Department of Computer Science

[1] Programs of Study and Purposes

The Department of Computer Science offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, the Master of Science in Computer Science, and a minor in Computer Science. The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is offered in collaboration with the Department of Management Information Systems and the Department of Political Science.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science emphasizes problem solving in the context of algorithm development and software implementation, and prepares students for effectively using modern computer systems in various applications. This BS program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours in computer science, about 31 credit hours in mathematics and the sciences, and the university general education program. The departmental curriculum provides required computer science courses such as programming languages, data structures, computer architecture and organization, algorithms, database systems, operating systems, and software engineering; as well as elective courses in artificial intelligence, computer-based communication networks, distributed computing, information security, graphics, human-computer interaction, multimedia, scientific computing, web technology, and other current topics in computer science.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering emphasizes the ability of developing and adapting computer hardware for applications, and prepares broadly trained computer engineers who are experienced in both software and hardware engineering. This program requires a minimum of 59 credit hours in computer science and computer engineering, about 37 credit hours in mathematics and the sciences, and the university general education program. The departmental curriculum provides required computer engineering courses such as assembly language and computer organization, electronics, computer architecture, signals and systems, digital logic, microprocessor systems, and embedded systems; as well as elective courses in networking, operating systems, image processing, signal processing, microelectronics, and other current topics in computer engineering.

The purpose of the BS programs in computer science and computer engineering are twofold: (1) to prepare the student for a position involving the design, development and implementation of computer software/hardware, and (2) to prepare the student for entry into a program of graduate study in computer science/engineering and related fields. The educational objectives for students completing these BS degree programs are that they

The department also offers a minor in Computer Science. The computer science minor curriculum provides necessary background for students interested in using computational methods to solve a broad range of application problems in sciences and engineering, such as bioinformatics, computational chemistry, computational engineering, computational mathematics, and others.

[2] Honors in Computer Science and the Combined BS+MS Program in Computer Science

[Jump to Recognition of Academic Achievement for general information about Honors in the Majors.]

Junior and senior students who have demonstrated superior achievement in all areas, particularly in their computer science major, may be invited to participate in the Honors in Computer Science program. These students will engage in investigations in special computer science topics. The successful completion of their research will make these students eligible to graduate with Honors in Computer Science.

The department offers a combined and accelerated option for students to complete both the BS in Computer Science and the MS in Applied Computing degrees. This option allows qualified undergraduate seniors in the BS program in Computer Science to take first-year graduate-level courses in the MS program. These students will be able to complete all the requirements for the BS and MS programs in five years. Students interested in this five-year BS+MS combined option should contact his/her academic advisor or the department chair for details.

[3] Baccalaureate Degrees: Bachelor of Science

[3.1] Major in Computer Science

[3.1.1] Computer Science Student Outcomes

All undergraduate students majoring in Computer Science will meet the following student general outcomes, specified by ABET CAC, upon their graduation:

1. Analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.

Specifically, graduates should have an ability to

6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

[3.1.2] Computer Science Program Requirements

[Back to program-of-study links]

The Bachelor of Science, with a major in computer science, requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) degree requirements; and (3) major requirements outlined below. This program does not require a minor.

Required Computer Science Courses (39 hours)

Elective Computer Science Courses (12 hours required)

Note: At most one CSCI course with grade of D can be applied toward the BS degree.

Required mathematics courses (at least 16 hours)

Required Science Courses (12 hours)

[3.1.3] Major in Computer Science with a Data Science Concentration

[Back to program-of-study links]

Required Computer Science Courses (38 hours)

Data Science Elective Courses (at least 15 hours required)

Note: At most one CSCI course with grade of D can be applied toward the BS degree.

Required Mathematics Courses (16 hours)

Required Science Courses (12 hours)

[3.2] Minor in Computer Science

[Back to program-of-study links]

[3.2.1] Requirements for the Computer Science Minor (17 hours)

Required CSCI courses

[3.3] Major in Computer Engineering

[Back to program-of-study links]

[3.3.1] Computer Engineering Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science, with a major in computer engineering, requires successful completion of 125 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 39 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) degree requirements; and (3) major requirements outlined below. This program does not require a minor.

Required Computer Science and Computer Engineering Courses (52 hours)

Elective Computer Engineering Courses (6 hours required; choose at least two)

Note: At most one CSCI/ENGR course with a grade of D can be applied toward the BS in Computer Engineering degree.

Required mathematics courses (21 hours)

Required science courses (16 hours)

Other Required courses (30 hours)

[4] Master’s Degree

See Graduate Bulletin.

[5] Courses in Computer Science (CSCI)

Follow this link for CSCI course descriptions: course link.