B.S. in Computer Science

Program Chair: Christopher A. Lynch

Computer technology plays a critical role in virtually every business and institution. It is an essential tool in every branch of science and engineering. Many forms of art and entertainment are centered on computer technology. Computer scientists are professionals who understand the technology and have the skills to develop and apply it.

Many computer scientists work as software developers who design, implement, test and maintain computer software. They can also work as information technology specialists who deploy and manage information technology, including computer systems and networks, database systems and Web technology. Some are researchers who invent new technology or study its theoretical foundations. Others become lawyers, journalists and some go on to manage their own businesses.

The Computer Science major is organized into four options. The General option is the most flexible. It allows students to design an individualized program of study. The other three options prepare students for the specific career paths mentioned above. They are the Software Design and Development, Information Technology, and Research options.

The requirements of the General option are shown below. The other options are described in detail in the CS student handbook, which is available in the department office (Science Center 357) and on the Department of Computer Science web pages. The first five semesters of the sample schedule shown below are common to all options of the CS major.

In addition to the courses listed below, students must also meet the communication and professional experience requirements of the Common Experience.  See the CS student handbook for guidance.

The Computer Science major is designed so that by the time they graduate, students should be able to:

• demonstrate a solid understanding of the core concepts of computer science and some advanced topics in computer science;
• research clearly and analytically about software and computing systems;
• work effectively with a variety of programming languages, software tools and computing environments;
• solve substantial real-world problems;
• read computer science literature;
• communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• work effectively in teams; and
• use computer science literature and other similar resources for independent study or to research the solution to a computing problem.

Computer Science Curriculum
FIRST YEAR
First Semester				Second Semester
Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.		Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.
CS141	Intro to Computer			CS142	Intro to Computer
	Science I	4			Science II	3
MA131	Calculus I	3		MA132	Calculus II	3
	Science Sequence	4			Science Sequence	4
UNIV190	Clarkson Seminar	3			KA Elective	3
FY100	First-Year Seminar	1			Free Elective	3
		15				16
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester				Second Semester
Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.		Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.
CS242	Advanced Programming			CS241	Computer Organization	3
	Concepts	3		CS344	Algorithms and Data
MA211	Foundations	3			Structures	3
	Science Elective	3		MA339	Applied Linear Algebra	3
	KA/UC	3			Science Elective	3
	Free Elective	3			KA/UC	3
		15				15
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester				Second Semester
Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.		Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.
CS341	Programming			CS444	Operating Systems	3
	Languages	3			CS Elective	3
CS345	Automata Theory	3		STAT383	Applied Statistics	3
CS350	Software Design and				KA/UC	3
	Development	3			Free Elective	3
	KA/UC	3
	Free Elective	3				15
		15
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester				Second Semester
Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.		Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.
	CS Electives	6			CS Electives	6
	Free Electives	9			Free Electives	8
CS499	Professional Experience	0
		15				14