Computer Science, BS
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The computer science major is designed to prepare students for graduate work in computer science and for a variety of careers in computer science-related fields in government, business or industry.
All students are expected to learn methods and techniques of problem solving, to develop a facility in the expression of problem solutions as computer algorithms and programs and to become acquainted with the major areas of current interest and importance in computer science.
The computer science minor is designed for all interested students, but it is particularly suited for students majoring in mathematics, any of the sciences, economics, psychology, sociology or various special areas such as digital imaging (in the art major), as well as for students interested in pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching Program after graduation. The minor will introduce the student to programming, algorithms, data structures and computer architecture, as well as some more advanced aspects of computer science.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to construct solutions to computer science problems using the fundamental principles of computer science (computer organization, software development, algorithmic design, programming languages, and theoretical foundations)
- Students will be able to explain at least three specialized areas of computer science, including operating systems, networks, software engineering, architecture, theoretical computer science, and artificial intelligence.
- Students will be able to create complex (multi-class, multi-objective) software applications
- Students will be able to formulate an informed opinion on a problem in order to inform the design and implementation of a software solution
- Students will be able to develop a written opinion on a technical subject for a non-expert audience
- Students will be able to develop an oral opinion on a technical subject for a non-expert audience
- Students will be able to construct solutions to computer science problems using available, reliable sources
Degree Requirements
General College Requirements
General College Requirements (see Curriculum section), including the following requirements to satisfy the major
Required Courses (32 credit hours)
Prerequisite(s): COSC 120.
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected.
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected. MATH 151 is a prerequisite for MATH 152.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 130.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 130; and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201 and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Elective Courses (20 credit hours)
Five of the following courses:
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201 or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 230.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 230.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201 and MATH 152.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 251 or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201; and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201 or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 230 or permission of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201; and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201; and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201; and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201; and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201; and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 360 or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201 or permission of the instructor.
Capstone Experience
Choose One:
- St. Mary’s Project (8 credit hours)
- Software Startup Simulator Capstone (COSC 401/COSC 402, 8 credit hours)
The requirement may also be satisfied by completing a St. Mary’s Project in another area. If a student wishes to do a project in another area, the approval of the department must be secured in advance.
Minimum Grade and GPA Requirements
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all courses required for the major and maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or better in these required courses.
Recommendations
Certain upper-level computer science positions in government require 15 credit hours of mathematics (including calculus and statistics); we recommend
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected.
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected. MATH 151 is a prerequisite for MATH 152.
Minimum Grade and GPA Requirements
Students must complete the required 24 credit hours, earn a grade of C- or better in each course taken to fulfill the minor, and maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or better in these required courses.
Sequence of Study
This is an example sequence. It is structured so that any prerequisites for 3XX and 4XX electives will have already been taken by the time those electives are taken. Students should work with their advisors to develop an academic plan.
First Year
Fall:
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected.
Spring:
Prerequisite(s): COSC 120.
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected. MATH 151 is a prerequisite for MATH 152.
Second Year
Fall:
Prerequisite(s): COSC 130.
Prerequisite(s): COSC 130; and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Spring:
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201 and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Third Year
Fall:
Spring:
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201; and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Fourth Year
Fall:
Prerequisite(s): COSC 201; and MATH 200 or MATH 281.
Spring: