Dec 13, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalogue 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalogue

Computer Science, B.S.


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The Department of Computer Science offers two programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. Both options prepare students to attend graduate school and to pursue career opportunities in computer science or closely related areas. Both options follow the systems-based approach set forth by the Association for Computing Machinery and the IEEE Computer Society for undergraduate degree programs in computer science.
 

Oral Communication Requirement:


To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.S. degree in Computer Science a student must successfully complete either CSC 385  or CSC 495 .

Applied Learning Requirement:


To satisfy the applied learning requirement for the B.S. degree in Computer Science a student must successfully complete CSC 450  or CSC 355  .

Requirements for a Major in Computer Science for the B.S. Degree:


The Department of Computer Science offers two programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. Both options prepare students to attend graduate school and to pursue career opportunities in computer science or closely related areas.  Both options follow the systems-based approach set forth by the Association for Computing Machinery and the IEEE Computer Society for undergraduate degree programs in computer science.  A grade point average of “C” (2.00) or better computed over all the courses used to fulfill the requirements of the major is required; in addition, a grade point average of “C” (2.00) or better computed over all the CSC courses used to fulfill the requirements of the major is required.

A student must complete one of the following options to fulfill the degree requirements.  Option 1 (Systems Option) covers the core of the Computer Science discipline and focuses on the study of the field from a scientific perspective. Option 2 (Applied Option) focuses on the use and application of Computer Science to other disciplines. 

Systems Option (Option 1):


Option 1 (Systems Option), which is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), contains more thorough coverage of concepts in operating systems, scientific computing, and has more elective credit hours in upper-level computer science courses to allow you the flexibility to explore additional advanced topics. 

One additional course chosen from:


Total: 72 hours


Option 2


Option 2 is designed to give you a sound background in computer science and the opportunity for in-depth study of a computer science application area. 

Artificial Intelligence Concentration (18 hours)


The Artificial Intelligence (AI) concentration is ideal for students who desire to learn how to program computer systems to ‘learn’ from data and perform complex tasks. AI includes studying topics such as generative AI, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, machine learning, deep learning, and knowledge acquisition and representation.

Concentration Electives (9 hours):

Choose three courses from the following:

Digital Arts Concentration (27 hours)


The Digital Arts concentration trains you in computer science, studio art, and the fusion of the two. You will develop technical, aesthetic, analytical, and problem-solving skills to work in computer-art and design-related fields such as mobile application and web design, game development, visual effects, animation, film, interactive media, and other emerging opportunities at the cross-section of computer technology and the arts. 

Concentration Electives (6 hours):

Choose two courses from the following (These courses can also be used to complete the 6 hours of electives for the computer science core.):

Security Concentration (18 hours)


The Security concentration will teach you the mechanics of cryptography, computer security, software vulnerabilities, and network analysis. Graduates are prepared to design and implement secure hardware, software, and network systems.

Software Engineering Concentration (18 hours)


The software engineering concentration prepares you to create high-quality and secure software systems. Courses in this concentration emphasize modern tools, large projects, and practical experiences in developing software. Subjects include web development, mobile application development, and software security.

Concentration Electives (18 hours):

Select six courses, where two courses must be at the 400 level, from the following:

Other Concentrations


Computer Science majors can expand their studies by focusing on the sciences/business with the following concentrations. These concentrations earn a Minor in the chosen program.

  • Biology: Complete the requirements for the Biology Minor .
  • Business: Complete the requirements for the Business Minor .
  • Chemistry: Complete the requirements for the Chemistry Minor .
  • Geographic Information Systems: Complete requirements for the Geospatial Technologies Minor .
  • Neuroscience: Complete requirements for the Neuroscience Minor .
  • Statistics: Complete requirements for the Statistics Minor .

Total: 73-76 hours (core plus concentration)


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