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Department of Computer Science

Theory and Analysis CS Major

A bachelor of science in Computer Science is our most challenging undergraduate degree program. Students who like the structure and technical nature of engineering would probably like this program of study. In addition to receiving more technical material (44 hours of computer science courses, 19 hours of mathematics courses, 12 hours of science courses, and 6 hours of engineering courses), students also have significant general education requirements. Students considering this major will find it difficult to fit a second major or minor into their programs.

The Computer Science Theory and Analysis Major has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc., 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 – telephone (410) 347-7700. Students enrolled in the major are expected to follow program requirements closely and are required to see an advisor prior to registration every Fall and Spring.

This degree is recommended for students who plan to pursue advanced degrees in computer science, who are interested in doing research in the computing sciences, and those seeking employment with companies which produce computer hardware or software.

Program Educational Objectives:

  1. Graduates will be employable and successful in a variety of professional computing positions.
  2. Graduates will possess backgrounds which qualify them to pursue graduate study in computer science.
  3. Graduates will exhibit knowledge and skills sufficient for continued intellectual growth in computing.
  4. Graduates will possess an awareness and understanding of social and ethical issues in computing.
  5. Graduates will be able to communicate orally and in writing.
  6. Graduates will be able to work collaboratively with others.

Program Outcomes:

  1. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
  2. An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
  3. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
  4. An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
  5. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
  6. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  7. An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
  8. Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
  9. An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
  10. An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
  11. An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

In addition to the discipline specific requirements, students must complete the university general education requirements. Some of these requirements can be met by certain courses required by the program.

Computer Science – Core 44 HRS
CS 1110 Computer Science I 4
CS 1120 Computer Science II 4
CS 2230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language 3
CS 2240 System Programming Concepts 3
CS 3310 Data and File Structures 3
CS 4310 Design and Analysis of Algorithms 3
CS 4540 Operating System 3
CS 4800 Theory of Computation 3
CS 4850 Programming Languages 3
CS 4900 Software Systems Development I: Requirements & Design* 3
CS 4910 Software Systems Development II: Implementation & Testing 2
CS 4980 The Computer Science Profession 1
3 Approved Non-Language CS Electives – [SEE ADVISOR] 9
*CS 4900 satisfies the baccalaureate-level writing requirement.

Electives (to be approved by Advisor) can be chosen from the following:
CS 3400 Graphical User Interface Design
CS 4950 Topics in Computer and Information Science
CS 4990 Undergraduate Research
CS 5180 Introduction to Computer Modeling and Simulation
CS 5250 Computer Architecture
CS 5260 Parallel Computations I
CS 5270 Theory of Computer Graphics
CS 5300 Artificial Neural Systems
CS 5400 Design the User Interface
CS 5410 Game Programming
CS 5430 Data Base Management Systems
CS 5550 Computer Networks and Distributed Systems
CS 5600 Software Requirements Analysis and Design
CS 5700 Computer Security and Information Assurance
CS 5800 Theory of Computation II: Formal Languages
CS 5810 Compiler Design and Implementation
CS 5820 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Techniques
CS 5950 Advanced Topics
CS 5990 Independent Study

Mathematics-Minor
19 HRS
MATH 1220 Calculus I 4
MATH 1230 Calculus II 4
MATH 1450 Discrete Structures 3
MATH 2300 Elementary Linear Algebra 4
STAT 3640 Statistical Methods 4

Science/Engineering Cognates
24 HRS
CHEM 1100-1110 Gen. Chemistry I (w/Lab) 4
CHEM 1120-1130 Gen. Chemistry II (w/Lab) 4
GEOS 1300 Physical Geology 4
GEOS 1310 Historical Geology 4
BIOS 1500 Molecular and Cellular Biology 4
BIOS 1510 Organism Biology 4
PHYS 2050 2060 University Physics I 5
PHYS 2070 2080 University Physics II 5
ECE 2500 Digital Logic I 3
ECE 3570 Computer Architecture 3
*One additional science course with labselected from any science with lab course in the above list or in the WMU General Education Area VI, but this course must be in a different discipline from the two-semester science sequence used to satisfy the requirement above.. 4-5

Other Requirements
30 HRS
This Major has requirements beyond the University General Education Requirements. In particular, COM 104 and PHIL 410.  These requirements include:
COM 1040 Public Speaking 3
PHIL4100 Professional Ethics 4
General Education Area I – Fine Arts 3-4
General Education Area II – Humanities 3-4
General Education Area III – U.S. Cultures & Issues 3-4
General Education Area IV – Other Cultures 3-4
General Education Area V – Social & Behavioral Sciences 3-4
General Education Area VI – Natural Sciences w/ Lab (Satisfied by the science sequence courses required above. Not counted as part of CSAB accreditation 30 hour requirement.)
General Education Area VII – Natural Science & Technology: (May not use CS1000 or CS1010/1110 if taken after CS1110)
Applications and Implications
3-4
General Education Area VIII – Health & Well-Being 2
General Education Distribution Area – Elective
(Must not be from engineering, science, or mathematics)
3

Additional Requirements to Meet the University General Education Requirements
The University’s 37 hour General Education Requirements can be satisfied by judicious selection of courses needed to meet this 30 hours requirement. [SEE ADVISOR]
IME 1020 Proficiency #1 – College-Level Writing Course (ENGL 1050 or BCM 1420 would also satisfy this) 3
CS 4900 (Satisfied by prior programmatic requirement. Required by General Education, but not counted within credit hour requirements.)
MATH 1180 Proficiency #3 – College-Level Mathematics Course (Waived if student begins with calculus.) 4
MATH 1220 Proficiency #4 – Enhanced Proficiency (Satisfied by prior programmatic requirement.) 4
University General Education Credit Hour Summary (Needed to complete General Education 37 hour requirement. General Education hours provided by CSAB ‘Other Requirements’ (23) + Proficiency Requirements (11) + Science (Area VI) Requirements (5)

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