Program Overview

Computer Science BSCS Program

The College of Computing & Informatics' Bachelor of Science in Computer Science offers extensive exposure and hands-on practice in the core areas of the field, including programming paradigms and languages, algorithms, systems, networking, and software engineering. Students also focus their upper-level studies with specializations in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, security, graphics and vision, and game programming/development.

About the Program

The program's flexibility allows students to easily sample from areas in which they would like to apply their computing knowledge. This hands-on curriculum combined with co-op provides real-world experience that culminates in a full-year team capstone project involving in-depth study and application of computing and informatics.

The programs of study in computer science are designed with the versatility to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing profession and to allow strong preparation for graduate education in the field. In addition to the courses in the major, the programs emphasize foundation courses in the sciences and in applied mathematics. The programs also provide sufficient flexibility with electives to permit a student to pursue a minor in a technical or non-technical field.

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program emphasizes foundation courses in the sciences and in applied mathematics, leading to careers involving applications in science and engineering.

• University Requirements:
  • CIVC 101: Introduction to Civic Engagement (1.0)
  • COOP 101: Career Management and Professional Development (1.0)
  • UNIV CI101: The Drexel Experience (2.0)
  • or CI 120: CCI Transfer Student Seminar
• Computer Science Requirements:
  • CS 164: Introduction to Computer Science (3.0)
  • CS 171: Computer Programming I (3.0)
  • or CS 175: Advanced Computer Programming I
  • CS 172: Computer Programming II (3.0)
  • CS 260: Data Structures (4.0)
  • CS 265: Advanced Programming Tools and Techniques (3.0)
  • CS 270: Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science (3.0)
  • CS 277: Algorithms and Analysis (3.0)
  • CS 281: Systems Architecture (4.0)
  • CS 283: Systems Programming (3.0)
  • CS 360: Programming Language Concepts (3.0)
  • SE 181: Introduction to Software Engineering and Development (3.0)
  • or SE 201: Introduction to Software Engineering and Development
  • SE 310: Software Design (3.0)
• Upper Division Computer Science Courses:
  • Complete two of the following (6.0)
    • CS 361: Concurrent Programming
    • CS 370: Operating Systems
    • CS 377: Software Security
    • CS 380: Artificial Intelligence
    • CS 432: Interactive Computer Graphics
    • CS 472: Computer Networks: Theory, Applications and Programming
    • SE 320: Software Verification and Validation
• Computer Science Electives:
  • Students must take 6 additional courses (18 additional credits) composed of any 300-level or 400-level CS or SE course not already used to satisfy the requirement above.
  • A maximum of 3 courses may come from outside CS and SE.

Sample Plan of Study

5-Year, 3 Co-op

• First Year:
  • Fall: CI 101 (2.0), CS 164 (3.0), ENGL 101 or 111 (3.0), MATH 121 (4.0), UNIV CI101 (1.0), Arts/Humanities (3.0)
  • Winter: CI 102 (2.0), CIVC 101 (1.0), COOP 101 (1.0), CS 171 or 175 (3.0), ENGL 102 or 112 (3.0), MATH 122 (4.0)
  • Spring: CI 103 (2.0), CS 172 (3.0), ENGL 103 or 113 (3.0), MATH 123 (4.0), UNIV CI101 (1.0), Science Lab (4.5)
• Second Year:
  • Fall: CS 265 (3.0), CS 270 (3.0), MATH 201 (4.0), MATH 221 (3.0), SE 181 or 201 (3.0), Science Lab (4.0)
  • Winter: CS 260 (4.0), CS 283 (3.0), MATH 200 (4.0), Free Elective (2.0), Science Elective (3.0)
• Third Year:
  • Fall: COM 230 (3.0), CS 277 (3.0), CS 281 (4.0), SE 310 (3.0), Free Elective (3.0), Writing & Communication Elective (3.0)
  • Winter: CS 360 (3.0), Free Elective (3.0), Science Elective (3.0), Upper Division Computer Science Course (3.0)
• Fourth Year:
  • Fall: MATH 311 (4.0), PHIL 311 (3.0), Arts & Humanities Elective (3.0), Upper Division Computer Science Course (3.0), Free Elective (3.0)
  • Winter: Business Elective (4.0), Computer Science Elective (3.0), Upper Division Computer Science Course (3.0), Free Elective (3.0)
• Fifth Year:
  • Fall: CI 491 (3.0), Arts & Humanities Elective (3.0), Computer Science Electives (6.0), Free Elective (4.0)
  • Winter: CI 492 (3.0), Arts & Humanities Elective (3.0), Computer Science Electives (6.0)
  • Spring: CI 493 (3.0), Computer Science Elective (3.0), Free Elective (3.0), Writing & Communication Elective (3.0)

