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Nonmajor Options

Looking for computing skills to help you be productive in the Digital Age? See what is available in the Computer Science department and how it will best fit your background and your personal educational goals.

Take a look at the computing courses below, then see our recommendations for specific majors.

Computing Course Overview

The Department of Computer Science offers computing classes for non-majors in the following areas:

  • Computer Science
    These classes increase your understanding of computer technology and function; give you hands-on experience designing and building secure software using industry standard languages, tools and platforms; and train you in the core areas of the computer science discipline.

    Students interested in natural sciences may be interested courses recommended for computational science.

  • Information Technology
    These classes prepare you for work in the areas of system analysis; system, network and database administration; and IT support management. 
  • Technological Productivity
    These classes train you in the use of productivity tools and the proper use of technology to make you more effective in nearly all work environments.

Computer Science

  • CpS 109 – Introduction to Programming
    This class introduces you to programming using Visual Basic for Applications and emphasizes problem solving with structured techniques and the use of objects. 
  • CpS 110 – Object-Oriented Programming I
    This class introduces you to programming using Python, emphasizing the object-oriented paradigm and basic class design principles. Additionally, you will be introduced to console and web application development.

    CpS 110 is a gateway to more advanced Computer Science classes, so if you think you might want more than the basics and you meet the prerequisites, CpS 110 is a good starting point. If you are considering majoring in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Physics & Computer Science, Engineering, Actuarial Science, or Mathematics, this class is highly recommended.
  • CpS 225 - Business Systems
    This class helps you apply computer programming skills to the business environment. Automate Microsoft Office with VBA, learn to write web applications in JavaScript and ASP, and learn to script with PowerShell. Includes an introduction to processing XML, the standard data exchange format of modern business applications.
  • CpS 301 - Introduction to Database Management
    A core class taken by all computing majors, this course teaches database design theory and practice. You also learn to extract information from databases using sophisticated SQL queries. Every business and organization needs someone who can organize and manage information effectively using database technology; why not take this class and find out how to do the job right?

Information Technology

CpS 201 and CpS 202 teach you how to install and configure two popular operating systems: Windows and Linux. In both lectures and hands-on labs, you learn the ins and outs of managing user security, troubleshooting, automating tasks with batch files, and small office / home networking.

Technological Productivity

  • Tec 101 – Digital Literacy
    This class is designed to help you develop key computational skills for professional life. Topics include tools for basic management of digital files, internet research and online safety, exposure to intermediate skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software, foundational data-related skills, the proper use of technology, and current AI tools.
  • Tec 201 – Digital Literacy with Introductory Programming
    This class is designed to help you develop key computational skills for professional life. Topics include tools for basic management of digital files, internet research, exposure to digital content authoring with markdown, foundational data evaluation and visualization, and basic programming skills, the proper use of technology, and current AI tools.

Supplementing Your Major

Math and Actuarial Science Majors

Consider taking CpS 110 and CpS 210.

Engineering Majors

Consider taking CpS 110 and CpS 209.

Business Majors

If you meet the prerequisites for CpS 110, consider taking CpS 110 and either CpS 225 or CpS 301. Both Python and database skills are extremely useful in a number of business applications.

If you don’t qualify to take CpS 110 but you meet the prerequisites for CpS 109, consider taking CpS 109 and CpS 201. Knowledge of Visual Basic will give you the ability to automate repetitive tasks and is a highly valuable skill in the business world, and CpS 201 will increase your ability to perform basic IT support tasks, which can be especially helpful if you start your own business or work in a small company with no on-site IT personnel.

Natural Science Majors

Consider Tec 201, CpS 110, and CpS 210. We believe these 3 significantly enhance science degrees. Read the Computational Science Sequence for more details.