Program Overview

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Computer Science, Bachelor of Science

The major in computer science provides students with the necessary training for employment in careers such as software development and information management. It provides good preparation for graduate study in a variety of disciplines.

Overview

Students may declare a major in computer science when they are admitted to the university or afterward. They may declare either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science, but if no preference is indicated by a student, the Bachelor of Arts is designated. Students may switch to the Bachelor of Science at any time.

Undergraduates majoring in computer science develop competence in programming principles and methodologies, problem-solving techniques, mathematics, and computer systems. Computer science training is critical for many careers in science, engineering, business, and health care.

Requirements

The Bachelor of Science with a major in computer science requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 63 s.h. of work for the major. Students must maintain a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 is required for graduation. Students must also complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core.

Computer Science Core

• CS:1210 Computer Science I: Fundamentals
• CS:2210 Discrete Structures
• CS:2230 Computer Science II: Data Structures
• CS:2820 Introduction to Software Development
• CS:3330 Algorithms
• CS:3820 Programming Language Concepts
• One of the following:
  • CS:2630 Computer Organization
  • ECE:3350 Computer Architecture and Organization
• One of the following:
  • CS:3620 Operating Systems
  • CS:3640 Introduction to Networks and Their Applications

Mathematics Core

Calculus I

• One of the following:
  • MATH:1550 Engineering Calculus I
  • MATH:1850 Calculus I

Calculus II

• One of the following:
  • MATH:1560 Engineering Calculus II
  • MATH:1860 Calculus II

Linear Algebra

• MATH:2700 Introduction to Linear Algebra

Probability and Statistics

• One of the following:
  • STAT:2020 Probability and Statistics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences
  • STAT:3120 Probability and Statistics
  • Other probability and statistics courses (prefix STAT) with a calculus prerequisite approved by the department

Computation Theory

• One of the following:
  • CS:4330 Theory of Computation
  • CS:4350 Logic in Computer Science

Advanced Technical Electives

Students must earn at least 12 s.h. (four courses) in advanced technical electives, as follows.

• At least 6 s.h. from the following:
  • A computer science course (prefix CS) numbered , except CS:3910, CS:3980, or CS:4310; a maximum of 3 s.h. in CS:3990 will count toward the requirement
  • A computer science course (prefix CS) numbered 5900 or above, with department approval
• Remaining courses may be chosen from advanced technical elective courses in computer science (prefix CS) or in other disciplines with department approval; the following are preapproved technical electives:
  • Biology
    • BIOL:2512 Fundamental Genetics
    • BIOL:3172 Evolution
  • Chemistry
    • CHEM:2210 Organic Chemistry I
    • CHEM:2220 Organic Chemistry II
    • CHEM:2230 Organic Chemistry I for Majors
    • CHEM:2240 Organic Chemistry II for Majors
    • CHEM:2410 Organic Chemistry Laboratory
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • ECE:3600 Control Systems
    • ECE:5450 Machine Learning
    • ECE:5480 Digital Image Processing
    • ECE:5600 Control Theory
  • Earth, Environment, and Sustainability
    • SEES:2410 Mineralogy
    • SEES:3020 Earth Surface Processes
    • SEES:3210 Principles of Paleontology
    • SEES:3330 Sedimentary Geology
    • SEES:3360 Soil Genesis and Geomorphology
    • SEES:3380 Fluvial Geomorphology
    • SEES:3390 Integrated Watershed Analysis
    • SEES:3510 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
    • SEES:3520 GIS for Environmental Applications
    • SEES:3540 Geographic Visualization
    • SEES:3840 Structural Geology
    • SEES:4800 Global Geophysics
  • Economics
    • ECON:4700 Topics in Analytical Economics
  • Linguistics
    • LING:3117 Psychology of Language
  • Mathematics
    • MATH:2560 Engineering Differential Equations
    • MATH:2850 Calculus III
    • MATH:3550 Engineering Vector Calculus
    • MATH:3600 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations
    • MATH:3720 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
    • MATH:3770 Foundations of Analysis
    • MATH:4040 Matrix Theory
    • MATH:4050 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
    • MATH:4060 Discrete Mathematical Models
  • Philosophy
    • PHIL:4590 Foundations of Cognitive Science
    • PHIL:4691 Mathematical Logic
    • PHIL:4692 Modal Logic
  • Physics
    • PHYS:2703 Physics III
    • PHYS:2704 Physics IV
  • Statistics and Actuarial Science
    • ACTS:3080 Mathematics of Finance I
    • STAT:4100 Statistical Inference I
    • STAT:4101 Statistical Inference II

Natural Sciences Sequence

Students take two or more courses in a sequence (totaling at least 6 s.h.) in a cognate area of natural science. The natural science sequence is intended to enhance a student's perspective by providing a deeper understanding of the scientific method. Typically, it consists of a sequence of courses taken in the same science department. Students often choose courses that also fulfill the GE CLAS Core Natural Sciences requirement. Some possible choices are listed below; the director of undergraduate studies may approve others.

