Computer Science Major (B.S.)

The B.S. degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET).

Program objectives for a B.S. in Computer Science are: (a) to develop fundamental understanding of computer science, including knowledge of principles and practical implementations; (b) to be able to write computer programs to solve non-trivial real life problems; (c) to be well prepared for a first career in information technology and computer science; (d) to be well prepared for graduate studies at the Master's, doctoral and post-doctoral level.

Graduates with a B.S. in computer science will have acquired the following:

a. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline;
b. An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;
c. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs;
d. An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal;
e. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities;
f. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
g. An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society;
h. Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development;
i. An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice;
j. 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;
k. An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

A. University General Education Program (41 hours)

See Graduation from the University for the University General Education Program requirements. Note the following requirements specified for the Computer Science major: Mathematics - MATH 1910; Natural Science - PHYS 2110/2111, 2120/2121 or CHEM 1110/1111, 1120/1121, or BIOL 1110/1111, BIOL 1120/1121; ECON 2020 is strongly recommended for the Social Science requirement.

B. College and Degree (B.S.) Requirements (12 hours)

The College and Bachelor of Science requirements are in addition to the University General Education Program requirements.

C. The Major (57 hours in addition to University General Education Program and B.S. degree requirements)

Completion of MATH 1910, 1920 (these courses are included in the University General Education Program and college B.S. degree requirements), 3242, 4614; three Natural Science courses and labs (one sequence as mentioned above in part A and a third course from part A); COMP 1900 (4), 2150, 2700, 2701 (1), 3160, 3410, 3715, 3825, 4030, 4040, 4081, 4270, 4601, 4882 and two COMP electives. Seniors are required to take the Computer Science Field Test the same semester that they take COMP 4882.

D. Electives

Electives may be chosen to bring the total number of semester hours to 120.

E. Second Major in Computer Science for Engineering Majors (33 hours)

Twenty-four (24) semester hours in courses offered through the Department of Computer Science, including COMP 2150, 3160, 3715, 4030, 4081, 4270, six (6) semester hours in upper-division COMP courses, and nine (9) additional hours of computer science related courses. Coursework must be chosen in consultation with approval of an advisor in the Department of Computer Science.

F. Second Major in Computer Science for Majors in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics (34 hours)

Twenty-eight (28) semester hours in courses offered through the Department of Computer Science, including COMP 1900 (4), 2150, 3160, 3715, 4030, 4081, nine (9) semester hours in upper-division COMP courses, and six (6) additional hours of computer science related courses. Coursework must be chosen with approval of an advisor in the Department of Computer Science.

Computer Science Minor

Completion of 22 semester hours in computer science courses, including COMP 1900 (4), 2150, 3160, 3715 and 9 additional upper division semester hours.

Computer Science Honors Designation

A student will earn the designation "with Honors in Computer Science" upon graduation having complied with the following requirements:

1. Be admitted into the Computer Science Honors Program by the Department upon formal request for consideration by the student;

2. Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a GPA of at least 3.60 in Computer Science (COMP) courses satisfying degree requirements;

3. Fifteen (15) credit hours in courses designated "Honors" in the the Computer Science program and satisfying degree requirements;

4. At least two courses taken as honors sections in the core sequence COMP 1900, COMP 2150, and COMP 3160;

5. At least three (3) credit hours from the following courses taken as honors sections: COMP 4901 (independent study), COMP 4996 (senior thesis), and COMP 4882 (capstone software project).

Accelerated B.S./M.S. Program in Computer Science

This program allows outstanding undergraduates to begin the coursework for the Master of Science in Computer Science during their senior year. Students are encouraged to begin planning to enter the Accelerated B.S./M.S. program early in their undergraduate career, in consultation with their advisor in the Department of Computer Science.

Working with the undergraduate and graduate academic coordinators, undergraduates selected into this program begin a carefully tailored course of study which will allow them to complete their B.S. degree while they also begin the coursework toward their M.S.

To apply, students must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average, and must submit two reference letters and a copy of their transcript to the Computer Science department. Each applicant will complete an interview with the graduate academic coordinator in computer science.

Students must also apply to the Graduate School for the accelerated B.S./M.S. program, which allows them to take graduate courses in computer science. To continue in the program past the B.S., students must apply for full admission into the Graduate School and into the Computer Science department's M.S. program.

Only in ABM programs, up to 9 hours of graduate course work may be applied to both the undergraduate and graduate programs. However, any graduate coursework will not apply to undergraduate GPA.

Typical 4-Year Computer Science Sequence

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120

*Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement

**Natural Science - One sequence and one additional course/lab from: PHYS 2110/2111, PHYS 2120/2121; OR CHEM 1110/1111, CHEM 1120/1121; OR BIOL 1110/1111, BIOL 1120/1121.