The Computer Science general concentration is a broad program that prepares students for any introductory position in the computer science field and many other fields, including business, natural sciences, health, research, engineering, defense and more.
This concentration offers students options to customize their knowledge and skill set on top of core computer science concepts, allowing them to tailor their education to their passions. Students can focus on a specific research area in their 400-level coursework or take a breadth focus – a little bit of everything – for a broader perspective. Students can also complete a second major or minor, producing a highly interdisciplinary degree.
This concentration allows students to build on multiple different skill sets from across the other concentrations. The knowledge, skill set and focus students create within this concentration varies depending on the courses taken.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will be able to:
- Leverage teamwork to develop innovative, logical approaches to solving complex real-world problems.
- Analyze and improve processes and outcomes.
- Communicate technical skills verbally and in writing.
- Confidently pursue graduate studies or professional employment in computer science.
Potential Occupations
This broad concentration is easily applicable to numerous industries and careers. Based on the courses chosen, potential occupations may be listed below, in other concentrations and as cross-disciplinary careers.
Potential occupations include: software engineer, mobile app developer, data scientist, big data engineer, machine learning engineer, virtual and augmented reality developer, cybersecurity analyst, bioinformatics engineer, computational chemist, mixed-reality artist, data journalist and many more.
Effective Fall 2023
A minimum grade of C (2.000) is required in CO 150 and in all CS, DSCI, MATH, STAT and departmental Technology Focus Elective courses which are required for graduation.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| AUCC | Credits | ||
| CO 150 | College Composition (GT-CO2) | 1A | 3 |
| MATH 156 or 1601 | Mathematics for Computational Science I (GT-MA1) Calculus for Physical Scientists I (GT-MA1) | 1B | 4 |
| Select one group from the following:2 | 5-9 | ||
Group A | |||
| Culture and Coding: Java (GT-AH3) Culture and Coding: Python (GT-AH3) | 3B | ||
| CS1--Introduction to Java Programming CS1--Computational Thinking with Java | |||
Group B | |||
| 3B | |||
| Python for STEM | |||
| CS1--Introduction to Java Programming CS1--Computational Thinking with Java | |||
Group C | |||
| 3B | |||
| CS1---No Prior Programming Experience | |||
| CS 201/PHIL 201 | Ethical Computing Systems (GT-AH3) | 3B | 3 |
| Select at least two courses totaling a minimum of 7 credits from the following (one course must be or include the sequenced laboratory): | 7 | ||
| Introduction to Astronomy (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| Human Origins and Variation (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| Principles of Animal Biology (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| Principles of Plant Biology (GT-SC1) | 3A | ||
| Fundamentals of Chemistry (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| General Chemistry I (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| Exploring Earth - Physical Geology (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| The Blue Planet - Geology of Our Environment (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| Geology of Natural Resources (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| Physical Geology for Scientists and Engineers | 3A | ||
| Honors Seminar: Knowing in the Sciences | 3A | ||
| Attributes of Living Systems (GT-SC1) | 3A | ||
| Biology of Organisms-Animals and Plants (GT-SC1) | 3A | ||
| Introductory Genetics: Applied/Population/Conservation/Ecological (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| Introductory Genetics: Molecular/Immunological/Developmental (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| Fundamentals of Ecology (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| Oceanography (GT-SC2) | 3A | ||
| General Physics I (GT-SC1) | 3A | ||
| General Physics II (GT-SC1) | 3A | ||
| Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (GT-SC1) | 3A | ||
| Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (GT-SC1) | 3A | ||
| Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | 1C | 3 | |
| Electives3 | 1-5 | ||
| Total Credits | 26-34 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| CS 165 | CS2--Data Structures | 4 | |
