE 3** | ||
| NE 4** | ||
| NE 5** | ||
| OR 5** | ||
| PHI 425 | Introduction to Cognitive Science | 3 |
| PSY 307 | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 340 | Human Factors Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 400 | Perception | 3 |
| PSY 420 | Cognitive Processes | 3 |
| PSY 425 | Introduction to Cognitive Science | 3 |
| PY 4** | ||
| PY 5** | ||
| ST 372 | Introduction to Statistical Inference and Regression | 3 |
| ST 4** | ||
| ST 5** | ||
Semester Sequence3
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| CH 101 & CH 102 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science and General Chemistry Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| E 102 | Engineering in the 21st Century 2 | 2 |
| E 115 | Introduction to Computing Environments | 1 |
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research 2 | 4 |
| MA 141 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CSC 116 | Introduction to Computing - Java 1 | 3 |
| CSC 201 | Fundamentals of Applied AI 2 | 3 |
| E 101 | Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving 2 | 1 |
| MA 241 | Calculus II 1 | 4 |
| PY 205 & PY 206 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CSC 216 & CSC 217 | Software Development Fundamentals and Software Development Fundamentals Lab 1 | 4 |
| CSC 226 | Discrete Mathematics 1 | 3 |
| CSC 301 | Problem Solving with Applied AI | 3 |
| MA 242 | Calculus III | 4 |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CSC 230 | C and Software Tools | 3 |
| CSC 316 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| MA 305 | Introduction to Linear Algebra and Matrices | 3 |
| PY 208 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists II | 4 |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CSC 326 | Software Engineering 1 | 4 |
| CSC 333 | Automata, Grammars, and Computability | 3 |
| SE Core 1 | 3 | |
| ST 370 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| SE Restricted Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CSC 246 | Concepts and Facilities of Operating Systems for Computer Scientists | 3 |
| CSC 379 | Ethics in Computing | 1 |
| CSC 404 | Software Testing 1 | 3 |
| ENG 331 | Communication for Engineering and Technology | 3 |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Other Restricted Elective - Group B | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CSC 408 | Software Product Management 1 | 3 |
| CSC SE Restricted Elective 1 | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| EC 205 | Fundamentals of Economics or Principles of Microeconomics or Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CSC 492 | Senior Design Project | 3 |
| CSC SE Restricted Elective 1 | 3 | |
| SE Restricted Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 121 | |
- 1
A grade of C or higher is required.
- 2
Grade of C- or higher required.
- 3
One of the following two conditions regarding the major GPA is required: l) the major GPA, which consists of all CSC courses attempted at NCSU, must be 2.0 or higher or II) a student whose major grade point average is below 2.0 may graduate if no CSC course used to satisfy the major requirements has a grade below a C-.
Career Opportunities
Designing computer systems, and the software that runs on them is the job of computer scientists. Computer scientists find demand for their innovation, design, analysis, testing, and engineering skills across all domains. As a direct consequence of the increasingly critical role of computers in society, the discipline of computer science has enjoyed rapid growth for many years, with the trend likely to continue. Employment projections indicate a critical nationwide shortfall in the supply of people skilled in computing and information technology, and a resulting steady rise in demand and salaries, for decades to come. Computer Science graduates from NC State are in high demand, including by employers that are extremely selective in their national recruiting. The Cybersecurity concentration prepares students to defend our critical cyber infrastructure.
Anchoring one corner of the world-famous Research Triangle Park, and located in modern state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities on NC State’s Centennial Campus, the department and its students and faculty benefit from strong and active industry partnerships. NC State Computer Science is one of the top suppliers in the nation of new graduate hires to a number of high-tech companies, including several Fortune 500 companies, some with a substantial presence in the Research Triangle. Starting salaries for our undergraduates now average over $75,000 and show a steady increase. Opportunities are also plentiful for graduate study for those who wish to pursue the field in more depth.
Career Titles
- Architectural Drafters
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- Clinical Data Managers
- Computer and Information Scientists
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Hardware Engineers
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Science Professor
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Computer Systems Engineer
- Computer User Support Specialist
- Data Warehousing Specialists
- Database Administrator
- Information Security Analysts
- Information Technology Project Managers
- IT Administrator (Information Technology)
- Mathematician
- Project Management Specialists
- Robotics Engineers
- Scientific Linguist
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Technical & Scientific Publications Editor
- Technical Publications Writer
- Video Game Designer
- Web Art Director
- Webmaster
Learn More About Careers
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