Nov 21, 2024  
2023 - 2024 College Catalog 
    
2023 - 2024 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, BS


View Computer Science Department website

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

  • Construct solutions to computer science problems using the fundamental principles of computer science (computer science organization, software development, algorithmic design, programming languages, and theoretical foundations)
  • Explain at least three specialized areas of computer science, including operating systems, networks, software engineering, architecture, theoretical computer science, and artificial intelligence
  • Create complex (multi-class, multi-objective) software applications
  • Formulate an informed opinion on a problem in order to inform the design and implementation of a software solution
  • Develop a written and oral opinion on a technical subject for a non-expert audience
  • 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

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

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.