Explore CCSE Programs

Understanding the potential behind your CCSE major is vital to your success here at Kennesaw State and as a working professional. We have provided a simple breakdown of the areas of focus for each degree and department here at the College of Computing and Software Engineering. Our table gives you a quick glimpse into the future career profile of the major you've chosen in terms of soft and hard skills required to be successful in your role. 

Take a closer look at our theory vs. application usage explanation and our top-level overview of each of the computing-related undergraduate and graduate degrees listed below.  

Areas of Focus

PROGRAM HARDWARE SOFTWARE MEETING TECHNOLOGY NEEDS OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE USING TECHNOLOGY
Computer Engineering High focus Medium-low focus Low focus No focus
Computer Science Low focus High focus Medium focus Low focus
Information Technology Low focus High focus High focus Medium-low focus
Software Engineering Low focus High focus Medium-low focus Low focus
Computer Game Design & Development Medium focus High focus Low focus Low focus
Data Science & Analytics Low focus High focus High focus Low focus
Information Systems Low focus Low focus Medium focus High focus
Information Security & Assurance Low focus Medium-low focus Medium focus High focus
Cybersecurity Low focus Medium focus High focus High focus

Theory vs. Application of Technology Level of Emphasis in Undergraduate Programs

PROGRAM THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES APPLICATION OF THEORY APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGY IN INDUSTRY
Computer Engineering ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦
Computer Science ♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦
Information Technology ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
Software Engineering ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦
Computer Game Design & Development ♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦
Data Science & Analytics ♦♦♦ ♦♦ ♦♦
Information Systems ♦ ♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
Information Security & Assurance ♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
Cybersecurity ♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦

 

Undergraduate Programs

  • The skills and knowledge to apply computing and software engineering techniques to the design and production of digital media for entertainment, research, and education. Builds on and applies expertise in computing hardware and software to create engaging and immersive multimedia systems. 

    -Programming 
    -Creativity 
    -Problem-solving
    -Software development process 
    -Teamwork 
    -Written communication 
    -Theory of gaming 
    -Game Programmer/Developer 
    -Video Game Tester 
    -Software Developer 
    -User Interface Engineer/Designer 
    -Designs and develops software used for educational, simulation, and recreational digital games.
    -Studies how users interact with game software and designs efficient and engaging interaction experiences.
    -Designs and develops processes to test the usability and functionality of digital game software.

  • The study of computer systems architecture, software development, and data communications. Core technology areas include software development, computer architecture, operating systems, data communication, database systems, and software engineering.

    -Logic & algorithmic thinking 
    -Programming principles with Java, C++, etc. 
    -Creativity 
    -Math – statistics, algebra, and calculus 
    -Developing computer programs 
    -AI methods – machine learning, deep learning 
    -Complex problem-solving
    -Computer/Java/C++ Developers  
    -Analyst 
    -Artificial Intelligence Engineer 
    -Back-end Engineer
    -Full Stack Developer 
    -Uses new theories to create cutting edge software.
    -Focuses on the theoretical aspects of technology. 
    -Utilizes theory to research and design software solutions.

  • Use mathematical and statistical skills with computational knowledge to analyze & extract information from large sets of data to inform actions.

    -Statistics
    -Math
    -Programming
    -Data visualization
    -Data mining
    -Data science communication
    -Ethics in statistical studies
    -Application of algorithms to data sets

    -Data Scientist
    -Data Developer
    -Data Engineer
    -Product Analyst
    -Business Analyst
    -Decision Analyst
    -Business Intelligence Developer

    -Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large sets of complex data
    -Use statistical and machine learning techniques to identify patterns & trends in data
    -Make predictions to inform business decisions
    -Use data visualization software to present data in a way that is easy for non-technical people to understand

  • Focuses on the strategy, development, and administration of integrated computing, management, and information technology systems. 

    -Communication
    -Logic 
    -Problem-solving
    -Troubleshooting 
    -Project management 
    -Teamwork 
    -Running computing systems 
    -Database administration
    -Network configuration 
    -Security concepts (firewalls, routers, hacking, penetration testing) 
    -Computer Technician 
    -System Administrator 
    -Network Administrator 
    -IT Specialist 
    -Business Intelligence Developer 
    -Data Analyst 
    -Information Security Analyst
    -Troubleshoots and designs practical technical applications.
    -Applies technology to solve practical problems. 
    -Applies technical knowledge for product support.

  • Solve problems and issues in the development of mission-critical software to meet the needs of business and industry. Focused on engineering software systems that meet specified requirements, built within mission-critical quality levels, and are within cost/schedule requirements.

    -Logic
    -Algorithmic thinking 
    -Programming 
    -Math 
    -Software development process 
    -Teamwork 
    -Communication 
    -Building, designing, and implementation of hardware and software programs 
    -Software Engineer 
    -Cloud Engineer 
    -Software Architect
    -Focuses on large-scale system development. 
    -Assesses requirements for large-scale technological projects.
    -Designs testing procedures for large-scale systems. 
    -Manages large-scale technological projects.
UNDERGRADUATE COMPUTING - PROGRAM COMPARISON (CONDENSED) UNDERGRADUATE COMPUTING - PROGRAM COMPARISON (EXTENDED)

Graduate Programs

  • Utilize cutting edge applied statistical methods to enable correct, meaningful inferences from data obtained from business, industry, government, and health services.

    -Algorithmic concepts 
    -Statistics & Probability 
    -Database design, development, and implementation 
    -Data administration
    -Data warehousing 
    -Deep learning 
    -Big data analysis/processing
    -Information visualization 
    -Machine learning/AI 
    -Statistician 
    -Data Scientist 
    -Sports/Financial Analyst 
    We recommend you speak with the program coordinator for this information.

  • Theory, algorithm, and development of computing systems.

    -Algorithmic thinking 
    -Math 
    -Developing software for complex problems 
    -Programmer/Developer
    -Systems Analyst 
    -Cybersecurity Specialist 
    -Network Analyst 
    -Research advanced algorithms. 
    -Model advanced and/or large systems. 

  • Analyze complex computing problems and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

    -Problem-solving
    -Adaptability
    -Chief Technology Officer
    -Database Administrator
    -Cybersecurity Professional
    We recommend you speak with the program coordinator for this information.

  • Design and build high-quality software.

    -Application of software development concepts to solve business needs 
    -Chief Technology Officer 
    -Chief/Lead engineer 
    -Embedded Software Systems Engineer 
    We recommend you speak with the program coordinator for this information.
Graduate Computing - Related Programs