Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin

Computer Science Major, B.S.


Total minimum number of credits required for a major in Computer Science leading to the B.S. degree - 120.

The Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science offers a program study leading to the B.A. or B.S degree with a major in Computer Science. Interested students may also pursue Computer Science as a minor area of study.

Computer Science Major, B.S.

Computer Science (CS) majors gain a broad education in the conceptual foundations and underlying theories of computer science, including algorithms, computer architecture, data structures, operating systems and software engineering.

Our mission is to prepare our students for the modern workforce by focusing on Computer Science and the following technology pillars for Industry 4.0: Software Development, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, and Big Data.                                   

By addressing the data-centric, analytic needs of today we educate students to address real-world challenges across all disciplines. We aim to provide students with:
1. The knowledge and skills necessary for development of software for cyber-physical systems through the use of computational, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence algorithms on public platforms and local systems.
2. The ability to work effectively within a team, understanding issues of power and privilege, to utilize appropriate practices within a professional, legal and ethical framework.
3. The meta-skills required to advance their postgraduate careers through lifelong study.

Our CS, DS, and CC programs all share a similar structure: six core courses (five foundational, one capstone), a 200 level introduction to the discipline, a 300 level discipline practicum, and 300 level discipline content courses.

The B.S. degree is more technical than the B.A. and better preparation for students in the engineering, natural, and physical sciences, as well as those continuing their education in graduate school. Students are encouraged, through the pursuit of a minor or second major, to acquire competence in an area that lends itself to meaningful computer applications.

Because certain required and elective courses are offered in either alternative semesters or alternative years, or when demand warrants, degree candidates are strongly encouraged to meet with their advisors on a regular basis to discuss their academic schedule to ensure satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Computer Science Major - Required Courses and Recommended Course Sequence


First Semester


Total Credits: 14-15


Second Semester


Total Credits: 15-16


Third Semester


Total Credits: 16/17


Fourth Semester


Total Credits: 16


Fifth Semester


Total Credits: 16/17


Sixth Semester


Total Credits: 14-17


Seventh Semester


Total Credits: 13-16


Eighth Semester


  • Free Electives Credits 14

Total Credits: 14


Total Credits: 120


Science Electives for Computer Science Majors


One Additional Four-Credit Course in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Physics, or any Engineering course not cross-listed in Computer Science


The course must be number above 200, except that BIO 121 , BIO 122 , CHM 113  and CHM 115 , CHM 114  and CHM 116  are also acceptable in fulfilling this requirement.

Computer Science Electives for Computer Science Majors


CS 319  or CS 323  or CS 327  and three additional 300-level CS courses not listed as a required course excluding CS 399 .

Summary of the Minimum Credit Distribution for the Major in Computer Science:


B.A. and B.S.

CS Electives 9 Credits


Total Minimum Number of Credits Required for Degree Completion 120


Summary of the Minimum Credit Distribution for the Major in Computer Science - 120