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Computer Science (BS)

About

The world runs on technology. By learning how computing devices work, how to reason about algorithms and how to develop software, you are entering a field with endless opportunities – from software for businesses or research, to apps and a demanding job market.

Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is backed by an engaged faculty. Students are expected to apply what they learn in class through internship opportunities, research or activities sponsored by the department such as App Hack events. Appalachian’s Department of Computer Science was one of the first programs in North Carolina to achieve accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which it has held since 1986. The program offered Appalachian’s first computer science class in 1975.

Students in this degree have the option to pursue Appalachian’s accelerated master’s program and receive their Master of Science degree in Computer Science in one year as instead of two years by taking graduate coursework during their senior year. The department also offers a Data Science Certificate.

After Graduation

Employment: The job market is so strong in this field that most graduates go straight into employment. Employers include Lowes Hardware, CGI (Lebanon, V.A.), Duke Energy, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, ECR Software, Sunrise Technologies, and INMAR.

Graduate schools: Students who do choose to pursue graduate studies have stayed at Appalachian State University or attended other top programs including those at North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Clemson University, Duke University or University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Rahman Tashakkori
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Rahman Tashakkori

    “When students are involved in research, they do better in their academic course work. It creates a medium in which students can learn computer science applications for the real world.” – Dr. Rahman Tashakkori

    Meet more faculty

  • Student Profile: Jakobe Bussey
    Student Profile: Jakobe Bussey

    “At Appalachian, you can do anything. If you can show you have the skill and the passion… you can do anything you put your mind to.”

    – Jakobe Bussey, an Honors College student who is double majoring in computer science and economics with a minor in Japanese

  • Student Profile: Bryan Hill
    Student Profile: Bryan Hill

    “My relationship with the faculty in the program has been amazing … The class sizes are relatively small, so I feel comfortable asking for help or going to office hours.”

    – Bryan Hill, a computer science major and a recipient of the Appalachian High Achievers in STEM scholarship

  • Student Profile: Jenny Ly
    Student Profile: Jenny Ly

    Chau “Jenny” Ly said she found her passion for programming and science during her first hackathon. She is succeeding in the field of computer science and helping her female peers do the same.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Minors

A minor is not required. Popular minors among students who do choose to pursue one include:

  • Mathematics
  • Business
  • Physics
  • Computer Information Systems

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

  • App Hack Events – These consist of 24-hour periods where students come together to collaborate and develop technology.
  • S-STEM program – A scholarship program for students who major in computer science or applied mathematics.
  • Scholarships – Read about scholarship opportunities within the Department of Computer Science.
  • Department of Computer Science student clubs

Global Learning

Global Learning is a priority for Appalachian State University. Students are encouraged to increase their knowledge of global issues, regions and cultures through any of Appalachian’s 100-plus international courses and events, befriending Appalachian’s 170-180 international students, participating in a study abroad, or pursuing an international service-learning or internship experience.

Admission Requirements

Must complete at least 30 credit hours of Appalachian course work and complete freshman and sophomore English in order to be admitted into the major.

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Why Appalachian?

  • An ABET-accredited program since 1986.
  • Appalachian’s accelerated master’s program allows undergraduate computer science students to stay and earn their Master of Science in computer science degree in one year at Appalachian instead of two years at another institution.
  • The department offers a Data Science Certificate that can enhance a student's degree.
  • Scholarships are available through Appalachian and the Department of Computer Science.
  • Engaged faculty provide students with educational opportunities outside of class.
  • There is a high degree of student involvement in co-curricular activities.

Location

Boone campus only

Careers

Some of these jobs may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

  • Applications Programmer
  • Applied Science Technologist
  • Artificial Intelligence Programmer
  • Banking/Credit/Investment Manager
  • Biometrician/Biostatistician
  • Commodity Manager
  • Computer Facilities Manager
  • Computer Installation & Test Specialist
  • Computer Programmer
  • Computer Scientist
  • Computer-Aided Design Technician
  • Database Manager
  • Information Scientist
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Mathematician
  • Research Analyst
  • Software Engineer
  • Software Support Specialist
  • Statistician
  • Systems Analyst
  • Systems Programmer
  • Teacher: Science/Math/Computers
  • Technical Support Representative

View more career possibilities

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Computer Science

Dr. Rahman Tashakkori
Chair
tashakkorir@appstate.edu
828-262-2370

  • Department of Computer Science

    Appalachian’s Department of Computer Science provides a rigorous, high-quality education that prepares students for the computing industry or graduate education. It offers both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in computer science.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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