COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Fairleigh Dickinson University provides students with a strong foundation in computer science theory, programming, mathematics, and practical technology applications while preparing them for careers in rapidly evolving technology industries and advanced graduate studies. Students are required to complete the General Education Requirements of their campus in addition to major coursework. The curriculum includes core courses in computer programming, computer science fundamentals, discrete structures, data structures and algorithms, database systems, computer organization, operating systems, software design, and modeling and simulation or statistics. Students also complete a senior project sequence or an internship to gain practical professional experience and apply their technical knowledge to real-world computing problems. The program further strengthens analytical and quantitative abilities through mathematics courses including precalculus, calculus, linear algebra or differential equations, and additional advanced mathematics electives, along with physics coursework that supports scientific and computational understanding. Students also complete five advanced computer science electives at the 3000 level or higher, allowing them to explore specialized technical areas. The program offers concentrations in Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Game Development, enabling students to focus on career-specific interests. The Cybersecurity concentration prepares students to protect computer systems, networks, and digital information against cyber threats in industries such as finance, communications, transportation, energy, and government. The concentration is supported by the university’s recognition by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Specialized cybersecurity coursework includes cyber security, data communications and computer networks, cryptography, network security, information security design and management, and security regulations, detection, and forensics. Students learn topics such as access control, security policies, cryptography, authentication, digital certificates, data security, digital rights management, steganography, and cyber forensics. Overall, the program combines theoretical knowledge, practical technical training, mathematics, research, and industry-focused specialization to prepare graduates for careers in software development, cybersecurity, networking, data analysis, systems administration, and other advanced computing fields.