COURSE CURRICULUM

These four programs—Computer Engineering (BSCE), Computer Science (BSCS), Computer Science (BACS), and Crime & Justice Studies (BA CJS)—at Wright State University are aimed at very different career directions even though they sometimes overlap in technology or analytics. BS Computer Engineering is the most hardware-heavy option: it blends electronics, digital circuits, embedded systems, operating systems, and low-level computing, preparing you for roles like hardware design engineer, embedded systems engineer, or systems engineer in defense and aerospace companies. BS Computer Science is more balanced between theory and software engineering, covering algorithms, programming, operating systems, and advanced computing topics like AI and cybersecurity, making it the most direct path to software engineer, data scientist, or machine learning engineer roles. The BA in Computer Science is similar in core programming and systems knowledge but offers more flexibility for electives, which can be useful if you want to combine computing with other interests (like business, cybersecurity, or design) or prefer a slightly less math-intensive route while still targeting software jobs. In contrast, Crime and Justice Studies (BA) is not a computing degree; it focuses on criminology, law, sociology, policing systems, research methods, and ethics, leading to careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, policy analysis, or graduate study in criminal justice or public administration rather than tech roles. If your goal is high-demand tech employment (software, AI, cybersecurity), BSCS or Computer Engineering are strongest, with BSCS being the most flexible and widely accepted in industry. If you prefer coding with broader electives and slightly less mathematical intensity, BACS is a good middle option. If you are interested in law, policing, or public safety systems rather than programming careers, then CJS is the appropriate path. In short, CS/CE degrees are STEM-technical career pipelines, while CJS is a social science/public service pathway, and your choice should depend on whether you want to build computing systems or work within justice and policy systems.