Computers are the tools of the present and future. Business, industry, and government depend on innovative computer design and usage. Manipulating large masses of data, performing routine and complex calculations, controlling industrial equipment, and communicating with users worldwide are a few of today’s computer tasks. Since computer scientists and other professionals constantly seek breakthroughs in software and hardware technology while searching for new developments, Computer Science remains a discipline with a secure and excellent future. WVU offers two bachelor of science degree options in Computer Science. The BS degree may be earned in either the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources (CEMR). Both are offered via the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. The curricula qualify students for professional positions in business, industry research, government service, or graduate study. The requirements of the two Computer Science degree options reflect the basic intent of the individual degrees. The Eberly College degree emphasizes foundations and theories of Computer Science with a liberal arts focus. The CEMR degree is hardware oriented with an engineering focus. Both degrees require a total of 128 hours to graduate. Students must earn at least a C in every required course. For more information, contact Dr. Brian Woerner at 304-293-LANE ext. 2551 or brian.woerner@csee.wvu.edu Or visit the website at: www.lcsee.cemr.wvu.edu

While in the Pre-Computer Science program, a student enrolls in six computer science courses. Three provide a strong background in computer programming and analysis, and use the Java programming language. Three others introduce algorithms, discrete mathematics, and software engineering. After completing the Pre-Computer Science Program, seven upper-division courses must be chosen. Topics include analysis of algorithms, automata theory, compiler design, computer architecture, computer security, database design and theory, operating systems, programming languages, and software engineering, as well as special topics courses.

The WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most diverse academic unit within West Virginia University. A faculty of 450 and a staff of 125 support more than 6,700 students (nearly one-fourth of the WVU student body) who are majoring in one or more of the 63 undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the College’s 16 academic departments and divisions.

The College provides the majority of the curriculum for all WVU undergraduates and a wide variety of required and elective courses for the entire student body. Many departments offer minors for students majoring in other schools and colleges. Arts and Sciences majors may, with permission, major in more than one discipline, and when appropriate, design highly individualized degree programs.

Arts and Sciences Admission
To be eligible for admission to the Arts and Sciences Pre-Computer Science Program, all prospective students must be qualified for admission to the University. Early application is strongly encouraged. Iincoming freshmen must meet or exceed the following admission requirements:

Engineering, Pre-Computer Science, and Pre-Biometric Systems:

• A minimum high school GPA of 3.0.
• A minimum math ACT/SAT score of 27/620.

General Engineering:

• A minimum high school GPA of 2.5.
• A minimum math ACT/SAT score of 23/540.

Arts and Sciences Curriculum
Features of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences BSCS degree include: option to have dual major in other Arts and Sciences disciplines (including English, mathematics, philosophy, physics, and statistics); more flexibility in course work; liberal-arts focused education, including more theoretical foundations of computer science; and more choices in selected area of emphasis.

The WVU College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
The College of Engineering and Mineral Resources (CEMR) undergraduate degree programs are administered through seven departments: chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science and electrical engineering, industrial and management systems engineering, mechanical and aerospace engineering, mining engineering, and petroleum and natural gas engineering. All undergraduate programs provide excellent preparation for the engineering profession. The curricula give students a balanced background in the basic sciences, engineering sciences, engineering analysis, the humanities, and the social sciences. Graduates enjoy a multitude of career opportunities in our nation’s most vital industries.

CEMR Admission
To be eligible for admission to the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, all prospective students must be qualified for admission to the University. Early application is strongly encouraged. The College of Engineering and Mineral Resources requires that incoming freshmen meet or exceed the following admission requirements:

Engineering, Pre-Computer Science, and Pre-Biometric Systems:

• A minimum high school GPA of 3.0.
• A minimum math ACT/SAT score of 27/620.

General Engineering:

• A minimum high school GPA of 2.5.
• A minimum math ACT/SAT score of 23/540.

After completing the General Engineering requirements, students are moved into Pre-Computer Science.

CEMR Curriculum
Features of the CEMR BSCS degree are: easier to move between Computer Science and Computer Engineering; an emphasis on computer hardware principles; accommodates dual major with either Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering; and upper-division course choices are more flexible.

Students take courses in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, and physics, and they fulfill general education requirements. Computer Science majors enroll as Pre-CS students and take fundamental courses in hardware and software during the first and second years of the program. In the fourth year, students concentrate on specialty areas of computer science.

The program requires seniors to take a yearlong course devoted to designing a software system of their choice. Each project is developed from proposal to final product by a student design team, allowing students to see firsthand the importance of team building while enabling them to recognize the role of individual effort toward achieving team goals. Computer Science and general electives also provide majors with depth in areas of their choosing. Using a broad choice of Computer Science electives in their senior year, some students take a second major or minor, while others complete a dual integrated major in Computer Engineering and Computer Science or in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in nine semesters.

Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Career Opportunities
Computer scientists and systems analysts hold millions of jobs worldwide. Although they are found in most industries, the greatest concentration is in computer and data processing service firms. Others work for government agencies, manufacturers of computer and related electronic equipment, insurance companies, and universities. Computer scientists and systems analysts are among the fastest growing occupations. Tens of thousands of job openings will result annually from the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions, other occupations, or leave the labor force.

Graduate School Opportunities
Employers almost always seek college graduates for computer professional positions. More complex jobs may require a person with a graduate degree. Generally, a computer scientist working in a research lab or academic institution holds a PhD or master’s degree in Computer Science or engineering. The Lane Department offers excellent opportunities for graduate-level study.

Salary Range
Median annual earnings of systems analysts who work full time are about $44,500. The middle 50% earn $34,000-$54,200; the highest tenth, more than $65,500. Computer scientists with advanced degrees generally earn more than systems analysts. The entrance salary for recent college graduates with a bachelor’s degree is about $50,000 per year.