Computer Science Major

Chair: Daniel Joyce, Ph.D.
Office Location: Mendel Science Center Rm. 161
Telephone: (610) 519-7307
Website

About

Computer science students explore a broad spectrum of computing technologies and concepts. Our courses provide a thorough foundation in the principles and practices of computing, paving the way for successful careers and ongoing graduate studies. Our students also learn skills in communication and the scientific, mathematical, and engineering principles that support the computing disciplines.

The Department of Computing Sciences seeks to provide outstanding education, to advance scholarship, and to engage in activities that benefit society as a whole, in accordance to the University mission. The Department aims to equip students with a solid foundation in computer science, and to prepare them for lifelong independent learning and innovative thinking in a constantly changing discipline. Its faculty members strive to maintain professional currency, and to involve students and colleagues in their research investigations. These endeavors support the University mission to transmit, pursue, and discover knowledge in an atmosphere of collegiality in the university community. Supported by a liberal arts education, the Department seeks to develop the total person, sensitive to social and ethical concerns affected by the computing discipline, and committed to addressing the needs of a diverse and interconnected modern society.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Required Major Courses (70 credits)

Program Notes:

  • Combined BS/MS in Computer Science or Software Engineering: Five-year double degree program. See departmental website for details regarding admission, requirements, the program of study, etc.
Course
Title
Credits
3
8
6
Sub-Total Credits
70

Optional Concentration

The Concentration in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is designed for undergraduate Computer Science majors who desire advanced study in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). Students will be exposed to common tools, methods, and approaches within AI/ML that prepare them to develop practical solutions to real problems. This includes topics such as collecting, processing, and choosing data, and training and evaluating AI/ML models. Additionally, the program will include consideration of ethical issues surrounding this groundbreaking technology. 

  • AI/ML Integrated Senior Project
    Students apply AI/ML techniques somewhere within their required capstone course CSC 4790 Senior Projects; concentration students will submit the AI proposal for approval to the Department Curriculum Committee. Acceptable integration includes designing AI features/solutions for the projects and building new AI models. Using AI prompts to get answers and AI assistant code generation will not constitute a “qualified” integration.
  • Students can use CSC 4500 and 4550 to meet their Computer Science Elective two-course requirement.
Course
Title
Credits
3
3
Sub-Total Credits
18

Core Curriculum Requirements (33 credits)

Computer Science Majors meet the following core requirements in the major and therefore are omitted from the summary below: 

  • Core Math (3 cr) - met by MAT 1500
  • Natural Science (8 cr) - see Natural Science with Lab requirement under Required Major Courses
Course
Title
Credits
3
3
6
3
3
Sub-Total Credits
33

Free Elective Requirement (19 credits)

Students with a Computer Science primary major have nineteen (19) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 70 credits
  • Core Credits: 33 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 19 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Computer Science as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements.