Computer Science emphasizes object-oriented programming and includes the study of computer architecture and the design and analysis of algorithms. The major follows the guidelines for a Computer Science major set by the Association for Computing Machinery and provides students with a broad understanding of the field. It prepares students for careers in computer programming, systems administration, software engineering, applications and systems software development, network administration, and technical support. It also prepares students for graduate study in Computer Science.
Students majoring in Computer Science are advised to consider minors in Computer Information Systems, Economics, Graphic Design, Mathematics, and Web Design, or electives in these areas as well as Accounting, Management, and the sciences.
Freshman students majoring in Computer Science are expected to complete 8 credits in Computer Science and 6-8 credits in Mathematics their freshman year. Students needing precalculus courses should complete MA 142 Accelerated Precalculus. Seniors must successfully complete an internship.
A minimum grade of C- is required in any course within the Computer Science major that serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course.
Liberal Arts Core requirements: All Liberal Arts Core requirements must be fulfilled. It is recommended that students work with an advisor to ensure compliance.
Major requirements: CS 110-111 Programming I & II; CS 210 Structure of Programming Languages; CS 220 Data Structures and Algorithms; CS 230 Computer Organization; CS 310 Software Engineering; CS 350 Operating Systems; CS/MA 391D Topics in Computational Mathematics: Theory of Computation; CS 400 Internship; CS 410 Capstone Project; and 6 credits of Computer Science electives, including 3 at the 300 level or above; MA 150-151 Discrete Mathematical Structures I & II; MA 181-182 Calculus I & II; MA 215 Linear Algebra; and 12 credits of laboratory science, including a one-year-long sequence from BIO 151-152, CHM 151-152, or PHYS 171-172.
Electives: to total 120 credits.
This dual program allows advanced students to complete a B.S. and an M.S. in Computer Science (CS) in five years. Undergraduate students with a major in Computer Science must have the following prerequisites to apply:
Once admitted to the program, the students will take a mixture of undergraduate and up to 12 credits of graduate courses for graduate credit in their senior year. The students are automatically admitted to the M.S. program at the end of their senior year after completing a total of 120 undergraduate credits while maintaining the required GPAs. The GRE and interview is waived for their entry into the M.S. in Computer Science program. The students then complete an additional 21 graduate credits in their fifth year to complete the 33-credit M.S. degree in Computer Science.
Major requirements:
Undergraduates seeking teaching licensure on the secondary level in Computer Science fulfill the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science as well as 18 credits of professional studies. Students should consult their primary advisor in Computer Science for program requirements. A second advisor is also provided by the School of Education and Human Services. See the School of Education and Human Services for a complete description of the undergraduate teaching licensure programs and the admission process.
Students pursuing licensure in this manner complete all requirements necessary for Virginia licensure including field experiences and student teaching. This program of studies allows students to complete a baccalaureate degree in Computer Science and to be licensed to teach secondary Computer Science at the end of four years.
Students who have or will have completed a licensure program and seek an additional licensure in Computer Science must take a total of 20 credits from the following courses: CIS 101 Computer Applications I, CS 110 Programming I, CS 111 Programming II, CS 220 Data Structures and Algorithms, CS or CIS elective, and CS elective.
Minor requirements: CS 110-111 Programming I & II, MA 150-151 Discrete Mathematical Structures I & II, CS 220 Data Structures and Algorithms, and two additional courses in CS (one must be numbered 200 or above).