UB Programs At-A-Glance

Computer Science

Department of Computer Science and Engineering
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
201 Bell Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-2000

Phone: 716.645.3180
Fax: 716.645.3464
Web: www.cse.buffalo.edu
Email: cse-uginfo@cse.buffalo.edu

Bharat Jayaraman
Chair

Chunming Qiao
Director of Undergraduate Studies

Helene Kershner
Assistant Chair

Jaynee Straw
Undergraduate Advisor

About the Program

Computer science is the systematic study of algorithmic methods for representing and transforming information, including their theory, design, implementation, application, and efficiency. The discipline emerged in the 1950s from the development of computability theory and the invention of the stored-program electronic computer. The roots of computer science extend deeply into mathematics and engineering. Mathematics imparts analysis to the field; engineering imparts design.

The department aims to provide students with strong conceptual foundations (theoretical and experimental), and also expose them to the forefront of the developments in the field of computing. Recognizing the applicability of computing to all fields of knowledge and practice, the department provides a variety of degrees and programs at each of the degree levels, and cooperates with other units of the university to provide interdisciplinary degree programs.



About Our Degrees

The Computer Science and Engineering Department offers instruction in all areas of computer science and computer engineering. The computer engineering curriculum emphasizes hardware, software, and system integration issues of computing. Topics include such diverse areas as analog and digital electronics, logic design, computer architecture, VLSI, computer networking, signal/image processing, algorithms and data structures, programming languages, software engineering, computer organization, artificial intelligence, and operating systems. The Computer Engineering program is accredited by ABET.

Acceptance Criteria - B.S.

Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in CSE 116 and MTH 142 *Unless exempted by Advanced Placement credits or transfer credits.

Acceptance Criteria - B.A.

Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in CSE 116 and MTH 142 *Unless exempted Advanced Placement credits or transfer credits.

Acceptance Information

Deadlines: Rolling admissions
Number of applicants (2004-2005): 138
Number of accepted majors (2004-2005): 95
Total number of majors currently enrolled: 212

Degree Requirements

See the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Courses

Generally, classes in the freshmen and sophomore years tend to be somewhat larger as these classes serve as the foundation for many engineering majors. Once students enter their junior year, they take classes that are required for their particular major and class size decreases even more.

The School of Engineering’s block scheduling initiative assists first-semester freshmen by providing the same coordinated schedule of classes for approximately twenty students. So even though some classes may be larger, students will become familiar with other students who are in their other classes. In addition, students who opt for our small group academic support sessions interact closely with peer tutors on a weekly basis through our student excellence initiative. In the small groups, students work with professional instructors in about a 10:1 ratio. The workshop style format combines interactive instruction and student problem solving practice on material from Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry courses. In the short run, the groups provide personal attention in helping students understand challenging course material. The ultimate goal is that students learn how university level problems differ from those in high school and how to approach them.

Typical class size:
Freshman/introductory courses:

  • calculus = 60 lec/30 rec
  • physics = 155 lec/30 lab
  • chemistry = 200 lec/24 lab
  • computer science = 85 lec./20 rec

Sophomore /intermediate courses: 45-75
Upper level/advanced courses: 20-75

Suggested Introductory Courses

  • CSE 115 Intro to Computer Science for Majors I
  • CSE 116 Intro to Computer Science for Majors II
  • MTH 141 College Calculus I
  • MTH 142 College Calculus II


In the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, what do teaching assistants (TA's) do?

They assist in teaching lower-level undergraduate courses, cover recitations, help students, grade papers, teach 1-credit laboratory courses, support instructional laboratories, and hold office hours.

For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

About our Faculty

The CSE faculty averages more than $7 million annually in grants for research in their areas. The faculty members of the department, all of whom have national and international reputations in their fields, are involved in research projects that have been supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Defense, National Institute of Health, Advanced Research Project Agency, the SUNY Research Foundation, and a variety of special contracts.

These projects include research in: theory of computation, artificial intelligence (including expert systems, knowledge representation, natural-language processing, computer vision, and cognitive science), image processing, numerical analysis, parallel processing, programming languages, databases, VLSI, reliable computing, machine learning, information retrieval, data mining, wireless networking, bioinformatics, biometrics, software engineering, and computer architecture.

Several of the faculty serve on the editorial boards of major research journals as well as the boards of major national professional societies. Members of the department have won university awards for excellence in teaching.

For a faculty listing, please refer to the CSE website

See a list of our undergraduate faculty.

Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities

As part of their undergraduate education, students are encouraged to participate in work experience classes and research opportunities.

Co-Ops

Work experience is available through the Engineering Career Institute program in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as well as departmental co-op and internship classes. The Engineering Career Institute (EAS 396, 1 academic credit) provides career-effectiveness skills and co-op placement assistance during the junior year. This may be followed by one to three co-op work experiences (EAS 496, 2 academic credit hours). Co-ops may not be used to satisfy the requirements for the BS. Descriptions of co-op courses may be found at undergrad-catalog.buffalo.edu/academicprograms/eas.shtml.

Internships

Internship opportunities include a field experience working on a computer science and engineering project in a real-world setting under the joint direction of a supervisor from industry and a faculty advisor from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Projects selected should integrate the material learned in academic courses. Upon completing the internship (CSE 496), the student is expected to have fulfilled an internship contract. Only P/F grades will be given; therefore, internships may not be used to satisfy the requirements for the BS program.

Research

Undergraduate research experiences are available for course credit (Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity or Independent Study) or as a paid assistant in the research laboratory of a faculty member. The Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity serves as a clearing house for information regarding undergraduate research opportunities.

Independent Study

Students pursue an area of computer science and engineering in which they are particularly interested. (May not be used to satisfy the requirements for the BS)

Extracurricular Activities


See the UB Student Association.

Complementary Programs and Courses

Career Information and Further Study

Skills gained in this program include:

  • Communication
  • Group/team work experience & special project knowledge
  • Teaching
  • Programming language concepts
  • Knowledge of operating systems
  • Designing
  • Testing/analyzing/problem solving
  • Abstract & formal reasoning
  • Selling and marketing concepts


Career Choices

At the undergraduate level, Computer Science and Engineering offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science. Both programs prepare students equally well for graduate work or professional positions in the computing field. The primary difference between the two programs is one of depth vs. breadth: the B.S. program provides a more concentrated approach to computer science, while the B.A. program encourages students to combine computer science with studies in another field.

We provide a solid and general foundation for our graduates so their knowledge will not become obsolete in the rapidly changing world of computing.

Most students with bachelor's degrees obtain jobs in programming or related areas such as systems analysis. Some of the jobs are in scientific or technical industries for which a considerable knowledge of mathematics is also desirable. Others are involved in programming for business and other administrative applications where the mathematics background is less necessary. There are also a number of jobs in systems programming which are not concerned directly with applications, but with writing programs that facilitate the use of computers for applications.

Salary Trends

Beginning salaries: $45,000-$65,000

What percentage of graduates goes on to graduate school?

10-20%

Additional Resources

Engineering Career Institute

Links to Further Information About this Program

Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:06 EST