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Our department offers a B.S. degree in Computer Science (CS) and a two-years Pre-engineering program. Our CS program includes math, science, and liberal arts as well as CS courses. In your first year as a CS student you will begin with an overview of the field of CS, and then move into computer programming. As you continue you will learn much more than programming such as study of algorithms (step-by-step procedures) to solve problems, how the computer itself is organized, how the system software that "drives" the computer works, the mathematical theory underlying computer science, how to design and implement databases, and the evolving issues in computer networking.

Among the important attributes of a professional computer scientist today are communication skills and the ability to contribute in a team development environment. Our program requires a technical writing course, an oral communication course, and a one year senior-level CS course where you work with a team to take a project for a real customer through all of the phases of software development. In addition, our senior "professionalism" course covers career planning, interactions with others on the job, ethics and professional responsibility, and even gives you individual job interview practice.

Graduates of our program have pursued technical careers both here in Hawaiʻi and on the mainland; some have chosen to further their education through graduate school.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo prides itself on excellent teaching and, because of the size of the school, the ability to know each and every student. In computer science you will have many opportunities to interact with faculty through small classes and independent projects. To sum up our department: we truly know and care about each and every one of our students, we work hard to provide them with a technically challenging and up-to-date degree program, and we try our best to help them be successful. We invite you to join us. We are in Hawaiʻi - land of sun, rain, flowers, mountains, oceans, volcanoes, surfing, camping, hiking, and many other activities that guarantee you a good time when you're not studying.

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Computer science is not the science of the computer–it is the science of problem-solving using a computer. Because computers are so pervasive, a computer science degree gives you the opportunity to make an impact in the world of science, business, health care, education, the law, art, entertainment, or almost anything else that interests you. Even if you are not a computer science major, taking computer science courses will improve your logical thinking and problem solving skills.

The University

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is characterized as a comprehensive, diverse, regional university. Scholarship and research are an important part of faculty work and student engagement, but the primary focus is on providing high-quality baccalaureate and postgraduate education.