Every computer chip needs software in order to function. Software is made up of programs, and programs are the representation of algorithms. Computer science, then, is the systematic study of algorithms. Computer scientists invent algorithms that enable computers to do new things. They know how to prove the correctness and determine the efficiency of algorithms.
Computer scientists design computer systems able to execute algorithms automatically.
They also design programming languages, compilers, and operating systems. The Department of Computer Science offers programs leading to the B.A., B.S., M.A., M.A.I.S., M.S., and Ph. D in computer science. It also offers the Master of Software Engineering degree, through its participation in the multi-institutional Oregon Master of Software Engineering program. The department offers an innovative and flexible undergraduate degree program.