Coursework requirements will balance disciplinary knowledge. Core courses will cover topics in bioinformatics, genomics, and systems biology. The program prepares students for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical industries, medical research, agriculture, energy, and other emerging industries.

The Mission of the Computer Science Department is to provide formal education in the core disciplines of computer science, as well as to prepare our graduates for research, development and academic careers. The department offers specific expertise in several research areas, such as bioinformatics, artificial intelligence and knowledge representation, software engineering and programming languages, computer and wireless networks, data mining and machine learning, game design and human-computer interaction, high performance computing, theory of computing, computer architectures, and assistive technologies.

A number of laboratories have been established to coordinate research activities, including the Knowledge representation, Logic and Advanced Programming (KLAP) laboratory, the Programming Languages, Environments, and Automated Software Engineering (PLEASE) laboratory, the Play and Interactive Experiences for Learning (PIxL) lab, the Database Management and Data Mining laboratory, and the Network and Systems Optimization laboratory. The Department members are also directing the CREST Center for Research Excellence in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, offering educational and research opportunities in bioinformatics.

The Vision of the Computer Science Department is to be internationally recognized for innovative scholarship in Computer Science and in knowledge domains at the intersection between Computer Science and other disciplines. The Computer Science Department will be a recognized leader in the education of the computing workforce, with a student population reflecting the richness and diversity of backgrounds, traditions, beliefs, and professional objectives of the people of New Mexico.