Program Details
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - CyberSecurity (DNIMAS) Track
Bachelor of ScienceNorfolk State University
The Computer Science Program is designed to provide students with fundamental training in the theoretical and practical aspects of computer science. Coupled with the program’s strong mathematics component, this training provides graduates with the necessary background for employment in a wide variety of computing fields or for a smooth entry into graduate level study. The B.S. degree program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Norfolk State University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
Program Overview & Guidance

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Is This Degree Right For Me? | This degree requires completion of a two-part seminar capstone course sequence usually taken in the last consecutive Fall and Spring semesters of the degree. It is suggested that students have had software engineering, interface design or some other project-intensive course prior to taking the seminar capstone course. NSU Computer Science programs are blended with a mix of theoretical and practical concepts. Most courses include a laboratory component that stresses hands-on aspects of the subject. All Computer science majors are expected to take a substantial number of courses in mathematics because of the strong correlation between the logical thinking in mathematics and computer science. |
What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses |
Students should take courses based on the order shown on the course curriculum sheets and following the prerequisite requirements of the courses. If students are placed in a Math lower than College Algebra and Trigonometry, they must take the "Introduction to Computer Science" course prior to taking the first programming course. All students must complete the General Education Requirements to qualify for the Bachelor's of Science Degree. Additionally, Computer Science majors must complete at least 120 credits to complete the B.S. degree. Computer Science majors must meet prerequisites or their equivalents prior to enrolling in more advanced Computer Science courses.
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Are there other program requirements beyond specific courses? | This program is math intensive. Grades of C or higher are required for all Computer Science, Mathematics, Science, and English courses. Students are encouraged to maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average overall and grades of at least a B in their major courses to be competitive for internship opportunities and employment after obtaining their degree. In addition, majors with a specialty in Computer Engineering must receive a grade of C or higher in all Engineering courses. |
Do More With Your Degree | The Compute Science Department at Norfolk State University offers two graduate degrees: a Master's Degree in Computer Science and a Master's Degree in Cybersecurity. See the graduate coordinators for the graduate program of interest in the fall of your Senior year to express your interest and to apply. The Computer Science Department offers an undergraduate Game Design Minor. Students are also able to assume minors from the undergraduate programs in other departments based on their interests. This may involve only a few extra classes. |
Program Successes & Highlights | There are numbers industry and government partnerships that accept our students for internships that lead to job placement upon graduation. Our Computer Science program has a 98% job placement rate in the Computer Science and Information Technology fields. Students are advised and mentored by faculty as they matriculate through the program. Students have opportunities to participate in competitive co-curricular activities such as coding, cybersecurity, research competitions, internships, grant-supported research initiatives, and industry traineeships. 40% of students in this program graduate within 6 years. |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of the general education certificate or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of the University Core general education component of the VCU undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major.
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Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | We accept AP, IB, and CLEP results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Norfolk State University enrolls approximately 400 transfer students each fall. The average class size is 23 students . The student to teacher ratio is 18:1. On campus housing is available. Our top five academic programs for transfer students is Pre-Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Business, and Interdisciplinary Studies |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Students may confirm intent to enroll via the Transfer VA Portal |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Technology, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Infor Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Information Systems | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Math/Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science/Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Cyber Security | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Engineering-Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Major in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Germanna Community College | Information Systems Tech Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Science - Computer Science Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Eastern Shore Community College | Management with Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Computer Science, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Radford University | BS in Computer Science and Technology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
William & Mary | Computer Science - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Marymount University | Computer Science (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology: Cloud Computing Specialization, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology - Specialization in Networking | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology for Business | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology: Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology: Cloud Computing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology: Digital Design and Graphics | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Cloud Computing Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Network and Technical Support Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Full Stack Developer | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST: Database and Program Developer Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST: Cyber Security and Network Administration Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology - Software Development Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology Network Engineer | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology - Gaming and Mobile Application Design Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology Network Engineer - Cyber and Network Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Old Dominion University | Computer Science-BSCS | Bachelor | BS in Computer Science | 4-Year |
Old Dominion University | Computer Sci Teach Lic-BSCS | Bachelor | BS in Computer Science | 4-Year |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Database Specialist) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Geographic Information Systems - GIS) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Network Administration) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Network Infrastructure Specialist) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Programming and Mobile Applications Development) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Cyber Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Info Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Internet Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting Information Systems | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Game Design and Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Science/Geospatial Information System | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Information System | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Cybersecurity | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science, Bachelor of Science, with concentration in Cybersecurity | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science, Bachelor of Science, with concentration in Data Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science, Bachelor of Science, with concentration in Software Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Cloud Computing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Programming | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Information Systems Tech Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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15-1299.07 | Blockchain Engineers | Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.00 | Computer Occupations, All Other | All computer occupations not listed separately. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
25-1021.00 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
15-1299.08 | Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1221.00 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
11-3021.00 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. | Management Occupations |
15-1243.01 | Data Warehousing Specialists | Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1243.00 | Database Architects | Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.06 | Digital Forensics Analysts | Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.03 | Document Management Specialists | Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.02 | Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.05 | Information Security Engineers | Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.09 | Information Technology Project Managers | Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.04 | Penetration Testers | Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1253.00 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1255.01 | Video Game Designers | Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.01 | Web Administrators | Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1255.00 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1241.00 | Computer Network Architects | Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1211.00 | Computer Systems Analysts | Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1242.00 | Database Administrators | Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1211.01 | Health Informatics Specialists | Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1244.00 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1241.01 | Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-2051.01 | Business Intelligence Analysts | Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-2051.02 | Clinical Data Managers | Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1231.00 | Computer Network Support Specialists | Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1251.00 | Computer Programmers | Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-2051.00 | Data Scientists | Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1212.00 | Information Security Analysts | Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1252.00 | Software Developers | Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1254.00 | Web Developers | Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |