Bachelor’s degree programs in computer science encompass two distinct emphases: an information systems (or business) emphasis and a technical emphasis. While either emphasis will prepare a student for a computing career, there are important differences in the context of the work to be performed, the types of problems to be solved, and the types of systems to be designed and managed. For both emphases, starting positions include such titles as programmer, programmer-analyst, and network analyst.
The information technology (or business) track focuses on the use of computer technology and information management methods to solve business problems. This requires an understanding of both the organizational context of the problem and the technologies, methodologies, and tools available in a variety of business applications. Be sure to see a computer science adviser to select the appropriate emphasis for you.
Baccalaureate schools may have multiple computing degree programs, often located in different departments, which build on the recommendations for the computer science information systems emphasis. In addition to being found in departments named computer science, an information systems major may be located in a computer information systems department or in a variety of departments within a college of business.
Some schools may not require all of the courses listed below. Consult the baccalaureate schools you are considering and an adviser to select the appropriate courses for you. The following list of courses are designed for students choosing to begin their college career at one Illinois school and later transfer to another.
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