Computer Science
The computer science curriculum, which leads to the bachelor of science in computer science degree, provides an excellent preparation for students seeking careers as software professionals and in computing-related fields, as well for those planning to pursue graduate study. The curriculum builds on a strong foundation in science, mathematics, social sciences, humanities and computer science with advanced course work in theoretical computer science, database systems, and computer networks. Course work ensures that students receive hands-on exposure to a variety of computer systems, tools and techniques. Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas of computer science such as cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The curriculum also emphasizes oral and written communication skills, the importance of ethical behavior, and the need for continual, lifelong learning. The overall educational objectives of the Computer Science program are for graduates of the program to attain success in their chosen profession and/or post-undergraduate studies.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| ENGL 1100 English Composition I | 3 | ENGL 1120 English Composition II | 3 |
| Core Science Sequence (Series B, D, H)1 | 4 | Core Science Sequence (Series B, D, H)1 | 4 |
| MATH 1610 Calculus I | 4 | MATH 1620 Calculus II | 4 |
| COMP 1210 Fundamentals of Computing I | 3 | COMP 2210 Fundamentals of Computing II | 4 |
| ENGR 1110 Introduction to Engineering | 2 | COMP 2240 Discrete Structures | 3 |
| ENGR 1100 Engineering Orientation | 0 | ||
| 16 | 18 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| MATH 2660 Topics in Linear Algebra | 3 | STAT 3010 Statistics for Engineers and Scientists | 3 |
| Core History Sequence | 3 | Core History Sequence | 3 |
| ELEC 2200 Digital Logic Circuits | 3 | Core Literature | 3 |
| COMP 2710 Software Construction | 3 | Core Social Science Elective | 3 |
| COMP 2800 Professional Development I | 1 | COMP 3270 Introduction to Algorithms | 3 |
| 13 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| COMM 1000 Public Speaking | 3 | PHIL 1020 Introduction to Ethics or 1110 Ethical and Conceptual Foundations of Science | 3 |
| Math Elective1 | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Core Fine Arts | 3 | COMP 3500 Introduction to Operating Systems | 3 |
| COMP 3220 Principles of Programming Languages | 3 | COMP 3700 Software Modeling and Design | 3 |
| COMP 3350 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming | 3 | COMP 4320 Introduction to Computer Networks | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Technical Elective1 | 9 | Technical Elective1 | 9 |
| COMP 4200 Formal Languages | 3 | COMP 4710 Senior Design Project | 3 |
| COMP 5120 Database Systems I | 3 | COMP 4730 Computer Ethics | 2 |
| COMP 4800 Professional Development II | 1 | COMP 4810 Program Assessment | 0 |
| UNIV 4AA0 University Graduation | 0 | ||
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Total Hours: 122 | |||
- 1
Courses for Core Science Sequence, Math Elective, and Technical Elective credit must be chosen in accordance with CSSE department policies and approved course listings. Students must consult with a CSSE Academic Advisor when selecting these courses.
The AU Bulletin lists the University Core Curriculum requirements for students in the College of Engineering.
The course in bold-face are those used to calculate in-major GPA.
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Math electives for the computer science major must be selected from courses designated as MATH or STAT with the following restrictions:
- MATH 2630 Calculus III and MATH 2650 Linear Differential Equations are each allowed as a math elective.
- Any other course with the MATH designation must be at the 4000-level or above.
- All courses with the STAT designation must be at the 3000-level or above.
- Any mathematics course required by the computer science curriculum will not count as a math elective.
The computer science program requires an 8-hour sequence of natural science course work intended for science and engineering majors. This course work develops an understanding of the scientific method and includes laboratory work.
The science sequence requirement can only be satisfied by Series B, Series D, or Series H below.
Series B
BIOL 1020 Principles of Biology
BIOL 1021 Principles of Biology Laboratory
BIOL 1030 Organismal Biology
BIOL 1031 Organismal Biology Laboratory
Series D
CHEM 1030 Fundamentals Chemistry I
CHEM 1031 Fundamentals of Chemistry I Lab
CHEM 1040 Fundamental Chemistry II
CHEM 1041 Fundamentals of Chemistry II Lab
Series H
PHYS 1600/1607 Engineering Physics I
PHYS 1610/1617 Engineering Physics II
Technical Elective hours are used to provide breadth and depth of content. The computer science program requires 18 hours of technical elective credit, 9 hours of which must be satisfied with approved COMP courses. The remaining 9 hours can be satisfied with approved COMP courses or with approved courses from allied disciplines. The department maintains a list of approved technical electives for each semester. Students must consult with a CSSE Academic Advisor when selecting these courses.
The overall objective of the computer science program is to prepare graduates who will be successful in their chosen career paths. Within a few years of graduation, alumni of the computer science program will attain:
- PEO 1: Success in their chosen profession as evidenced by career satisfaction, promotions/raises, and leadership at levels appropriate to their experience.
- PEO 2: Success in post-undergraduate studies as evidenced by satisfaction with the decision to further their education, advanced degrees earned, and professional visibility (e.g., publications, presentations, awards, etc.).
Graduates of the CSCI program will have an ability to:
CSCI-SO-1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
CSCI-SO-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.
CSCI-SO-3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
CSCI-SO-4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
CSCI-SO-5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
CSCI-SO-6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
