Computer Science Major

The world works, innovates and solves problems on computers.

TU students in computer class

Computer science majors at Towson University develop specialized knowledge and skills highly valued by employers. The curriculum is both focused and flexible, with options that will prepare you for careers in government, business, industry and education, or further study in graduate school. Coursework emphasizes solid theoretical foundations and the latest technological developments.

Degree Requirements

You can view degree requirements and course descriptions for the computer science major in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Specialization Tracks

Cyber Operations

Towson University is a leader in cybersecurity education and was the first university in Maryland to offer a program in this growing field. You will learn the latest security theory and applications, preparing you for high-demand jobs or graduate study. You can view degree requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog

Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations

The Cyber Operations track within Computer Science has been recognized by the National Security Agency as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) since 2012. A CAE-CO program is recognized for its deeply technical, interdisciplinary, higher education program firmly grounded in the computer science, computer engineering, and/or electrical engineering disciplines, with extensive opportunities for hands-on applications via labs and exercises.

Software Engineering

The software engineering track is recommended for students interested in the design, implementation and support of software programs in preparation for high-demand jobs or graduate study. You can view degree requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog.

ABET Program Accreditation

The B.S. in Computer Science and the B.S. in Computer Science with a track in Software Engineering are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Computer Science Program Criteria.

The B.S. in Computer Science with a track in Cyber Operations is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria, the Computer Science Program Criteria, and the Cybersecurity Program Criteria.

Accelerated B.S./M.S. in Computer Science

The Department of Computer & Information Sciences offers an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program. Accelerated programs allow you to begin your graduate education as an undergraduate, offering you the opportunity to save time and money while you advance your academic career. The combined B.S./M.S. in Computer Science enables students to substitute nine credits in the Master’s in Computer Science program for undergraduate classes in the Computer Science major. The Accelerated B.S./M.S. in Computer Science Program is not ABET accredited.

WHY TOWSON University?

Academic Advantages

  • small classes, state-of-the-art facilities, highly individualized advising and active student clubs, including the Cyber Defense Club and competitive Cybersecurity Team
  • research and internship opportunities through partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies and the information technology industry
  • The B.S. in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Post-secondary Accreditation (COPA) and the U.S. Department of Education

  • Towson University is a leader in cybersecurity education and has been a NSA / DHS National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) since 2002 and one of only 16 Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education in the nation.

Program objectives

Program Educational Objectives

The objectives of the program are that a few years after graduation, graduates will be able to:

  1. Maintain a successful career in computer science or related fields.
  2. Continue their professional development through graduate study or 
    self-directed learning and development activities.
  3. Work effectively with interdisciplinary teams and practice their profession
    with regard to ethical and societal responsibilities.

The program educational objectives directly support the institutional mission by focusing on the development of: knowledge in a specialized field, critical thinking skills, and effective communications skills. They also emphasize the institutional goals of developing an awareness of local and global culture and as well as high standards for integrity and societal contributions.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Science program will have an ability to:

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

    Graduates of the Computer Science with Cyber Operations track program will, additionally, have an ability to:

  7. Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

B.S. in Computer Science Enrollment and Graduation Data

Semester COSC COSC Cyber Operations COSC Software Engineering
Fall 2017 527 132 78
Spring 2018 421 169 96
Fall 2018 527 158 88
Spring 2019 504 155 58
Fall 2019 648 155 76
Spring 2020 558 174 112
Fall 2020 649 182 100
Spring 2021 590 159 117
Fall 2021 674 165 135
Spring 2022 547 155 132
Fall 2022 734 128 115
Spring 2023 593 130 146
Academic Year CS  CS - Cyber Operations CS - Software Engineering
2017-2018 80 41 20
2018-2019 97 23 14
2019-2020 88 25 15
2020-2021 103 27 9
2021-2022 123 21 18
2022-2023 127 31 25