4-Year, 1 Co-op

• First Year:
  • Fall: CI 101 (2.0), CS 164 (3.0), MATH 121 (4.0), ENGL 101 or 111 (3.0), UNIV CI101 (1.0), Arts/Humanities (3.0)
  • Winter: CI 102 (2.0), CIVC 101 (1.0), CS 171 or 175 (3.0), ENGL 102 or 112 (3.0), MATH 122 (4.0), Science Lab (4.5)
  • Spring: CI 103 (2.0), CS 172 (3.0), ENGL 103 or 113 (3.0), MATH 123 (4.0), UNIV CI101 (1.0), Science Lab (4.5)
• Second Year:
  • Fall: CS 265 (3.0), CS 270 (3.0), MATH 201 (4.0), SE 181 or 201 (3.0), Science Lab (4.0)
  • Winter: CS 260 (4.0), COOP 101 (1.0), MATH 200 (4.0), MATH 221 (3.0), Science Elective (3.0)
  • Spring: COM 230 (3.0), CS 277 (3.0), CS 281 (4.0), SE 310 (3.0), Free Elective (3.0)
• Third Year:
  • Fall: MATH 311 (4.0), PHIL 311 (3.0), Arts & Humanities Elective (4.0), Upper Division Computer Science Course (3.0)
  • Winter: Business Elective (4.0), Computer Science Elective (3.0), Upper Division Computer Science Course (3.0), Free Elective (3.0)
• Fourth Year:
  • Fall: CI 491 (3.0), Arts & Humanities Elective (3.0), Computer Science Electives (6.0), Free Elective (4.0)
  • Winter: CI 492 (3.0), Arts & Humanities Elective (4.0), Computer Science Electives (6.0)
  • Spring: CI 493 (3.0), Computer Science Elective (3.0), Free Elective (4.0), Writing & Communication Elective (3.0)

Co-op/Career Opportunities

Co-Op Options

Two co-op options are available for this program:

• Five-year/three co-op
• Four-year/one co-op

Career Opportunities

The demand for computing skills is tremendous and growing with highly paid jobs. Most professionals in the field focus on the design and development of software and software-based applications. Typical jobs include software engineer, programmer, web designer, multimedia or software developer, systems analyst or consultant, manager of technical staff, client-server architect, network designer, and database specialist.

Facilities

The College of Computing & Informatics is located at 3675 Market Street, occupying three floors in the modern uCity Square building. The building offers state-of-the-art technology in classrooms, research labs, offices, meeting areas, and collaboration spaces.

Program Level Outcomes

The College of Computing & Informatics works continually to improve its degree programs. As part of this effort, the Computer Science degree is evaluated relative to the following Objectives and Outcomes.

Computer Science Program Educational Objectives

Drexel Computer Science alumni will:

• Be valued employees in a wide variety of occupations in industry, government, and academia, in particular as computer scientists and software engineers.
• Succeed in graduate and professional studies, such as engineering, science, law, medicine, and business.
• Pursue life-long learning and professional development to remain current in an ever-changing technological world.
• Provide leadership in their profession, in their communities, and society.
• Function as responsible members of society with an awareness of the social and ethical ramifications of their work.

Computer Science Student Outcomes

The Drexel Computer Science program enables students to attain by the time of graduation:

• An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
• An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
• An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
• An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
• An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities.
• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
• Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
• An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
• An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
• An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.