The B.S. degree in Computer Science provides a broad knowledge of computing and is designed for students who desire: (a) to pursue graduate work in computer science and (b) to work on the development and support of software projects in a diverse range of specialized areas. The Computer Science degree consists of a set of core courses and a 15-unit senior electives package. The core of the program covers programming languages, computer system organization, operating systems, data structures, software engineering, computation theory and societal implications in computing. The senior electives package allows students to specialize in such fields as artificial intelligence, embedded applications, networking, gaming, graphics, software engineering and security.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Science program in Computer Science will be able to:

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and 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.

The B.S. degree in Computer Information Technology (CIT) is designed for students who are interested in a professional career that involves solving the informational technology infrastructure needs of companies and organizations. An IT professional is able to understand computer systems and solve the computer-related problems of the people they serve. An IT professional assumes responsibility for selecting, installing and maintaining hardware and software products to meet organizational culture and needs. The Computer Information Technology degree consists of a set of core requirements plus a Domain Emphasis Package that is effectively a minor in another field of study. The program focuses on the technology and service aspects of the industry rather than information content. Graduates of the program will have an applied knowledge of such fields as web programming, system infrastructure, databases, networking, e-business, project management, data center management, security and information assurance.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the B.S. CIT program will be able to:

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and 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. Identify and analyze user needs and to take them into account in the selection, creation, integration, evaluation and administration of computing-based systems.

“Nowadays the world is lit by lightning,” playwright Tennessee Williams wrote. But electrical and computer engineers prove him wrong every day.

From city lights to satellites, semiconductors, telephone switching systems and audio equipment, their work depends on electricity and the engineers who design and develop ways to harness its power.

The Computer Engineering (CompE) program bridges the curriculum gap between Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. Computer Engineers deal with the hardware and software aspects of computer system design and development. The CompE curriculum contains components of both the Computer Science and Electrical Engineering programs.

Computer Engineering majors receive a broad knowledge in the basic curriculum. Among the many covered topics are mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, electrical circuits, engineering economics, algorithms, programming and computer organization. Computer Engineering students will take coursework in a number of areas (i.e., computer architecture, digital design) from both the software and hardware points of view, allowing a broader, more complete exposure to the subject. Additionally, these curricula will be unified in the one year senior design project course bringing together the existing Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science programs.

The ECE department has 17 labs associated with its ECE classes. In the labs, students work alongside professors who may be designing medical instrumentation for healthcare, designing microcontroller-based applications, developing pager and satellite communications systems, or working on innovations in electrical power systems.

All students in the EE or CompE programs take part in the department’s senior design program, modeled on industry work groups that students will encounter on the job. Like professional engineers, students design and develop a project from conception through manufacture. In the process, they gain valuable experience in working as a team and dealing with personalities, as well as technical areas.

Senior design projects have included national intercollegiate competitions. Students compete in designing a micro mouse and training it to run through a 10-square-foot maze. Students also work on interdisciplinary teams to design, build, program and test an unmanned autonomous helicopter. Other projects include developing a sophisticated stereo system, a control system for a satellite tracking antenna, a television tuner, fabrication of a hybrid circuit, software-defined radio, etc.

The Communicative Disorders major involves studies in the disciplines of speech and hearing sciences, audiology and speech-language pathology. The undergraduate program offers an emphasis in either Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology. Graduate programs within the department include the Master of Science in Communicative Disorders as well as the Doctor of Audiology.

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU, and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., Social Security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements is available from the department. See Notice to Students: Licensure and Certification for more information.

The Department of Communication Studies offers a strong curriculum that embraces a range of traditions in the discipline. We use humanistic, aesthetic and social scientific methods to examine communication processes and patterns in a variety of contexts and the promises and challenges people experience when they use language and other symbolic systems to work with and influence others. We provide instruction in the knowledge and skills people need to communicate and function effectively in business, law, government, the ministry, teaching, the performing arts, politics, international relations and numerous other areas. The knowledge and skills offered in the department help students to build satisfying and productive relationships in their careers, as well as in their personal lives, and to become active and reflective global citizens.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

1. Explain key concepts in Communication Studies.
2. Use communication theory to explain communication phenomena.
3. Apply key methods in Communication Studies.
4. Analyze the relationship between communication and culture.
5. Develop communication strategies for civic engagement.

