Undergraduate CS Concentrations - College of Computing and Informatics (2024)

Major and Minor GPA

The University will calculate major and minor GPAs based on all courses that fulfill program requirements as currently defined, plus all other courses the student has taken with the major orminor prefix. The only exception will be for those courses where grade replacement or forgiveness policy is applied.

BS/BA Concentration Plans of Study

Flexible plans of study at the link below are templates to be used for individual student planning. It is advised to copy and paste the prescribed plan of study to a Google Sheet for making needed adjustments depending on credits completed, personal pace and timeline for graduation, and semester flexibility of some upper level courses. It is important to check course prerequisites when planning. Note that these plans are tools for self-guidance. Academic advisors can help students weigh options, and offer their knowledge and expertise when planning. Plan of study templates can be found here: Academic Plans of Study (2023-2024 Catalog) .

Declare / change concentration

To declare or change your concentration, fill and submit this form. This is done after the completion of ITSC 2214 (Data Structures and Algorithms). Make sure to check all your information for accuracy.

Note: Review your Degree Works audit before submitting this request, using the what-if feature. Be sure to match your Catalog year from Banner with the Catalog year in the what-if audit.

The B.S. program offers a broad core of computing subjects and allows in-depth study in one of SEVEN concentrations:

Students in the AI, Robotics and Gaming concentration will learn how to design and implement intelligent machines. Intelligent systems can be found in many modern computer applications, from gaming and search to finance, and in fields as diverse as robotics, computer vision and image processing to natural language understanding. Students pursuing this concentration will be ready to pursue careers in some of the fastest growing technology companies.

(2021-22)

Students in the Bioinformatics concentration are introduced to the collection, informatics analysis and interpretation of data derived from genomic and biological macromolecular investigations. The major focus is on DNA, the molecule that provides the building plan for all living things. Students will receive training in up-to-date methods for data handling and interpretation while developing an understanding of critical issues in bioinformatics research design, statistical data analysis, and the application of genomics domain knowledge. This program presents up-to-date methods for data handling and interpretation while developing an understanding of critical issues in bioinformatics research design, statistical data analysis, and the application of genomics domain knowledge. The applications are enormous, from health care, to agriculture, to the environment, and the opportunities in this field are limitless.

Bioinformatics (2021-22)

Students in the Cybersecurity concentration will learn about information, network, and software security issues and techniques for protecting systems from cyber attacks. Students will learn the tools and techniques for ensuring privacy and security in software, web, mobile, and cloud systems. UNC Charlotte is designated as an Academic Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education and Research (CAE/IAE, and CAER) by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Details of the Academic Center of Excellence program can be found at http://www.nsa.gov/ia/academic_outreach/nat_cae/.

Cybersecurity (2021-22)

Students in the Data Science concentration will learn how to use and develop processes and tools to extract knowledge or insights from data. Data scientists use their analytical ability to interpret data sources, manage large amounts of data, ensure consistency of datasets, create visualizations to aid understanding, build mathematical models and present and communicate the data insights/findings. Data scientist is the occupation of the 21st century and job prospects are excellent.

Data Science (2021-22)

Students in the Software Engineering concentration will learn about developing and maintaining software systems that behave reliably and efficiently, are affordable to develop and maintain, and satisfy all the requirements that customers have defined for them. This concentration is critical because of the impact of software systems in every aspect of our professional and personal lives and the role of software in safety-critical applications.

Software Engineering (2021-22)

Students in the Software, Systems and Networks concentration will be able to select courses that prepare them for design and development of complex computer systems and applications. Computer networks are the backbone of the Internet. Modern computers are increasingly complex and programming them requires understanding of system organization, software and programming languages, security threats and continually emerging platforms (clouds, mobile, internet-of-things).

(2021-22)

Students in the Web and Mobile Applications concentration will learn about software development using Internet protocols, World-Wide Web technologies, and mobile programming languages and operating systems. The web and mobile platforms are increasingly the default for health, social, educational and customer interaction.

(2021-22)

The B.A. program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in one of THREE concentrations:

Students in the Human Computer Interaction concentration will learn the methods and technology for designing, developing, and evaluating how people interact with computers and other digital devices. As technology becomes more integrated with everyday activities, the user experience and interface design become critical aspects of the success of technology.

Human-Computer Interaction (2021-22)

Students in the Information Technology concentration will learn about the usability, security, and reliability of IT infrastructures with an emphasis on technical writing and communications skills. Students with an IT concentration will be project managers, product managers, and will manage the resources, documents, and customer interaction in IT projects.

Information Technology (2021-22)

Students in the Bioinformatics concentration are introduced to the collection, informatics analysis and interpretation of data derived from genomic and biological macromolecular investigations. The major focus is on DNA, the molecule that provides the building plan for all living things. Students will receive training in up-to-date methods for data handling and interpretation while developing an understanding of critical issues in bioinformatics research design, statistical data analysis, and the application of genomics domain knowledge. This program presents up-to-date methods for data handling and interpretation while developing an understanding of critical issues in bioinformatics research design, statistical data analysis, and the application of genomics domain knowledge. The applications are enormous, from health care, to agriculture, to the environment, and the opportunities in this field are limitless.