| CS 220 | Discrete Structures and their Applications | 4 | |
| Select one group from the following: | 4-5 | ||
Group A | |||
| Software Development | |||
| C++ Fundamentals | |||
Group B | |||
| Software Development with C++ | |||
| Select one course from the following: | 4 | ||
| Computer Systems Foundations | |||
| Computer Organization | |||
| Select one course from the following: | 3-4 | ||
| Linear Algebra for Data Science | |||
| Linear Algebra I | |||
| Select one course from the following: | 1-3 | ||
| Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods | |||
| Statistics Supplement: General Applications | |||
| Introduction to Biostatistics | |||
| Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics | |||
| Historical Perspectives | 3D | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3C | 3 | |
| Electives | 0-4 | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | ||
| Junior | |||
| CS 314 | Software Engineering | 4A,4B | 3 |
| CS 320 | Algorithms--Theory and Practice | 3 | |
| CS 370 | Operating Systems | 3 | |
| Two CS courses numbered 300- or above, excluding 380-399 and 480-499 | 6-8 | ||
| Advanced Writing | 2 | 3 | |
| Electives | 10-12 | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Capstone Course - select one course from the following: | 4 | ||
| Introduction to Computer Graphics | 4C | ||
| Object-Oriented Design | 4C | ||
| Introduction to Analysis of Algorithms | 4C | ||
| Introduction to Bioinformatics Algorithms | 4C | ||
| Database Systems | 4C | ||
| Introduction to Big Data | 4C | ||
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 4C | ||
| Introduction to Machine Learning | 4C | ||
| Introduction to Compiler Construction | 4C | ||
| Principles of Programming Languages | 4C | ||
| Introduction to Distributed Systems | 4C | ||
| Modern CyberSecurity | 4C | ||
| Computer Networks and the Internet | 4C | ||
| Blockchain Principles and Applications | 4C | ||
| Engaging in Virtual Worlds | 4C | ||
| Principles of Human-Computer Interaction | 4C | ||
| Computer Architecture | 4C | ||
| Parallel Programming | 4C | ||
| Two CS courses numbered 400- or above, excluding 480-499 | 8 | ||
| Select one group from the following - Technology Focus or Minor/Second Major: | 10 | ||
Group A - Technology Focus | |||
Technology Focus Electives (6 credits) - see list below | |||
CS course numbered 400- or above, excluding 480-499, not taken elsewhere in the program (4 credits) | |||
Group B - Minor or Second Major 4 | |||
| Electives5 | 6-10 | ||
| Total Credits | 28-32 | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 120 | ||
Technology Focus Electives
If Group A - Technology Focus is selected Senior year, select at least 6 credits from the list below, not taken elsewhere in the program. At least 3 credits must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Any CS, CT, DSCI, IDEA, or MATH Courses numbered 300- or above, excluding 380-399 and 480-499, and MATH 369, DSCI 369, and CT 301 | ||
| Any STAT Courses numbered 300- or above, excluding 301, 302A, 307, 315, 380-399 and 480-499 | ||
| BZ 350 | Molecular and General Genetics | 4 |
| BZ 360 | Bioinformatics and Genomics | 4 |
| CIS 320 | Project Management for Information Systems | 3 |
| CIS 350 | Operating Systems and Networks | 3 |
| CIS 360 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CIS 413 | Advanced Networking and Security | 3 |
| CIS 455 | Advanced Database Management | 3 |
| ECE 452 | Computer Organization and Architecture | 3 |
| ENGR 422 | Technology Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| JTC 372 | Web Design and Development | 3 |
| JTC 472 | Advanced Web Design and Development | 3 |
| MATH 161 | Calculus for Physical Scientists II (GT-MA1) | 4 |
| MATH 256 | Mathematics for Computational Science II | 4 |
| MGT 330 | Creativity, Innovation, and Value Creation | 3 |
| MGT 340 | Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| MGT 420 | New Venture Creation | 3 |
| PHIL 410 | Gödel's Incompleteness Theorems | 3 |
| PHIL 411 | Logic in Philosophy and Beyond | 3 |
| PHIL 415 | Logic and Scientific Method | 3 |
| PSY 252 | Mind, Brain, and Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 352 | Learning and Memory | 3 |
| PSY 452 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 454 | Biological Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 456 | Sensation and Perception | 3 |
| PSY 458 | Cognitive Neuroscience | 3 |
- 1
- 2
- 3
CS 192 or other seminar course is a recommended elective for incoming first semester students.
