Computer Science Major

NSM PEAK

The Computer Science major prepares students for a broad variety of careers and for graduate study. Work in computer science includes software development and design, research in solving problems in computing (including data storage, networking, retrieval, organization, validation, and so on), and research into new ways of using computing devices (computer vision, robotics, machine learning, accessibility studies, etc.). Computer Science is one of the most rapidly expanding and changing fields of scientific inquiry. Preparation for work in this field is thus inherently interdisciplinary, requiring a strong mathematical background. The problem-solving capabilities acquired in the Computer Science major are of wide utility in many fields of study and careers not directly connected to computer science.

Computer Science majors may not minor in Scientific Computing; they should instead earn the Data Science specialization.

Major Requirements

36 Credits

Computer Science Core (26 credits):

CSC-150	Comp Sci I: Intro to Comp Sci and Prog	3 credits
CSC-152	Computer Science II: Data Structures	4 credits
CSC-160	Introduction to Computer Architecture	3 credits
CSC-235	Programming Languages	3 credits
CSC-270	Applied Databases	3 credits
CSC-340	Design and Analysis of Algorithms	3 credits
MAT-252	Discrete Mathematics	3 credits
PHY-271	Analytical Physics I	3 credits
PHY-271L	Analytical Physics I Lab	1 credit

Calculus (4 credits)

Complete one of the following.

MAT-175	Single Variable Calculus	4 credits
MAT-275	Multivariable Calculus	4 credits

MAT-175 is a prerequisite of CSC-340 and PHY-271 . Depending on the student's math background, MAT-150 may be required to enroll in MAT-175 .

Advanced Computer Science Elective (3 credits)

Complete 3 credits from the following.

CSC-350	Formal Languages and Automata	3 credits
CSC-455	Numerical Computation	3 credits
MAT-427	Statistical Machine Learning	3 credits

Each course has different prerequisites and could require additional coursework beyond the CS Core and CS Calculus requirements. CSC-455 requires MAT-285 and MAT-361 . MAT-427 requires MAT-212 and CSC-285 .

Computer Science Capstone (3 credits)

Complete CSC-480 and a minimum of 1 credit of INT-497 .

CSC-480	Software Engineering and Senior Design	2 credits
INT-497	Internship	1-6 credits

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Computer Science major, students will have the ability to:

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions;

2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline;

3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts;

4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles;

5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline; and

6. Apply scientific reasoning to develop and test scientific questions.