Bioinformatics (2021-22)

What Can I Do With My Computer Science Concentration?

Are you curious about prospective jobs and potential roles to which your concentration might apply? Check out this LIST.

Check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook’s Computer and Information Technology Job Descriptions, HERE.

Undergraduate CS Concentrations - College of Computing and Informatics (2024)

FAQs

What is a computing and informatics degree? ›

The Bachelor of Arts in Computing and Informatics is a new degree designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in information technology which requires a solid understanding of the principles of computing - but not the underpinnings of computer science theory and mathematics.

What's the difference between informatics and computer science? ›

Informatics is the study of computational systems. According to the ACM Europe Council and Informatics Europe, informatics is synonymous with computer science and computing as a profession, in which the central notion is transformation of information.

What is Informatics subject in computer science? ›

Informatics is the study of the structure, behaviour, and interactions of natural and engineered computational systems. Informatics studies the representation, processing, and communication of information in natural and engineered systems.

What is the hardest branch of computer science? ›

Hardest skills to learn in computer science?
  • Quantum Computing:
  • Machine Learning and Deep Learning:
  • Compiler Design:
  • Operating Systems Internals:
  • Cryptography:
  • Distributed Systems:
  • Algorithmic Complexity and Analysis:
  • Network Security:

Is computer science the hardest college major? ›

Earning a computer science degree has been known to entail a more intense workload than you might experience with other majors because there are many foundational concepts about computer software, hardware, and theory to learn. Part of that learning may involve a lot of practice, typically completed on your own time.

Is a degree in informatics worth IT? ›

Earning a master's in health informatics can qualify you for impactful roles in health administration, management and research. Whether your background is in healthcare or technology, a health informatics degree can round out the remainder of your skills.

Is informatics in high demand? ›

As a result, clinical informatics specialists are in high demand. Clinical informatics specialists make an average annual salary of $103,597, according to January 2024 data from ZipRecruiter.

Is informatics a STEM major? ›

Informatics at Luddy are classified as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs by the Department of Homeland Security. By earning a degree in a STEM program, an international student on a F-1 visa can apply for a 24-month STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension.

Is Informatics a BA or BS? ›

The B.S. in Informatics is designed around a small set of core courses that introduce the fundamentals of Informatics (human computer interaction, design), software (programming, requirements analysis), and human behavior (social analysis of computerization).

Is IT better to major in computer science or information technology? ›

Generally, computer science jobs tend to offer higher pay than information technology jobs, particularly in software development, artificial intelligence and data science. However, information technology jobs can also provide competitive salaries, especially in cybersecurity and network administration.

What are the four types of informatics? ›

4 Types of Informatics Disciplines You Might Not Know
  • Health Informatics. This field can be described as the use of health and clinical data to drive and support patient health outcomes. ...
  • Bioinformatics. ...
  • Pharmacy Informatics. ...
  • Nursing Informatics.
Aug 15, 2022

Is there math in informatics? ›

If you're unsure about the math requirements involved in a computer science program, you can also consider a different but related option, such as information technology (IT), informatics, or game design, which may still require math but not to the same extent.

What is informatics as a college major? ›

Informatics harnesses the power and possibility of digital technology to transform data and information into knowledge that people use every day. This strong focus on the human use of computing helps people to interact with technology in the best and most efficient way possible.

What is a bachelor of science in informatics and computer science? ›

Informatics and Computer Science graduates can design and implement software or devise new ways to use computers or develop effective ways to solve computing problems.

What major is best for computer science? ›

10 Popular Computer Science Degrees
  • Software Engineering.
  • Computer Information Systems.
  • Computer Engineering.
  • Data Science.
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Web Development.
  • Network Administration.
  • Computer Forensics.

What computer science concentration pays the most? ›

Highest Paying Computer Science Jobs By Specialization
  • Software Engineering: Specializations Required: Software/systems development and applications development. ...
  • Security Engineering: Specializations Required: Cybersecurity. ...
  • UX Design. ...
  • Video Games Development.

What is the best subject to study in computer science? ›

Popular Subjects to Study in Computer Science
  1. Data Structures. ...
  2. Microcontrollers and Embedded Systems. ...
  3. Object-Oriented Programming. ...
  4. Discrete Mathematics. ...
  5. Algorithm Analysis and Design. ...
  6. Cryptography. ...
  7. Network Security.

Which computer science specialization is best? ›

Some of the most common specializations in the field include:
  • Artificial intelligence.
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Data science.
  • Software engineering.
  • Digital media.
  • Biocomputation.
  • Human-computer interaction.
  • Information management.
Apr 18, 2024

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