Computer Science

Technology develops at a breakneck speed. That’s good news for computer science students. Why? Because you’ll help find solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems, including national security and environmental and energy issues. It can also give you a foot in the door of the booming gaming industry. You’ll focus your studies by choosing a concentration in Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and Graphics, or work with faculty to design your own specialized focus. Then you’ll take core courses in security, animation, bioinformatics, ethics, and programming, among others. Our department faculty members have many years of experience in computer science and have active, funded research programs (which frequently include student assistance). The CS major will provide students with the opportunity to study a technically-oriented discipline.

There is no requirement for Computer Science (CS) students to have their own computer. However, most CS students find that having one is convenient and almost essential. For CS students who do not own a computer, there are computer facilities on campus and computers can also be checked out. The CS Program does not require a particular computer platform. However, since the majority of software development in the industry is done using the Windows and Linux platforms, the Windows platform is recommended.

View Computer Science Computer Recommendations

Windows Laptops:MinimumPreferred
CPUi5 processori7 or higher processor
RAM8 GB16 GB
STORAGE500 GB1 TB
DISPLAY 13 inch 1920 x 1080 resolution15 inch or greater 2560×1440 or greater resolution
GRAPHICSIntegratedGPU with at least 4 GB memory
OS VERSIONWindows 10Windows 11
OTHERWebcam 1 USB 2.0 or 3.0 portWebcam 1 USB 3.0 port 3 button wireless mouse
Apple Laptops:MinimumPreferred
DISPLAY13 inch16 inch
RAM8 GB16 GB
SSD STORAGE512 GB1 TB
OS VERSIONmacOS 10.15+macOS 11+
OTHER1 USB 3.0 port 3 button wireless mouse

Course Requirement Definitions:
Elective Requirement: Additional courses necessary to earn enough credits for a degree outside of Major and STAGE requirements.
First Year Seminar (FYS): Introductory course to the academic experience, emphasizing the skills necessary for academic success.
Major Requirement: Courses are core to this major and are subject matter-specific.
Stage Requirement: Courses are part of our STAGE General Education program, and must be taken to earn a degree. Learn more here>

Fall One – first year

Course CodeCourse NameCredits
CS 101 Computational Thinking
Major Requirement		3 CR
MATH 120Statistics
Major Requirement		3 CR
SCIENCEASTR, BIO, CHEM, FS, KIN, PHY, or SCI
Major Requirement		3 CR
FYS 101 First Year Seminar
Stage Requirement 		3 CR
STAC 101 Stage Requirement 1 CR
WRT 101 Academic Writing I
Stage Requirement		3 CR
16 FALL CREDITS

Spring One – first year

Course CodeCourse NameCredits
CS 150Computer Science I
Major Requirement		3 CR
MATH 109Applied Calculus
Major Requirement		3 CR
SCIENCE ASTR, BIO, CHEM, FS, KIN, PHY, or SCI
Major Requirement		3 CR
WRT 102 Academic Writing II
Stage Requirement		3 CR
Breadth & Proficiency 1 Stage Requirement3 CR
STAC 102Elective Requirement1 CR
16 SPRING CREDITS

Fall Two – sophomore

Course CodeCourse NameCredits
CS 250Computer Science II
Major Requirement		3 CR
MATH 308Discrete Math
Major Requirement 		3 CR
CS 270Computer Architecture
Major Requirement 		3 CR
Breadth & Proficiency 2 Stage Requirement 3 CR
Breadth & Proficiency 3 Stage Requirement 3 CR
STAC 201Elective Requirement1 CR
16 FALL CREDITS

Spring Two – sophomore

Course CodeCourse NameCredits
CS 350Data Structures & Algorithm Analysis
Major Requirement		3 CR
CS 360Human-Computer Interaction
Major Requirement 		3 CR
CS Elective Elective Requirement3 CR
Free Elective / Minor Elective Requirement3 CR
Breadth & Proficiency 4Stage Requirement3 CR
15 SPRING CREDITS

Fall Three – junior

Course CodeCourse NameCredits
CS 420Database Management Systems
Major Requirement 		3 CR
CS 435Operating Systems
Major Requirement		3 CR
Free Elective / Minor Elective Requirement 3 CR
Free Elective / Minor Elective Requirement 3 CR
Breadth & Proficiency 5 Stage Requirement 3 CR
15 FALL CREDITS

Spring Three – junior

Course CodeCourse NameCredits
CS 320Ethics in a Technological Society
Major Requirement		3 CR
CS 380Networking
Major Requirement		3 CR
CS 485Web Programming
Major Requirement		3 CR
CS Elective Major Requirement3 CR
Free Elective / MinorElective Requirement3 CR
15 SPRING CREDITS

Fall Four – senior

Course CodeCourse NameCredits
CS Elective Major Requirement3 CR
CS ElectiveMajor Requirement3 CR
Free Elective / Minor Major Requirement3 CR
Free Elective / Minor Elective Requirement3 CR
Gateway 1 Stage Requirement3 CR
15 FALL CREDITS

Spring Four – senior

Course CodeCourse NameCredits
CS 450Software Engineering
Major Requirement		3 CR
CS 490Senior Project
Major Requirement		3 CR
CS Elective Major Requirement3 CR
Free Elective / Minor Elective Requirement3 CR
Gateway 2 Stage Requirement3 CR
15 SPRING CREDITS
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