Affiliation: School of Sciences & Mathematics
The goal of the bachelor’s degree program in computer science is to educate a graduate with a broad intellectual base, well-developed interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills, and a mastery of the appropriate elements of the discipline of computer science. Graduates should be well-qualified for advanced study in strong graduate programs or employment in a professional career requiring extensive preparation in computer science.
THE DEGREE PROGRAM
The major requirements of the BS degree program for computer science majors are based on the curriculum recommendations of the Association for Computing Machinery and the Computer Society of IEEE. In addition to the University’s Dialogues, the major requires support including two semesters of calculus, one semester of statistics, a semester of General Chemistry, College Physics, Physics with Calculus, or Introductory Biology, and an additional mathematics or science course.
The major program consists of a core of courses, followed by five elective courses. The core comprises two introductory courses that focus on concepts, programming, and simple data structures, followed by courses that examine the mathematical structures that are important in computer science, the theoretical foundation of computing, systems programming, computer architecture, data structures, and the ethics of computing. The five electives are selected from three categories to allow the student to develop expertise while following his or her interests.
A freshman seminar introduces the students to faculty in the major and to the Computer Science program. The seminar also gives freshmen opportunities for interaction with fellow majors. Graduating computer science majors take a senior seminar to assist their transition from undergraduate study to graduate study or the work force. The senior seminar includes a review for exit exams, résumé writing, and job search techniques. A capstone experience is also required of computer science majors, giving them the opportunity to integrate the areas of knowledge acquired in the major.
COMPUTER SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
All computer science majors will develop their skills as speakers and as writers. CS 345 Cyberethics is a Writing-Enhanced course where students examine “writing about research” and are required to give presentations. All students complete a capstone experience that includes a presentation and a paper. Other elective CS courses involve writing and speaking experiences in a variety of settings, including longer and shorter forms, formal and informal styles, in-person and online delivery, with a special emphasis on communication products aimed at technical experts and non-experts. Some of these courses are also Writing-Enhanced.
Overview of the Computer Science Introductory Courses
Computer science majors take CS 180 and CS 181, Foundations of Computer Science I and II, CS 191 Computing Structures, and CS 291 Models of Computation. This collection of courses is an introduction to computer science and to the mathematical foundations of computing.
A non-major introductory course (CS 170) is offered for those who want an introduction to the field, but do not plan to take additional CS courses. Non-majors are also welcome in the CS 180 course. All those who want to major or minor in Computer Science should take CS 180. A student who takes CS 170 and then decides to continue with CS courses is required to take CS 180. For Computer Science minors, CS 170 can possibly be counted toward the minor requirement.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Several opportunities are available for students to pursue their interests and become involved in learning communities, and to get acquainted with peers and faculty outside classroom settings. A student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery, a national professional society for computer scientists, hosts guest speakers, capstone presentations and works on service projects. The Tru Women in Computer Science (TWiCS) is an organization of women students who have an interest in computer science. TWiCS is partially supported by a grant from the Boeing Company. TWiCS members support each other and have fun through hands-on activities, discussions, outside speakers, tutoring sessions, field trips, and social events.
A group of faculty and students from the Departments of Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics are teaming up to explore opportunities for study that exist at the intersection of the biological and mathematical sciences. This hot field is often referred to as mathematical biology, and is of growing importance to pharmaceutical, agricultural, medical, and research institutions. There is an ongoing research program in bioinformatics involving students and faculty.
There are also opportunities to work with faculty and other students in the form of employment as tutors or graders for lower-level computer science courses.
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Honors in Computer Science may be earned by:
- Maintaining an overall grade point average of 3.5,
- Maintaining a major grade point average of 3.5,
- Scoring at or above the 80th percentile on the senior exam,
- Demonstrating excellence in scholarship by producing a scholarly paper or project, and
- Receiving the approval of a majority of the regular faculty in computer science.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
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