Major in Computer Science, Computer Science Concentration

Program Overview

Students develop a strong foundation in core computer science principles, gaining skills in software engineering, algorithms, operating systems, and data structures. With customizable coursework, students can focus on specialized areas or pursue interdisciplinary degrees. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in computer science and related fields, equipping them with the expertise to solve complex problems and drive innovation.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Computer Science general concentration is a broad program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the computer science field and various other fields, including business, natural sciences, health, research, engineering, defense, and more. The program offers flexibility for students to customize their knowledge and skill set based on their interests. Students can choose to focus on a specific research area in their 400-level coursework or opt for a broader perspective by taking a variety of courses across different areas. They can also pursue a second major or minor, creating a highly interdisciplinary degree.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Leverage teamwork to develop innovative, logical approaches to solving complex real-world problems.
• Analyze and improve processes and outcomes.
• Communicate technical skills verbally and in writing.
• Confidently pursue graduate studies or professional employment in computer science.

Outline:

The program is structured across four years, with a detailed course schedule outlined for each semester.

Freshman Year:

• Semester 1:
• CO 150 College Composition (GT-CO2) - 3 credits
• One course from Group A, B, or C (See options in Concentration Requirements Tab) - 2-3 credits
• Department Approved Science (See list on Concentration Requirements Tab) - 3 credits
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - 1 credit
• Elective - 1 credit
• MATH 124 and MATH 126 may be necessary for some students to fulfill pre-calculus requirements.
• Semester 2:
• CS 201/PHIL 201 Ethical Computing Systems (GT-AH3) - 3 credits
• Remaining course(s) from Group A, B, or C (See options in Concentration Requirements Tab) - 2-4 credits
• Department Approved Science with Lab (See list on Concentration Requirements Tab) - 4 credits
• Electives - 0-4 credits

Sophomore Year:

• Semester 3:
• CS 165 CS2--Data Structures - 4 credits
• CS 220 Discrete Structures and their Applications - 4 credits
• Select one course from the following: STAT 301 Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods, STAT 302A Statistics Supplement: General Applications, STAT 307 Introduction to Biostatistics, STAT 315 Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics - 3 credits
• Historical Perspectives - 3 credits
• Electives - 0-4 credits
• Semester 4:
• Select one group from the following:
• Group A: CS 214 Software Development, CT 301 C++ Fundamentals - 4-5 credits
• Group B: CS 253 Software Development with C++ - 4-5 credits
• Select one course from the following: CS 250 Computer Systems Foundations, CS 270 Computer Organization - 4 credits
• Select one course from the following: DSCI 369 Linear Algebra for Data Science, MATH 369 Linear Algebra I - 3-4 credits
• Social and Behavioral Sciences - 3 credits

Junior Year:

• Semester 5:
• CS 314 Software Engineering - 4 credits
• CS 320 Algorithms--Theory and Practice - 3 credits
• Advanced Writing - 2 credits
• Electives - 5-6 credits
• Semester 6:
• CS 370 Operating Systems - 3 credits
• Two CS courses numbered 300- or above, excluding 380-399 and 480-499 - 6-8 credits
• Electives - 5-6 credits

Senior Year:

• Semester 7:
• Capstone Course (See Capstone Course List on Concentration Requirements tab) - 4 credits
• CS course numbered 400- or above, excluding 480-499 - 4 credits
• Technology Focus or Minor/Second Major courses - 6 credits
• Semester 8:
• CS course numbered 400- or above - 4 credits
• Technology Focus or Minor/Second Major courses - 4 credits

Careers:

The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the computer science field and other industries. Potential occupations include:

• Software Engineer
• Mobile App Developer
• Data Scientist
• Big Data Engineer
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Virtual and Augmented Reality Developer
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Bioinformatics Engineer
• Computational Chemist
• Mixed-Reality Artist
Students who are not prepared to take calculus will need to fulfill pre-calculus requirements in the first semester. All students must maintain a C (2.000) or better in CO 150 and in all CS, DSCI, MATH, STAT, and departmental Technology Focus Elective courses which are required for graduation.
• Technology Focus Electives: If Group A - Technology Focus is selected in the Senior year, students must select at least 6 credits from a list of approved courses, not taken elsewhere in the program.
At least 3 credits must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).
• Minor or Second Major: Of the 21 credits for the minor or second major, none may be from CS.
• Electives: Students must select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).