Fundamentals Emphasis in Computer Science
Finish Sooner,
Pay Less
Take control of your future: as the industry adapts, you adapt with it.
If you choose the Fundamentals emphasis in computer science, you can earn your degree in 3 to 3.5 years, pay less in tuition overall, and enter the workforce faster. Compared to the standard 120-credit structure, the emphasis requires just 100 credits. Same core courses, same computer science foundation, with more flexibility for your goals. Through hands-on experience in our computer labs, internship opportunities and strong regional employer connections, you'll be prepared for a successful and rewarding career.
Only at UWGB!
Be a pioneer with UW-Green Bay as a student in the first 100-credit degree in the Universities of Wisconsin.
Personalize Your Path
Enjoy more flexibility to tailor upper-level electives to your personal and professional interests.
Career Outlook
You've got a bright future. Our 2024 computer science graduates earned a median salary of $65,000. First Destinations Survey
How is the Fundamentals emphasis different from Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity?
All emphases share the same core curriculum and lower and upper level required computer science courses. However, the Fundamentals emphasis differs from the other two emphases in these key ways:
- requires 100 credits as opposed to 120
- reduces upper-level elective requirement from 12 credits to 6
- allows for more flexibility to tailor upper-level electives
- has no capstone requirement
The Fundamentals emphasis offers the same essential education with fewer credits, giving you the opportunity to pay less for your degree and enter the workforce sooner.
Need Support?
Dedicated Advisors
Dedicated academic and career advisors can help you determine next steps, course plans, internship opportunities and career options.
Access to Free Tutoring
You're not on your own at UW-Green Bay. The Learning Center offers free tutoring so you can access individualized attention.
Your Own Guide to College
Think of a student success coach as your own personal guide to college. No matter your challenge, they can connect you with solutions.
Fundamentals Emphasis FAQs
Don't let uncertainty keep you down. If you have questions about the Fundamentals emphasis, we're here to help.
Q: Will AI reduce the need for computer science experts?
No, there is definitely still demand for computer science experts like you. It's an understandable concern: AI is transforming every industry, from healthcare to education to cybersecurity to manufacturing to agriculture. But AI is only as powerful as the people who build it. Graduates like you partner with AI and stay in the driver's seat.
Research shows the demand for computer science experts isn't slowing down any time soon. Through 2030, the employment rate for many occupations is expected to scale much higher than the average job growth, including data scientists (35%), computer and information systems managers (16%) and computer research scientists (22%).
Q: How do I decide which emphasis is right for me?
First off, don't worry: you have a dedicated academic advisor and faculty mentors like Iftekhar Anam and Tanim Ahsan who can help you determine which emphasis is right for you. If you choose an emphasis and later realize you want to switch, that’s okay—because all emphases include computer science fundamentals, you can change emphases often without increasing time to degree.
Q: Can I transfer credits from another college or university?
Of course! If you have at least 15 credits from another university, you'll apply as a transfer student. Our generous credit transfer policy accepts credits from a variety of sources, including other colleges, credit for prior learning, technical colleges, military service and testing. We'll help you every step of the way to make transferring easy.
Q: Are there internship opportunities in computer science?
Yes, we offer both on-campus and regional opportunities to help build your resume and stand out from the crowd. Because of regional employer connections, some internships turn into students' first roles out of college. In fact, about half of our 2024 computer science graduates secured jobs before graduation. By building experience during your college career, you can set your future self up for success.
Q: What jobs can I get with the Computer Science Fundamentals emphasis?
Because the Fundamentals emphasis allows for more flexibility in upper-level electives, you can tailor your education to your professional goals. Possible careers include software developer, systems analyst, data scientist, web developer and mobile application developer. Our 2024 computer science graduates secured their first jobs at companies like Acuity Insurance, Belmark, Inc., Fincantieri Marine Group, the Green Bay Packers and Nicolet National Bank.
Questions?
Meet Iftekhar Anam, the program chair for computer science. As a published researcher and experienced professional, his areas of expertise include Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Human-Computer Interaction and Assistive Technology. If you have questions about our program, he can help!