B.S. Computer Science (2018-19)
The B.S. degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET), 415 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21021 (phone: 410.347.7700).
Program Educational Objectives
The program educational objectives for the Bachelor's degree in computer science are that within a few years after graduation, graduates are expected to:
- Demonstrate an ability to solve complex problems through the use of computer science, as evidenced by successful entrance into and advancement in the computer science profession.
- Demonstrate an appreciation for lifelong learning and for the value of continuing professional development by pursuing graduate education, professional education or continuing education opportunities, attainment of professional licensure, and/or membership in professional societies.
Student Outcomes
Graduates with a B.S. in Computer Science will have an ability to:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
Prior to Fall 2018, the student outcomes were different. Under the older outcomes, graduates were expected to have:
- 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.
Concentrations
Students can choose one of two concentrations:
- General Concentration
- Cybersecurity Concentration
Program Requirements
General Education (Communication, Humanities, Social Science, and History) - 30 hrs
- ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 English Composition I and II (6 hrs)
- COMM 2381 Oral Communication (3 hrs)
- ENGL 2201 or ENGL 2202 Literature (3 hrs)
- Two general education Humanities courses chosen from the approved list (6 hrs)
- Two general education Social Science courses chosen from the approved list (6 hrs)
- Two general education History courses chosen from the approved list (6 hrs)
General Education (Natural Science and Mathematics) - 12 hrs
- A two-semester lecture+lab sequence chosen from BIOL 1110+1111 and BIOL 1120+1121 General Biology I and II, CHEM 1110+1111 and CHEM 1120+1121 General Chemistry I and II, or PHYS 2110+2111 and PHYS 2120+2121 Calculus-Based Physics I and II (8 hrs)
- MATH 1910 Calculus I (4 hrs)
Additional Natural Science - 4 hrs
- One semester of lecture+lab in a different science chosen from the above list (4 hrs)
Computer Science Major Core - 47 hrs
- MATH 1920 Calculus II (4 hrs)
- MATH 3242 Linear Algebra (3 hrs)
- MATH 4614 Calculus-Based Probability and Statistics (3 hrs)
- COMP 1900 CS 1 (4 hrs)
- COMP 1950 Ethics (3 hrs - changing to 1 hr in Fall 2019)
- COMP 2150 CS 2 (4 hrs)
- COMP 2700 Discrete Structures (4 hrs)
- COMP 3115 Databases (3 hrs)
- COMP 3410 Comp Org/Arch (4 hrs)
- COMP 3825 Networking/Info Assurance (3 hrs)
- COMP 4030 Algorithms (3 hrs)
- COMP 4081 Software Engineering (3 hrs)
- COMP 4270 Operating Systems (3 hrs)
- COMP 4882 Capstone Project (3 hrs)
Concentration Options - 12 hrs
- General Concentration
- COMP 4040 Programming Languages (3 hrs)
- COMP 4601 Models of Computation (3 hrs)
- Two upper-division COMP electives (6 hrs)
- Cybersecurity Concentration
- COMP 4410 Computer Security (3 hrs)
- COMP 4420 Network/Mobile Security (3 hrs)
- COMP 4430 Digital Forensics (3 hrs)
- One upper-division cybersecurity elective (3 hrs)
Free Electives - 15 hrs
- At least 2 hrs of free electives must be upper-division
TOTAL - 120 hrs
Computer Science Honors Designation
A student will earn the designation “with Honors in Computer Science” upon graduation having complied with the following requirements:
- Be admitted into the Computer Science Honors Program by the Department upon formal request for consideration by the student;
- Have an inclusive GPA of at least 3.0 and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.60 in Computer Science (COMP) courses satisfying degree requirements;
- Complete fifteen (15) credit hours in courses designated “Honors” in the the Computer Science program and satisfying degree requirements;
- Take honors sections of both COMP 1900 and COMP 2150;
- Take at least three (3) credit hours from the following courses as honors sections: COMP 4882 Capstone Project, COMP 4901 Independent Study, COMP 4980 Senior Thesis.
Computer Science Minor
Completion of 21 semester hours in computer science courses, including the following:
- COMP 1900 CS 1 (4 hrs)
- COMP 2150 CS 2 (4 hrs)
- COMP 2700 Discrete Structures (4 hrs)
- COMP 3115 Databases (3 hrs)
- Two additional upper-division COMP courses (6 hrs)