Program Overview

Computer Science and Engineering

Overview

The BS in Computer Science and Engineering provides a unique opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge of computer science and engineering topics by combining theory-based concepts with advanced, enabling computational techniques and technologies to create solutions that address the grand challenges of the 21st century, and beyond. The curriculum applies computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions. It includes substantial coverage of engineering principles applied to the design of large, networked, scalable computing systems. Competencies include algorithms and complexity, computer science theory, concepts of multiple programming languages, software development, and real-time, embedded and IoT systems design and other engineering principles. The program takes a holistic approach to coupling computing theory and applications with computer systems design and data science in a unified flow. The program has a firm engineering foundation that is ABET CAC / EAC compliant and encompasses a discovery-based education utilizing an experiential learning approach. As a part of the curriculum, students complete projects in nearly every semester of the program that emphasize computing theory, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and engineering professionalism. The program's flexibility allows students to design their course of study and select technical electives from a diverse pool of courses in software, computer science and computer engineering domains such as web and mobile applications, embedded systems, cybersecurity, machine learning, systems, and other interdisciplinary areas.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
• Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
• Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
• Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
• Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
• Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
• Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
• Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Program Details

Coursework Location(s)

• Main/Tucson
• Chandler
• Online - Arizona Online
• Yuma

Areas of Interest

• Computer & Information Science
• Engineering & Technology

Sample Courses

• CSE 101 Programming I
• ECE 274A Digital Logic
• CSE 201 Programming II
• CSC 355 Discrete Structures and Basic Algorithms
• CSE 301 Data Management
• CSE 302 Operating System Design
• SFWE 302 Software Architecture and Design

Career Fields

• Software development
• Cybersecurity
• Machine learning
• Quantum computing
• Big data analytics
• Bioinformatics
• Artificial intelligence
• Autonomous vehicles
• Robotics

Level of Math

• Substantial Knowledge

This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

• None

Second language is not required.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Engineering

Degree

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engr

Sample Plans

2025, Computer Science and Engineering

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • MATH 122A/B or MATH 125 Calculus I with Applications (3)
  • CHEM 151 Chemical Thinking I (4)
  • ENGL 101 - First Year Writing 1 (GE Foundation Composition) (3)
  • ENGR 102A/102B Introduction to Engineering (3)
  • UNIV 101 - Introduction to the General Education Experience (GE Entry) (1)
• 2nd Semester
  • MATH 129 Calculus II (3)
  • ECE 101 Programming I (4)
  • PHYS 141 Introductory Mechanics (4)
  • ENGL 102 - First Year Writing 2 (GE Foundation Composition) (3)
  • GE Core Exploring Perspectives: Artist (3)

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • ECE 274A Digital Logic (4)
  • MATH 243 Discrete Mathematics in Computer Science (3)
  • PHYS 241 Introductory Electricity and Magnetism (4)
  • ECE 201 Programming II (3)
  • GE Core Exploring Perspectives: Humanist (3)
• 4th Semester
  • Math Elective (Math 313, Math 315, Math 322) (3)
  • ECE 220 Basic Circuits (5)
  • MATH 254 Intro to Ordinary Differential Equations (3)
  • GE Core Building Connections (3)

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • CSC 355 Discrete Structures and Basic Algorithms (3)
  • GE Core Exploring Perspectives: Social Scientist (3)
  • SIE 305 Introduction to Engineering Probability and Statistics (3)
  • ECE 301 Data Management (3)
  • GE Core Building Connections (3)
• 6th Semester
  • ECE 302 Operating System Design (3)
  • ECE 311 Engineering Ethics and Contemporary Issues (1)
  • Upper Division Computing Electives (3)
  • ECE 304 Theory of Computation (3)
  • SFWE 302 Software Architecture and Design (3)
  • GE Core Building Connections (3)

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • ENGR 498A Interdisciplinary Capstone (3)
  • ECE 396A (4)
  • General Elective (3)
  • Upper Division Computing Electives (3)
  • UNIV 301 - General Education Portfolio (GE Exit) (1)
• 8th Semester
  • ENGR 498B Interdisciplinary Capstone (3)
  • General Elective (3)
  • SFWE 402 Software DevSecOps (4)
  • Upper Division Computing Electives (3)