Computer Science, BS

A Bachelor of Science with a major in computer science provides a high-quality education by balancing the theoretical and experimental aspects of hardware and software issues. Computer science is considered to be at or near the top in terms of BS degrees in demand for job prospects.

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in computer science is a professional degree designed to prepare the student for a career of further studies in the technology and application of computers.

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in computer science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET (abet.org), (415 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201; 410-347-7700).

Program educational objectives

Graduates will:

Pursue graduate studies in computer science or related disciplines, and/or a career in a technology field utilizing skills from the computer science areas studied during the undergraduate program.
Act responsibly and ethically in their professional conduct and successfully engage in life-long learning.
Work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams and exhibit the ability to communicate effectively.
Complete professional work assignments that exhibit the ability to design, develop and implement software while applying computer science principles and practices to the solution of real problems.

Student outcomes

This program will enable students to attain, by the time of graduation:

Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Degree requirements

Hours required and general/college requirements

A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree as specified in the University Core Curriculum in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Engineering requirements.

Major requirements

A minimum of 55 semester hours, including:

CSCE 1030 - Computer Science I
CSCE 1040 - Computer Science II
CSCE 2100 - Foundations of Computing
CSCE 2110 - Foundations of Data Structures
CSCE 2610 - Assembly Language and Computer Organization
CSCE 3110 - Data Structures and Algorithms
CSCE 3444 - Software Engineering
CSCE 3600 - Principles of Systems Programming
CSCE 4010 - Social Issues in Computing
CSCE 4110 - Algorithms
CSCE 4901 - Software Development Capstone I
CSCE 4902 - Software Development Capstone II
plus 6 hours chosen from CSCE Advanced Elective Courses

CSCE 4999 - Senior Thesis
plus 9 hours chosen from CSCE Advanced Elective Courses.

CSCE core, 6 hours

Students choose 6 hours from the following.

CSCE breadth courses, 6 hours

Students choose 6 hours from the following.

Note

A maximum of 6 hours of credit inCSCE 2900 , CSCE 4890 , CSCE 4920 , CSCE 4940 or CSCE 4950 will count toward this degree. The 6 hours may include at most 3 hours in CSCE 4920.

Other required courses

Laboratory science, 16 hours

Required courses, 8 hours

Choose 8 hours from the following courses

3 hours selected from

Any 4000-level TECM course.

Minor

Optional.

Electives

Hours required for electives may vary based on course selection and the University Core Curriculum requirements. Electives may be required to satisfy the advanced hour requirement (42) and/or the minimum total hours required for the degree. For specific information see an academic advisor in the College of Engineering.

Other requirements

A grade point average of 2.0 is required for all major requirement courses and approved electives.

Foundation courses

Successful completion of foundation courses is based on achieving a C or higher in each course and a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Students are required to take Engineering Foundation Courses and/or prerequisites to the Engineering Foundation Courses until all foundation courses are successfully completed. Successful completion is a 2.5 GPA for all Engineering Foundation Courses with a C or better in each course.

Successful completion of the foundation courses is required for enrollment in all 3000 and 4000 level courses.

Foundation courses for the degree program include the following.

Major transfer policy

Students enrolled at UNT can transfer into Computer Science if they have completed the following CSCE foundation courses with a C or better and cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. The courses are:

Department policies

Policy on Academic Performance, Progression, and Dismissal in the College of Engineering

Students in the College of Engineering will conduct themselves in a professional manner in their interaction with their peers, faculty, staff and the community in general. A student may be dismissed from the college for inappropriate conduct (please refer to the Code of Student Conduct).

Each semester, students are required to take engineering foundation courses and/or prerequisites to the engineering foundation courses until all foundation courses are successfully completed. Successful completion is a 2.5 GPA for all engineering foundation courses with a C or better in each course.

A minimum grade of C is required in all courses required in a student’s major for degree completion. Courses include, but are not limited to, engineering, computing, mathematics, laboratory sciences, supporting area, technical elective, technical option, energy elective, and specialization courses.

A minimum grade of C is required in all courses required in a student’s major for prerequisite completion. Courses include, but are not limited to, engineering, computing, mathematics, laboratory sciences, supporting area, technical elective, technical option, energy elective, and specialization courses.

A student making grades lower than C two times in the same course in any College of Engineering foundation course or in any course required by the major is subject to dismissal from the College of Engineering, pending a review by the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the College of Engineering.

A student must maintain good academic standing within the university. Please see “Academic status” and “Regulations governing students under academic suspension” in the Academics section of this catalog.