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 a career in a technology field utilizing Computer Science-related skills, including the ability to design, develop, manage, maintain, and implement software systems to provide solutions to real problems.
Act responsibly and ethically in their professional conduct.
Exhibit the skills to successfully engage in lifelong learning and pursue graduate studies in Computer Science and related programs, as needed.
Exhibit the ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in diverse and distributed multi-disciplinary teams.

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.

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 58 semester hours, including:

CSCE 1010 - Discovering Computer Science
CSCE 1015 - Computing Tools and Techniques Laboratory
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 3444 - Software Engineering
CSCE 3550 - Foundations of Cybersecurity
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 in CSCE 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, 6-8 hours

Choose 2 courses (6-8 hours) from the following courses

Note: some CSCE courses may have specific science prerequisites. Please check with an advisor when selecting your science options.

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. Currently, there should be approximately 15 hours of CSCE electives available.

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).

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 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.

Four-year degree plan (example)

The following four-year plan is one example of a variety of ways in which you can complete your chosen degree in four years, and will serve as a guide for you to design your pathway to degree completion. Variations will depend on whether you need to take prerequisites or have college credit from exams or dual enrollment.

Year 1

Semester 1		Semester 2
CSCE 1010 - Discovering Computer Science	3 hours	CSCE 1015 - Computing Tools and Techniques Laboratory	1 hour
MATH 1710 - Calculus I	4 hours	CSCE 1030 - Computer Science I	3 hours
American History core	3 hours	MATH 1720 - Calculus II	3 hours
Communication Core	3 hours	TECM 2700 - Technical Writing	3 hours
Elective	3 hours	Elective	2 hours
Total	16 hours	Total	12 hours

Year 2

Semester 1		Semester 2
CSCE 1040 - Computer Science II	3 hours	CSCE 2100 - Foundations of Computing	3 hours
EENG 2710 - Digital Logic Design	3 hours	CSCE 2110 - Foundations of Data Structures	3 hours
MATH 2700 - Linear Algebra and Vector Geometry	3 hours	CSCE 2610 - Assembly Language and Computer Organization	3 hours
PHYS 1710 - Mechanics	3 hours	MATH 1780 - Probability Models	3 hours
PHYS 1730 - Laboratory in Mechanics	1 hour	PHYS 2220 - Electricity and Magnetism	3 hours
American History core	3 hour	PHYS 2240 - Laboratory in Electricity and Magnetism	1 hour
Total	16 hours	Total	16 hours

Year 3

Semester 1		Semester 2
CSCE 3550 - Foundations of Cybersecurity	3 hours	CSCE 3444 - Software Engineering	3 hours
CSCE 3600 - Principles of Systems Programming	3 hours	CSCE 4110 - Algorithms	3 hours
CSCE Core Elective	3 hours	Creative Arts core	3 hours
TECM Elective-4000 level	3 hours	CSCE Core Elective	3 hours
Elective	3 hours	CSCE Breadth Elective	3 hours
Total	15 hours	Total	15 hours

Year 4

Semester 1		Semester 2
CSCE 4010 - Social Issues in Computing	3 hours	CSCE 4902 - Software Development Capstone II	3 hours
CSCE 4901 - Software Development Capstone I	3 hours	Government/Political Science core	3 hours
Government/Political Science core	3 hours	Language, Philosophy and Culture core	3 hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences core	3 hours	CSCE Elective-advanced	3 hours
CSCE Breadth Elective	3 hours	CSCE Elective-advanced	3 hours
Total	15 hours	Total	15 hours