Department faculty provides instruction in statics and strength of materials, dynamics and mechanics lab, as well as our degree programs.

Civil Engineers design the infrastructure of our world, from bridges and freeways to sewer systems and libraries. Their work touches nearly every facet of our society’s everyday lives, including but not limited to structures, water supply, waste management, materials, construction, geotechnical, the environment and transportation. Their work is vital, particularly in Southern California where environmental, transportation and water issues are of major importance, and where structural problems, especially related to earthquakes, demand sound engineering solutions.

Civil Engineering majors at CSUN receive a solid, broad-based education. During the first two years and into the third year, all Engineering majors complete a common engineering core curriculum. Among the many topic areas in the core curriculum are mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering materials, electrical circuits, engineering mechanics, thermodynamics and engineering economy.

The junior and senior years in Civil Engineering build on the common engineering core curriculum. These two years include instruction in structures, vibration analysis, hydraulics, soil mechanics, surveying, computer-aided design and graphics, strength of materials, concrete and steel design, construction engineering and senior design.

Civil Engineering students take classes and work in the following facilities: the Applied Mechanics Lab, where students apply engineering techniques to the static and dynamic behavior of mechanical systems; the Civil Engineering Senior Design Laboratory is used in a two-semester course that simulates a professional civil engineering environment; the Geotechnical Laboratory, where students look at the behavior of soil as an engineering material; and the Structural Analysis Research Center, where students have the opportunity to work with faculty on such diverse projects as dams, buildings, towers and spacecraft.

Besides these facilities, students use Los Angeles itself as a laboratory, studying buildings, spacecraft, dams and other structures.

With the broad-based education students receive at CSUN, it is highly recommended that they prepare to take the EIT (Engineering in Training), now commonly referred to as the FE (Fundamentals in Engineering) Exam, before graduation. This is a national exam, 8 hours in length and covering the basic topics that comprise the common core in engineering. The EIT or FE exam is the first of two exams that are required to become a registered engineer in the State of California. To sit for the second exam, additional work experience is required beyond the bachelor degree. In today’s society, it is almost imperative that students preparing for the Civil Engineering profession become registered. CSUN has an excellent reputation of preparing students for this goal.

The Television Production option includes the development, preproduction, production and postproduction techniques for narrative or documentary television formats—encompassing producing, directing and all other creative aspects of studio and field production.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program of study, students will be able to:

1. Identify and critically analyze the fundamental components and aesthetics of audiovisual storytelling.
2. Develop and write scripts for fiction and nonfiction audiovisual productions.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of historical, cultural, critical, theoretical and emergent aspects of media arts.
4. Demonstrate the skills necessary to manage entertainment business structures and to produce, research, and/or present an entertainment industry or other media project.
5. Demonstrate the skills, knowledge and problem-solving abilities that are pertinent in a professional setting.

The Screenwriting option includes the conceptualization, structuring and writing of scripts for film, television and new media.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program of study, students will be able to:

1. Identify and critically analyze the fundamental components and aesthetics of audiovisual storytelling.
2. Develop and write scripts for fiction and nonfiction audiovisual productions.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of historical, cultural, critical, theoretical and emergent aspects of media arts.
4. Demonstrate the skills necessary to manage entertainment business structures and to produce, research, and/or present an entertainment industry or other media project.
5. Demonstrate the skills, knowledge and problem-solving abilities that are pertinent in a professional setting.

The Emerging Media Production option includes the preproduction, production and distribution of digital material for emerging interactive media. Students acquire effective skills to develop, design and create interactive or immersive media in augmented reality, virtual reality and emerging formats.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program of study, students will be able to:

1. Identify and critically analyze the fundamental components and aesthetics of audiovisual storytelling.
2. Develop and write scripts for fiction and nonfiction audiovisual productions.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of historical, cultural, critical, theoretical and emergent aspects of media arts.
4. Demonstrate the skills necessary to manage entertainment business structures and to produce, research, and/or present an entertainment industry or other media project.
5. Demonstrate the skills, knowledge and problem-solving abilities that are pertinent in a professional setting.