You and Oregon State CS

Oregon State has at countless different degree options for computer science students. Each of which has their own benefits and limitations. In an effort to help you figure out which is best for you we put together this post describing each option.

First and (many) second year students do not need to worry about this until the end of their second year, when they have finished taking prerequisite classes and much of their core ed classes.

My general recommendation is that after you have taken CS162, you should reflect how you felt about that class.

Systems Option

Systems track students are the only students who get an ABET accredited degree, meaning that their degree is the closest to other university programs. This means that you will be taking a more traditional computer science program, including some hardware like courses. Out of all the degree options this allows for the least amount of custom coursework. This lack of choice lets you have a really great foundational computer science knowledge.

Cybersecurity Option

Security is very important now-a-days. Your coursework isn’t everything, it often is much better to get hands on. We recommend joining DAMSEC, the cybersecurity club. There are two main tracks for cybersecurity

• Security Operations Track
• Security Track

Security Operations Track

In SecOps you learn about monitoring and responding to security threats. As an alternative to senior capstone (ORTSOC) you also have the option of doing a cybersecurity practicum where you do security work for external organizations!

Security Track

Similar to security operations with, however with fewer sysadmin courses and more elective credits are allocated for CS electives.

Applied Option

Your applied category doesn’t really matter. It’s not on your final degree or transcript, but allows for greater flexibility in course selection.

Out of all of these AI and Business are the most popular.

Now go forth and choose your adventure!