Major in Computer Science

Bachelor of Arts (includes Secondary Certification Option)*
The bachelor of arts program in computer science is an ideal choice for those students interested in the technical aspects of the computer and in computer programming. The program emphasizes software and systems design, while also providing an introduction to computer hardware.

Students completing this program pursue careers as computer programmers, systems analysts, or software systems design specialists. Students completing teaching certification pursue careers as teachers or as computer laboratory coordinators at the middle school or high school level.

A student who combines the computer science major with a minor is particularly well prepared to enter the job market. Appropriate minors may be in a field of business, communication, mathematics, or a science.

As well as completing the required computer science courses, it is recommended that students take additional communications and mathematics courses. The following courses are particularly recommended:

COM150 Public Speaking
COM/ENG204 Technical and Professional Writing
ECN/SBS232 General Statistics
MTH112 Mathematics for Decision Making
MTH212 Calculus for Decision Making
PHL120 Logic

Required Courses: Choose 27 semester hours
CSC150 Computer Science I
CSC160 Computer Science II
CSC250 Computer Science III
CSC260 Discrete Structures
CSC280 Visual Basic Programming
*CSC315 Computer Organization
CSC330 Advanced Data Structures
CSC365 Object-Oriented Programming
**EDU382 Methods for Teaching Computer Science Grades 6-12
CSC425 Capstone in Computer Science

Selected Courses: Choose 15 semester hours
BUS/CSC322 Management Information Systems
CSC336 Application of Internet Programming Techniques
CSC350 Microcomputer Systems
CSC362 Programming Language Concepts
CSC375 Visual Programming
CSC383 Directed Study: Programming Laboratory
CSC415 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CSC420 Information System Analysis and Design
CSC436 Database Systems
CSC440 Data Communication Systems and Networks
CSC460 Compiler Construction
CSC470 Operating Systems
CSC281, 381, 481 Selected Topic:
CSC283, 383, 483 Directed Study
CSC394, 494 Career Application Field Experience (internship)

NOTE: Certification for teaching computer science in grades 6-12 requires a total of 30 semester hours in computer science, including the courses listed as required above. However, CSC350 may be substituted for CSC315. Certification for teaching also requires a student to take the course EDU382 Secondary Methods in the Content Area and the prescribed professional education courses offered by the School of Education.

* CSC350 Microcomputer Systems may be substituted for CSC315 Computer Organization by those seeking teacher certification in computer science.

** Required only for those seeking teacher certification in Computer Science.