• Astronomy
  • ASTR:1771 Fundamental Astronomy I: The Solar System and Exoplanets
  • ASTR:1772 Fundamental Astronomy II: Evolution of Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
• Biology
  • BIOL:1411 Foundations of Biology
  • BIOL:1412 Diversity of Form and Function
• Chemistry
  • CHEM:1110 Principles of Chemistry I
  • CHEM:1120 Principles of Chemistry II
• Earth, Environment, and Sustainability
  • One of the following sequences:
    • SEES:1030 Introduction to Earth Science
    • SEES:1050 Introduction to Geology
    • SEES:1080 Introduction to Environmental Science
    • SEES:1020 The Global Environment
    • SEES:2050 Foundations of GIS
• Physics
  • PHYS:1611 Introductory Physics I
  • PHYS:1612 Introductory Physics II
  • PHYS:1701 Physics I
  • PHYS:1702 Physics II

GE CLAS Core

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core requirements provide students with a broad foundation of knowledge and a focused practice of transferable skills necessary for a lifetime of learning.

Communication and Literacy

• Understanding Cultural Perspectives: a minimum of 3 s.h.
• Interpretation of Literature: a minimum of 3 s.h.
• Rhetoric: a minimum of 4 s.h.
• World Languages Pathways: required credit varies

Sustainability

Students complete this requirement by choosing an approved GE CLAS Core course that integrates Sustainability (with no additional semester hours) with a course from the Natural, Quantitative, and Social Sciences category or the Culture, Society, and the Arts category.

Natural, Quantitative, and Social Sciences

• Natural Sciences: a minimum of 7 s.h.; must include one lab
• Quantitative or Formal Reasoning: a minimum of 3 s.h.
• Social Sciences: a minimum of 3 s.h.

Culture, Society, and the Arts

• Historical Perspectives: a minimum of 3 s.h.
• International and Global Issues: a minimum of 3 s.h.
• Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts: a minimum of 3 s.h.
• Values and Society: a minimum of 3 s.h.

Career Advancement

Computer science graduates work primarily in two market sectors. One sector is the software and computer industry where the words computer science are being used—those in Silicon Valley, among other areas, that can range from start-ups to giants like Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. The other sector allows computer science students to use their technical expertise in fields beyond computer science. Examples would be working as a user experience (UX) designer for a marketing agency or developing software for a financial group; there are computer science majors working in media, health care, the government, and even in law firms. Computer science skills are needed everywhere so students have ample opportunities to find an environment that fits their interests and strengths.

As many as one-third of computer science graduates go into research or elect to pursue graduate studies in computer science, including the University of Iowa's five-year BS/MCS program, or pursue other areas where computer science provides a strong foundation.

A recent job placement survey indicates that more than 97% of computer science graduates have a job, are continuing education, or are not seeking employment within six months of graduation.

Academic Plans

The Four-Year Graduation Plan is not available to BS students majoring in computer science. Students work with their advisors on individual graduation plans.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Computer Science, BS

Plan of Study Grid (Manual) Academic Career

• First Year
  • Fall
    • CS:1210 Computer Science I: Fundamentals
    • MATH:1850 Calculus I
    • ENGL:1200 The Interpretation of Literature or RHET:1030 Rhetoric: Writing and Communication
    • CSI:1600 Success at Iowa
    • Elective course
  • Spring
    • CS:2210 Discrete Structures
    • CS:2230 Computer Science II: Data Structures
    • MATH:1860 Calculus II
    • ENGL:1200 The Interpretation of Literature or RHET:1030 Rhetoric: Writing and Communication
    • GE CLAS Core: Understanding Cultural Perspectives
• Second Year
  • Fall
    • CS:2630 Computer Organization
    • CS:3330 Algorithms
    • Major: mathematics elective
    • GE CLAS Core: World Languages First Level Proficiency or elective course
    • Elective course
  • Spring
    • CS:2820 Introduction to Software Development
    • CS:3820 Programming Language Concepts
    • Major: mathematics elective
    • GE CLAS Core: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts
    • GE CLAS Core: World Languages Second Level Proficiency or elective course
    • Elective course
• Third Year
  • Fall
    • CS:3620 Operating Systems or CS:3640 Introduction to Networks and Their Applications
    • Major: advanced computer science elective
    • GE CLAS Core: Natural Sciences without Lab
    • GE CLAS Core: World Languages Third Level Proficiency or elective course
  • Spring
    • CS:4330 Theory of Computation or CS:4350 Logic in Computer Science
    • Major: advanced computer science elective
    • GE CLAS Core: Natural Sciences with Lab
    • GE CLAS Core: World Languages Fourth Level Proficiency or elective course
    • Elective course
• Fourth Year
  • Fall
    • Major: advanced computer science or technical elective
    • GE CLAS Core: Historical Perspectives
    • GE CLAS Core: International and Global Issues
    • Elective course
    • Elective course
  • Spring
    • Major: advanced computer science or technical elective
    • GE CLAS Core: Social Sciences
    • GE CLAS Core: Values and Society
    • Elective course
    • Elective course
    • Degree Application: apply on MyUI before deadline (typically in February for spring, September for fall)