Computer science is the systematic study of computing systems and computation. The body of knowledge resulting from this discipline contains theories for understanding computing systems and methods; design methodology algorithms, and tools; methods for testing concepts; methods of analysis and verification; and knowledge representation and implementation.

The computer science curriculum at East Carolina University primarily prepares students to work in industry as programmers and as software engineers, designers, or architects who create software. It also prepares students for graduate study in computer science or other closely related fields.

The computer science degree covers both the theory and practice of software design, as well as the theory and practice of hardware construction and operation. Technologies and tools are emphasized only to the extent necessary to enable proper understanding of methodology, theory, and practice. Tools and technologies currently used in various courses include the programming languages C++ and Java, the operating systems Windows and Unix, hardware including PC and Sun workstations, database environments such as Access and MySQL, and software engineering tools such as Rational Rose and UML.

Successful computer science students will possess considerable problem solving ability and flexibility. These students will also be able to solve a range of problems that are much larger than those the students were trained on. Finally, these students will possess a theoretical background that will enable them to learn new computer technologies and keep abreast of the rapid changes in this constantly evolving field.