The Department of Computer Science offers multifaceted programs that encompass a broad range of topics. One end of the spectrum focuses on the theoretical capabilities of computers and on the properties of various general problems and algorithms. The other end of the spectrum deals with application-oriented techniques for the cyber security, design, and construction of machines as well as advanced applications of computers in all aspects of our society.
Programs
The Department of Computer Science at The University of Alabama is part of the College of Engineering and offers programs in traditional Computer Science and in Cyber Security. This series of programs encompasses the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their foundational principles, their software designs, their various applications, their security, and their impact on society. We strongly encourage our undergraduate students to participate in research experiences, and we provide multiple opportunities that match student interests to ongoing research projects. Our faculty are experts in their fields who regularly interact with industry partners and bring that experience to the classroom.
Computer Science at The University of Alabama covers the full range of foundational ideas of computer science in our curriculum, with areas of strength concentrated in cyber security, wireless networks, robotics, software engineering and computer science education. Computer science students not only design, implement, test and maintain individual software applications, but also develop and manage larger systems that integrate a wide range of components. Students graduating from our program find themselves working in careers such as software analysts, security specialists, database designers, software engineers, systems managers and program analysts.
Cyber Security is designed to provide a rigorous, technical degree that imparts the necessary knowledge, skills, and motivations to protect and defend digital information from attacks. This degree was developed in response to the growing need for professionals skilled in the protection and defense of digital information. Our Cyber Security graduates will possess the specific knowledge set needed to be on the forefront of designing, identifying and proposing new security strategies.
Faculty
Interim Department Head
- Susan Vrbsky
Professors
- Purushotham Bangalore
- David Brown
- Jeffrey Carver
- Jeff Gray
- Allen Parrish
- Yang Xiao
Associate Professors
- Monica Anderson
- Travis Atkison
- Brandon Dixon
- Jiaqi Gong
- Xiaoyan Hong
- Randy Smith
- Jingyuan Zhang
Assistant Professors
- Chris Crawford
- Lina Pu
- Donald Yessick
Instructors
- Leslie Dixon
- Brandi Gehrke
- Matthew-Lane May
- Kathleen Morris
- Rebecca Odom-Bartel
- Marc Skipwith
- Maegan Slaten Biehn
- Jennifer Watson
- Kim Wright
Professor Emeritus
- David Cordes
- John Lusth
Courses
A first course in programming for students majoring in computer science. Language concepts include primitives, variables, sequences, function, selection, iteration and recursion. Software engineering concepts include testing and debugging. System concepts include directories, paths, files, and text editing.
A second course in programming for students majoring in computer science. Using a high-level language, students use object-oriented practices to study fundamental data structures and algorithms. Issues such as computability, problem complexity and algorithm analysis, efficient searching and sorting, data structures, and the object-oriented programming paradigm are introduced and explained. Computing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course.