Computer Science

Degree Options

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees with a major or minor in computer science.

Description of Program

The major in computer science, offered by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, enables a student to develop an understanding of the theory and practice of computing within the context of a liberal arts and sciences education. In addition to computer programming, majors in computer science study computer languages, logic, data structures and applications of computing. The art and science of problem solving are emphasized.

A degree in computer science can serve as preparation for technical careers such as computer programming, software engineering, systems analysis or system administration. A student with a BA or BS in computer science is also prepared to serve other disciplines as a problem solver, or to pursue graduate study in computer science. Because of their problem-solving skills, computer science graduates with knowledge of other disciplines may find themselves sought as candidates for graduate study in those fields.

Students who desire a more scientific emphasis will complete the Arts and Sciences College requirements for a BS degree; the computer science requirements for the B.A. and B.S. degrees are the same.

This program brings a problem-solving focus to the study of computer science and applications of computer science. Most upper-level classes are small enough to allow close interaction between students and faculty members. Interested students may also find opportunities for independent studies on topics of interest or to work with faculty members on student research projects.

Requirements for Major

All programs are to be planned in careful consultation with a departmental advisor and must have the approval of the advisor. Requirements for a major in computer science are:

Core

25 hours required.

The following core courses are required:

• CS 65 (Introduction to Computer Science I)
• CS 66 (Introduction to Computer Science II)
• CS 130 (Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming)
• CS 135 (Programming Languages)
• CS 137 (Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis OR CS 139 — Theory of Computation)
• Math 50 (Calculus 1)
• Math 54 (Discrete Mathematics)
• Math 80 (Linear Algebra)

Upper Division Component

15 hours with approval of the advisor from the following:

• At least 9 hours from other computer science courses numbered 100 or above (excluding CS 140), the tutoring course and the capstone course, or Info Systems courses 145 or higher.
• Mathematics 70, Statistics 71, Statistics 72
• Upper-division courses in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science or quantitative methods (Mathematics 101 and CS 114 may not both be counted; Mathematics 140 and the capstone course may not be counted)
• Other courses chosen with the approval of the department advisor

Requirements for Minor

Students who choose a minor in computer science must have a departmental minor advisor and complete a minimum of 21 hours of computer science and related courses, including (1) CS 65, 66, 130, 135; (2) two additional upper-division computer science courses, or IS courses numbered 145 or higher (excluding CS 140 — the tutoring course, and the Capstone course) and (3) Mathematics 54 (Discrete Mathematics). Completion of Mathematics 80, (Linear Algebra) is strongly recommended and is a prerequisite for CS 147, CS 150, and CS 165.