Program Overview

Computer Science (BS) Program

The B.S. degree program in computer science provides a balance between theoretical foundations and applied computer science with the ultimate goal of presenting knowledge likely to be of ongoing value throughout one's career. The preparation of the B.S. is aimed at students who want to pursue a career as an industry practitioner and/or as an academic.

Overview of the Program

Among 24 civilian occupation groups analyzed by The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology is rated third highest in median pay and second highest in projected employment growth for the period 2021 to 2031.

Related Programs

• Combined: Computer Science (BS/MS)

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Computer Science (BS) program includes:

Major Requirements

• MATH 131: Applied Calculus I (3 or 4 hours)
• MATH 132: Applied Calculus II (3 or 4 hours)
• COMP 141: Introduction to Computing Tools and Techniques (3 hours)
• COMP 163: Discrete Structures (3 hours)
• COMP 170: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming (3 hours)
• COMP 264: Introduction to Computer Systems (3 hours)
• COMP 271: Data Structures I (3 hours)
• COMP 272: Data Structures II (3 hours)
• COMP 310: Operating Systems (3 hours)
• COMP 317: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing (3 hours)
• COMP 363: Design and Analysis Computer Algorithms (3 hours)
• COMP 371: Programming Languages (3 hours)
• STAT 203: Introduction to Probability & Statistics (3 hours)

COMP-BS Restricted Electives

Select nine credit hours from the following:

• COMP 301: Introduction to Computer Security
• COMP 313: Object-Oriented Design
• COMP 330: Software Engineering
• COMP 332: Requirements Engineering
• COMP 339: Distributed Systems
• COMP 341: Human-Computer Interaction
• COMP 343: Computer Networks
• COMP 353: Database Programming
• COMP 364: High Performance Computing
• COMP 370: Software Quality
• COMP 379: Machine Learning

Practicum Capstone

Select six credits taken from one or more of the following:

• COMP 312: Open Source Software Practicum
• COMP 390: Broadening Participation in STEM (Computing, Math & Science)
• COMP 391: Internship in Computer Science
• COMP 398: Independent Study

Computer Science 300-Level Electives

• COMP 300-Level Course(s) (4 hours)

Computer Science Free Electives

Select one of the following:

• COMP 300-Level Course
• COMP 125: Visual Information Processing
• COMP 150: Introduction to Computing

Total Hours

Total hours required for the program: 61-63

Suggested Sequence of Courses

A suggested sequence of courses is provided to help students plan their coursework. However, students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.

Year 1

• Fall:
  • COMP 150: Introduction to Computing (3 hours)
  • COMP 141: Introduction to Computing Tools and Techniques (3 hours)
  • MATH 131: Applied Calculus I (3 hours)
  • CORE: Philosophical Knowledge Tier 1 (3 hours)
  • CORE: College Writing Seminar (3 hours)
  • UNIV 101: First Year Seminar (1 hour)
• Spring:
  • COMP 170: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming (3 hours)
  • COMP 163: Discrete Structures (3 hours)
  • MATH 132: Applied Calculus II (3 hours)
  • CORE: Historical Knowledge Tier 1 (3 hours)
  • CORE: Ethics (3 hours)

Year 2

• Fall:
  • COMP 271: Data Structures I (3 hours)
  • COMP 264: Introduction to Computer Systems (3 hours)
  • STAT 203: Introduction to Probability & Statistics (3 hours)
  • CORE: Theology and Religious Studies Tier 1 (3 hours)
  • CAS Language Requirement 101 level (3 hours)
• Spring:
  • COMP 272: Data Structures II (3 hours)
  • COMP 317: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing (3 hours)
  • CORE: Scientific Knowledge Tier 1 (3 hours)
  • CORE: Societal & Cultural Knowledge Tier 1 (3 hours)
  • CAS Language Requirement 102 level (3 hours)

Year 3

• Fall:
  • COMP 363: Design and Analysis Computer Algorithms (3 hours)
  • COMP 310: Operating Systems (3 hours)
  • COMP Free Elective (3 hours)
  • CORE: Literary Knowledge & Experience Tier 1 (3 hours)
  • CORE: Artistic Knowledge & Experience (3 hours)
  • CORE: Philosophical Knowledge Tier 2 (3 hours)
• Spring:
  • COMP 371: Programming Languages (3 hours)
  • COMP-BS Restricted Elective (3 hours)
  • CORE: Theology and Religious Studies Tier 2 (3 hours)
  • CORE: Scientific Knowledge Tier 2 (3 hours)
  • CORE: Historical Knowledge Tier 2 (3 hours)

Year 4

• Fall:
  • COMP-BS Restricted Elective (3 hours)
  • COMP Practicum (3 hours)
  • CORE: Literary Knowledge & Experience Tier 2 (3 hours)
  • CORE: Societal & Cultural Knowledge Tier 2 (3 hours)
  • CAS Elective (3 hours)
• Spring:
  • COMP-BS Restricted Elective (3 hours)
  • COMP Practicum (3 hours)
  • COMP Free Elective (3 hours)
  • COMP Free Elective if COMP 150 not taken (3 hours)
  • CAS Elective (3 hours)

Total Hours for the Suggested Sequence

Total hours for the suggested sequence: 122

General Notes

• Credits cannot be double-counted for different categories of the requirements for the major.
• With permission, extra credits of MATH 161 Calculus I, MATH 162 Calculus II, or 300 level MATH, PHYS, or STAT for double majors can be applied to the "Computer Science 300-Level Electives" or "Computer Science Free Electives" categories.

College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements

All Undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test.

Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements

All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101.

Learning Outcomes

The program aims to achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Knowledge of Core Computer Science Concepts
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Proficiency in Programming
• Understanding of Mathematical and Scientific Principles
• Ethical and Social Implications
• Teamwork and Communication
• Ability to Learn Independently