Computer Science, BS

The major in computer science provides students with the necessary training for employment in careers such as software development and information management. It provides good preparation for graduate study in a variety of disciplines.

Students may declare a major in computer science when they are admitted to the university or afterward. They may declare either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science, but if no preference is indicated by a student, the Bachelor of Arts is designated. Students may switch to the Bachelor of Science at any time.

Undergraduates majoring in computer science develop competence in programming principles and methodologies, problem-solving techniques, mathematics, and computer systems. Computer science training is critical for many careers in science, engineering, business, and health care.

Computer science majors are advised at the Academic Advising Center until they have completed 30 s.h., at which point they are assigned a departmental advisor. Students being advised at the Academic Advising Center also can consult with a computer science faculty advisor.

Transfer students who have taken a course approved as equivalent to a required computer science or informatics course are exempt from that course. Transfer course grades are included in the computer science grade-point average.

Students should consult the Department of Computer Science website or visit the department's office for information about general policies, elective areas, internships, scholarships, and student groups, such as the university's chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Women in Computing Sciences (WiCS).

Advanced Placement

The Computer Science Advanced Placement Program test may be used to satisfy requirements. See Advanced Placement Credit Policy on the Department of Computer Science website.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students understand the mathematical, logical, and theoretical foundations of computing.
  • Students can analyze and compare the relative merits of alternative software designs and develop high-quality software systems.
  • Students understand the fundamental principles of computer organization, system software, networks, and security.
  • Students can apply computer science principles to a variety of problems, such as databases, data mining, and various fields of artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Students understand social, professional, and ethical issues related to computing.