- 4
Of the 21 credits for the minor or second major, none may be from CS.
- 5
Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).
Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:
To prepare for first semester: The curriculum for the Computer Science major assumes students enter college prepared to take calculus. Entering students who are not prepared to take calculus will need to fulfill pre-calculus requirements in the first semester. All students must maintain a C (2.000) or better in CO 150 and in all CS, DSCI, MATH, STAT and departmental Technology Focus Elective courses which are required for graduation.
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| CO 150 | College Composition (GT-CO2) | 1A | 3 | ||
| First course from Group A, B, or C (See options in Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 2-3 | |||
| Department Approved Science (See list on Concentration Requirements Tab) | 3A | 3 | |||
| Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | X | 1C | 3 | ||
| Elective | 1 | ||||
| MATH 124 and MATH 126 may be necessary for some students to fulfill pre-calculus requirements. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 12-13 | ||||
| Semester 2 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| CS 201/PHIL 201 | Ethical Computing Systems (GT-AH3) | 3B | 3 | ||
| MATH 156 or 160 | Mathematics for Computational Science I (GT-MA1) Calculus for Physical Scientists I (GT-MA1) | 1B | 4 | ||
| Remaining course(s) from Group A, B, or C (See options in Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 2-4 | |||
| Department Approved Science with Lab (See list on Concentration Requirements Tab) | 3A | 4 | |||
| Electives | 0-4 | ||||
| CO 150 must be completed by the end of Semester 2 with a grade of C or better. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 13-19 | ||||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Semester 3 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| CS 165 | CS2--Data Structures | X | 4 | ||
| CS 220 | Discrete Structures and their Applications | X | 4 | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 1-3 | ||||
| Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods | |||||
| Statistics Supplement: General Applications | |||||
| Introduction to Biostatistics | |||||
| Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics | |||||
| Historical Perspectives | 3D | 3 | |||
| Electives | 0-4 | ||||
| Total Credits | 16 | ||||
| Semester 4 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| Select one group from the following: | X | 4-5 | |||
| Group A | |||||
| Software Development | |||||
| C++ Fundamentals | |||||
| Group B | |||||
| Software Development with C++ | |||||
| Select one course from the following: | X | 4 | |||
| Computer Systems Foundations | X | ||||
| Computer Organization | X | ||||
| Select one course from the following: | 3-4 | ||||
| Linear Algebra for Data Science | X | ||||
| Linear Algebra I | X | ||||
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3C | 3 | |||
| CS 165 and CS 220 and CS 270 must be completed by the end of Semester 4. | X | ||||
| MATH 156 or MATH 160 and MATH 369 or DSCI 369 must be completed by the end of Semester 4. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 14 | ||||
| Junior | |||||
| Semester 5 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| CS 314 | Software Engineering | X | 4A,4B | 3 | |
| CS 320 | Algorithms--Theory and Practice | X | 3 | ||
| Advanced Writing | 2 | 3 | |||
| Electives | 5-6 | ||||
| CS 253 must be completed by the end of Semester 5. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 15 | ||||
| Semester 6 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| CS 370 | Operating Systems | 3 | |||
| Two CS courses numbered 300- or above, excluding 380-399 and 480-499 | X | 6-8 | |||
| Electives | 5-6 | ||||
| CS 314 and CS 320 and CS 370 must be completed by the end of Semester 6. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 15 | ||||
| Senior | |||||
| Semester 7 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| Capstone Course (See Capstone Course List on Concentration Requirements tab) | X | 4C | 4 | ||
| CS course numbered 400- or above, excluding 480-499 | X | 4 | |||
| Technology Focus or Minor/Second Major courses | 6 | ||||
| At least 2 Upper-Division CS classes must be completed by the end of Semester 7. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 14 | ||||
| Semester 8 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| CS*** Course numbered 400- or above | X | 4 | |||
| Technology Focus or Minor/Second Major courses | X | 4 | |||
| Electives | X | 8 | |||
| The benchmark courses for the 8th semester are the remaining courses in the entire program of study. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 16 | ||||
| Program Total Credits: | 120 | ||||