Computer Science (BS)
The B.S. degree program in computer science provides a balance between theoretical foundations and applied computer science with the ultimate goal of presenting knowledge likely to be of ongoing value throughout one’s career. The preparation of the B.S. is aimed at students who want to pursue a career as an industry practitioner and/or as an academic.
Among 24 civilian occupation groups analyzed by The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology is rated third highest in median pay and second highest in projected employment growth for the period 2021 to 2031.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| MATH 131 | Applied Calculus I 1 | 3 or 4 |
| or MATH 161 | Calculus I | |
| MATH 132 | Applied Calculus II 1 | 3 or 4 |
| or MATH 162 | Calculus II | |
| COMP 141 | Introduction to Computing Tools and Techniques | 3 |
| COMP 163 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| or MATH 201 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics & Number Theory | |
| COMP 170 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming | 3 |
| COMP 264 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 3 |
| COMP 271 | Data Structures I | 3 |
| COMP 272 | Data Structures II | 3 |
| COMP 310 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| COMP 317 | Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing | 3 |
| COMP 363 | Design and Analysis Computer Algorithms | 3 |
| COMP 371 | Programming Languages | 3 |
| STAT 203 | Introduction to Probability & Statistics | 3 |
| COMP-BS Restricted Electives | ||
| Select nine credit hours from the following: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Computer Security | ||
| Object-Oriented Design | ||
| Software Engineering | ||
| Requirements Engineering | ||
| Distributed Systems | ||
| Human-Computer Interaction | ||
| Computer Networks | ||
| Database Programming | ||
| High Performance Computing | ||
| Software Quality | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
| Practicum Capstone | ||
| Select six credits taken from one or more of the following: 2 | 6 | |
| Open Source Software Practicum | ||
| Broadening Participation in STEM (Computing, Math & Science) | ||
| Internship in Computer Science | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Computer Science 300-Level Electives | ||
| COMP 300-Level Course(s) | 4 | |
| Computer Science Free Electives | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
COMP 300-Level Course | ||
| Visual Information Processing | ||
| Introduction to Computing | ||
| Total Hours | 61-63 | |
- 1
By arrangement with the Undergraduate Program Director, the extra credits from MATH 161 Calculus I/MATH 162 Calculus II may be applied towards the “Computer Science Free Electives” category.
- 2
See the details of registering in the links for each course. Students are encouraged to complete these credits during junior and senior years to draw on prior experience. Note:
Suggested Sequence of Courses
COMP-BS Sample Schedule
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| COMP 150 | Introduction to Computing 1 | 3 |
| COMP 141 | Introduction to Computing Tools and Techniques | 3 |
| MATH 131 | Applied Calculus I 2 | 3 |
| CORE: Philosophical Knowledge Tier 1 | 3 | |
| CORE: College Writing Seminar | 3 | |
| UNIV 101 | First Year Seminar | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMP 170 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming 3 | 3 |
| COMP 163 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| MATH 132 | Applied Calculus II 4 | 3 |
| CORE: Historical Knowledge Tier 1 | 3 | |
| CORE: Ethics | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMP 271 | Data Structures I | 3 |
| COMP 264 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 3 |
| STAT 203 | Introduction to Probability & Statistics 5 | 3 |
| CORE: Theology and Religious Studies Tier 1 | 3 | |
| CAS Language Requirement 101 level 6 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMP 272 | Data Structures II | 3 |
| COMP 317 | Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing | 3 |
| CORE: Scientific Knowledge Tier 1 | 3 | |
| CORE: Societal & Cultural Knowledge Tier 1 | 3 | |
| CAS Language Requirement 102 level | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMP 363 | Design and Analysis Computer Algorithms | 3 |
| COMP 310 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| COMP Free Elective | 1 | |
| CORE: Literary Knowledge & Experience Tier 1 | 3 | |
| CORE: Artistic Knowledge & Experience | 3 | |
| CORE: Philosophical Knowledge Tier 2 | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMP 371 | Programming Languages | 3 |
| COMP-BS Restricted Elective | 3 | |
| CORE: Theology and Religious Studies Tier 2 | 3 | |
| CORE: Scientific Knowledge Tier 2 | 3 | |
| CORE: Historical Knowledge Tier 2 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMP-BS Restricted Elective | 3 | |
| COMP Practicum | 3 | |
| CORE: Literary Knowledge & Experience Tier 2 | 3 | |
| CORE: Societal & Cultural Knowledge Tier 2 | 3 | |
| CAS Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMP-BS Restricted Elective | 3 | |
| COMP Practicum | 3 | |
| COMP Free Elective | 3 | |
| COMP Free Elective if COMP 150 not taken (3) | 3 | |
| CAS Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 122 | |
- 1
COMP 150 Introduction to Computing will apply to COMP Free Electives; students with prior experience in computer programming, for example a high school course modeled on the Exploring Computer Science or Computer Science Principles curriculum may replace this course with a different COMP Free Elective at any time during the program. A score of 4 or 5 on the AP CS Principles Exam will earn actual credit for this course.
- 2
May substitute MATH 161 Calculus I and may use the extra credit towards COMP Free Electives.
- 3
A score of 4 or 5 on the AP CS A Exam will earn credit for this course.
- 4
May substitute MATH 162 Calculus II and may use the extra credit towards COMP Free Electives.
- 5
May substitute MATH 212 Linear Algebra
- 6
Language must be completed through the 102 course level or through an exam.
General Notes
- Credits never can be double-counted for different categories of the requirements for the major. But a course may satisfy a major requirement and also satisfy a University and/or College requirement (e.g., Core, residency, Engaged Learning, Writing Intensive).
- With permission, extra credits of MATH 161 Calculus I, MATH 162 Calculus II, or 300 level MATH, PHYS, or STAT for double majors can be applied to the "Computer Science 300-Level Electives" or "Computer Science Free Electives" categories.)
- It is usually not meaningful to combine a computing major or minor with another, the principal exception being CCFR-MINR; see more detail in the double-dipping rules.
College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test. More information can be found here.
Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101. SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101. Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101. You can find more information in the University Requirements area.
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge of Core Computer Science Concepts: This includes understanding data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, principles of software engineering, databases, networking, and more. The goal is to give students a comprehensive grounding in the key ideas that underpin computer science.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Graduates should be able to use their knowledge of computer science to solve complex problems. This includes the ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computational system to meet a given set of requirements.
- Proficiency in Programming: Students should be proficient in at least one high-level programming language and have experience with several others. They should also be familiar with the principles of programming languages and be able to learn new languages as needed.
- Understanding of Mathematical and Scientific Principles: Graduates should understand the mathematical and scientific principles that underpin computer science. This includes discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, and more.
- Ethical and Social Implications: An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities as they pertain to computer science.
- Teamwork and Communication: Students should be able to work effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal, and they should be able to communicate their ideas and work effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to Learn Independently: As technology continually evolves, it’s crucial that students develop the ability to learn new tools, techniques, and concepts independently.