CSE Majors and Minors
Computer Science Major
If you want to change the world and you like to think analytically and solve problems, enjoy mathematics, and are interested in working with computers and technology, consider a major in computer science. Innovations such as the Internet, smart phone apps, websites like Facebook, and online shopping all owe their foundations to developments in computer science. The computer science major at Miami provides you with a thorough understanding of the key principles and practices of computing as well as the mathematical and scientific principles that underpin them. You will study programming languages, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, and applications of computer science such as computer networks, computer security, computer games, and the ethical and social implications of computer technology.
Miami offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs.
Difference between a B.S. and a B.A. Computer Science
When deciding between a BA or a BS degree in Computer Science, begin by thinking about your interests:
- Do you have an interest in another subject area that you would like to pursue alongside majoring in Computer Science? If so, then consider the Bachelor of Arts degree. This degree requires a minor or second major outside of Computer Science and Software Engineering. This allows you to learn about business, the arts, education, science, or some other field of interest to you. It also gives you more flexible science options.
- Would you like to take additional computer science electives, and strengthen your mathematics, statistics, and science knowledge? If so, then the Bachelor of Science degree might be your best bet. It includes 3 additional Computer Science electives (so, 7 electives in all), 3 additional electives in mathematics and/or statistics, and 2 science courses that are designed for science majors.
- What if you are not sure? No problem: the requirements look the same for roughly the first two years. An advisor from our department can help you plan your courses in a way that keeps your options open in case you would like to switch.
Cybersecurity Major
The Cybersecurity major provides graduates with a thorough understanding of the key principles and practices related to the world of cybersecurity. It combines the basics of computer science with the skills and knowledge of security to form the basis for a range of careers including security analyst, penetration tester, network security engineer, security architect, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Cybersecurity Engineer, and application security engineer. Topics of study include basic cybersecurity principals, systems administration, systems security, networks and network security, data security including encryption, and of course offensive and defensive methodologies. These are coupled with core topics of computer since including programming languages, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, and applications of computer science such as database systems, artificial intelligence, and computer networks. Upon entering this program, you should have an interest in analytical thinking and problem solving, an aptitude for mathematics, and an interest in working with computers and technology.
This degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Software and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
This minor is for students in majors other than computer science or software engineering. The objective is to provide a cohesive program enabling students to learn the fundamentals of software design and development and a variety of other topics in computer science. In addition to gaining an understanding of the software design and development process, students will acquire problem solving and algorithm design skills. Electives in sub-fields of computer science including computer networks, operating systems, database, software engineering, graphics, and computer architecture permit the student to study particular areas of interest.
Bioinformatics, or the application of computational techniques to molecular biology problems, is a fast-growing field of significant importance in both academia and industry. Students completing a bioinformatics minor will gain the basic knowledge of biology and programming needed to work in this area, as well as an understanding of how computational techniques can be used to advance our knowledge of biology and the life sciences.
This minor is offered cooperatively by the Departments of Biology, Computer Science and Software Engineering, Microbiology, and Statistics.
The Games + Simulation Minor includes a collaborative series of courses between the Department of Emerging Technology in Business + Design and the Art and Computer Science departments. The minor introduces the foundations of game design and implementation, beginning with required coursework in the three developmental areas: game art, game design, and game development. Electives within the minor allow students to explore their particular game interest in greater depth.
The Humanitarian Engineering and Computing Minor is designed to graduate engineers and computer scientists who are globally-aware, culturally-sensitive, and socially conscious. Students and graduates use their expertise to design solutions that enhance the lives of, and opportunities for, people on a local, national, or international level. Students select coursework from four broad categories of interest, engage in service/humanitarian-focused activity or research, and complete a humanitarian-focused capstone project in CPB, CSE, ECE or MME.
This minor is only open to students with a major in the College of Engineering and Computing.
