Nov 24, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, B.S.


 

Requirements for the major in computer science, B.S. program


The program in computer science leading to a Bachelor of Science degree prepares students for a productive career in industry, and for graduate study in computer science. The program prepares the students for a productive career in industry by providing them with the technical skills to formulate suitable abstractions, create novel computational solutions, design complex systems, and improve on existing solutions integrating current and emerging technologies. The program prepares the students for lifelong learning and graduate school by providing them with the theoretical foundations of information and computation and exposing them to areas of current and future developments. The program also includes a strong professional component for the development of skills in technical communication, ethics, and team work.  The BS in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Program educational objectives

In the course of their careers, graduates of the Computer Science program will:

  • Work productively in the creation, maintenance, and improvement of computing systems.
  • Remain current in their profession through lifelong learning, including graduate school.
  • Exhibit leadership and exercise their profession with the highest level of ethics, and social responsibility.

Course requirements (minimum of 128 total credits)

To earn the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in computer science students must complete a minimum of 128 credits, satisfy the general education requirements (also see Undergraduate degree requirements) and meet the following requirements:

General education (excluding math and science) – 28 credits


  • Students are required to take PHL 1310 - Introduction to Ethics in Science and Engineering  to satisfy the general education requirement in Western Civilization.
  • In order to graduate on-schedule without taking additional courses, it is highly recommended that students meet with an SECS Undergraduate Academic Adviser concerning the selection of all of their general education courses.

* PHY 1510 and PHY 1100 must be taken concurrently.


Professional track – 8 credits


Select courses from one of the following professional tracks:

  • Computational Intelligence Track (CSI 5130, CSI 5810) (8)
  • System Administration Track (CSI 3660 , CSI 3670 ) (8)
  • Bioinformatics Track (BIO 3400 , CSI 4780 ) (8)
  • Computer Security Track (CSI 5460, CSI 5720) (8)

Professional electives – 5 credits


Any 3000, 4000, or 5000 level engineering or computer science or information technology courses; no more than 1-credit of CSI 4950  can be used to fulfill the professional electives requirement. Courses at the 5000-level require approval of the instructor.

No more than one of the following 2000 level courses:

Any math or science elective from the following:  

Major standing


To enroll in 3000- or higher level courses and to become candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Computer Science, students must gain major standing.  An application for major standing should be submitted prior to intended enrollment in 3000- or higher level courses.  Forms may be obtained from the SECS Undergraduate Advising Office or from the SECS website.

To gain major standing in Computer Science, students must:

A) have an average GPA of 2.0 in the following mathematics and science courses: MTH 1554 , MTH 1555 , MTH 2775 , APM 2663 , PHY 1510 , PHY 1620 .

B) have an average GPA of 2.0 in the following computer science core courses: EGR 2400 , CSI 1420 , CSI 2300 , CSI 2310 , CSI 2470 , and CSI 2999 .

C) have no more than two grades below C in the courses listed in A and B above.

D) have not attempted any course listed in A and B above more than three times. Students may petition to repeat a course a fourth time.

E) have not repeated more than three different courses listed in A and B. Courses in which a W (withdrawal) grade is recorded will not be counted.

Conditional major standing may be granted in the semester in which the student will complete requirements A and B above.

Performance requirements


In addition to previously stated requirements, satisfactory completion of the program requires an average grade of at least C within each group: namely, mathematics and sciences, core subjects and professional subjects. Within professional subjects, at most two grades below C are permitted, at most two different courses may be repeated and a total of three attempts is permitted.

Sample computer science schedule


Students entering the School of Engineering and Computer Science with the required background may follow a schedule such as the one indicated below. However, students will need additional time to complete the program if they do not have the required background upon entrance to the program.

Freshman year


Fall semester – 16 credits

Sophomore year


Junior year


Senior year


Fall semester – 16 credits

Winter semester – 13 credits