Program Overview

Computer Science (B.A.) Program

Overview

The Computer Science (B.A.) program provides a broad-based background sufficient for entry into a career in computing. It offers a systems view of computing, emphasizing the interdependence of design, object orientation, and distributed systems and networks, from basic software through systems design. This major develops core competencies in programming, database structure, computer organization, and operating systems.

Admission Prerequisites

• FSU Course Code: MAC1140, FSU Course Title: Precalculus Algebra, Hours: 3, Min. Grade: C-
• FSU Course Code: MAC1114, FSU Course Title: Trigonometry, Hours: 3, Min. Grade: C-
• FSU Course Code: MAC2311, FSU Course Title: Calculus I, Hours: 4, Min. Grade: C-
• The College of Arts and Science requires proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate (2220 or equivalent) level or sign language through the advanced (2614 or equivalent) level.
• Must have completed at least 52 credit hours.

Program of Study

Major Program of Studies at FSU

The program requires 52 hours, including:

• Computer and math courses: 43 hours
  • Computer Science courses: 22-23 hours
    • COP 3363 (3) Introduction to C++ for majors OR both COP 3014 (3) Programming I and COP 3353 (1) Introduction to UNIX
    • COP 3330 (3) Object-Oriented Programming
    • CEN 4020 (3) Software Engineering I
    • CEN 4090L (1) Software Engineering Capstone
    • CDA 3100 (3) Computer Organization I
    • COP 4610 (3) Operating Systems & Concurrent Programming
    • COP 4530 (3) Data Structures, Algorithms, and Generic Programming
    • COP 4521 (3) Secure Parallel & Distributed Computing w/ Python
  • Computer Science electives: 17 hours
    • At least seventeen semester hours of computer science electives, at least twelve of which must be at the 4000 level, where up to two hours can be from CIS 4900.
  • Additional courses required for the BA program in Computer Science: 12 hours
    • MAD 2104 (3) Discrete Mathematics I, plus
    • Nine (9) hours in the fields of humanities and/or history, in addition to the General Education requirements and the Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement.
• Minor: CS/BA majors must complete a minimum of 12 hours in an approved minor area.
• Computer Skills Competency: 0 hours beyond major.
• Oral Communication Competency: 0-3 hours.

Minimum Program Requirements Summary

• Total Hrs. Required: 120
• General Education: 36
• BA Prerequisite Coursework: 10
• BA Major Coursework: 51-52
• Minor Coursework: 0-12 or more
• Foreign Language: 0-12 (depending on placement)
• Computer Skills: 0 beyond major
• Oral Communication Competency: 0-3
• Electives to bring total hours to 120

Remarks

1. A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.
4. The B.A. degree requires nine (9) additional hours in the fields of history and humanities.

Employment Information

• Salary Information: Available from the National Association of Colleges and Employers or the Occupational Outlook Handbook provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Programmer (Scientific, Business, Systems), Technical Writer, Systems Analyst, Operations-Research analyst, Software Engineer, Webmaster, Teacher of High School, Technical support Representative, Manager, Data Processing System Manager, Network Administrator, Sales Representative for Computer or Software Manufacturers.
• Representative Employers: Computer Firms, High Schools, Colleges and Universities, Financial Firms, Private Industry, Governmental Agencies.