Our Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree introduces you to a scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications. In this degree program, you will learn about the theory, experimentation, and engineering that form the basis for the design and use of computers. You will also have the ability to focus your studies on areas such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, data science, security, or high performance systems.
Major Requirements
The computer science major requires a total of 54 credits distributed across computer science courses, mathematics co-requisite courses, and a capstone experience. Details provided below.
Core Courses
Students must satisfactorily complete the following eight core courses:
3-Course Sequence on programming, data structures, and algorithms
- CMPINF 0401 - INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING*
- CS 0445 - ALGORITHMS AND DATA STRUCTURES 1
- CS 1501 - ALGORITHMS AND DATA STRUCTURES 2
2-Course Sequence on systems
2-Course Sequence on discrete math and theory
1 Course on probability and statistics with computer science applications
*Students should have some programming experience (usually acquired in high school) before taking CMPINF 0401. Any high school course that includes the writing of several Pascal, C++, or Java programs would be sufficient. It is also possible to take one of the department’s service courses, such as CS 0007, as preparation. Preparatory classes of this nature do not count toward the student’s major requirements.
**Students pursuing CS and a second major in in Data Science, Physics and Quantum Computing, and Computational Biology have options regarding the probability and statistics course. These students should discuss this requirement with their academic advisor.
Upper-Level Elective Courses
In addition, students must complete 18 credits or six courses of upper-level electives (numbered 1500 or higher).
Internships, directed studies, capstone courses and co-op courses may not be used to satisfy this requirement (see Capstone Experience section for details).
Required Mathematics Courses
A minimum of seven credits in mathematics must be completed as follows:
Note: Students should complete their required mathematics courses early since there are pre- or co-requisites for other courses in the curriculum. Typically, MATH 0220 would be completed in the first year. Students may elect to take MATH 1180 - LINEAR ALGEBRA 1 as an alternative to MATH 0280.
Capstone Experience
All Computer Science majors must complete a capstone experience prior to graduation. This experience may be satisfied in several ways including:
- Completion of an approved 3-credit academic internship
- Completion of an approved 3-credit directed research project
- Completion of a capstone designated course
- Completion of at least 2 rotations of an approved co-op
Students are allowed to complete more than one capstone experience but a capstone course may NOT be used in place of a CS Upper-Level Elective course.
Course catalog numbers for capstone options are:
- CS 1900 - INTERNSHIP
- CS 1906 - COMPUTER SCIENCE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM
- CS 1950 - DIRECTED RESEARCH: CAPSTONE
- CS 1980 - TEAM PROJECT DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
For full major requirement details, visit the Computer Science course catalog.