Total minimum number of credits required for a major in Computer Science leading to the B.A. 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.A.
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.A. degree is less technical than the B.S. and because it allows for more free electives, it is a better option for students planning to augment their study with a second major, particularly in the social sciences or humanities.
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.