Program Educational Objectives

The program educational objectives are: 

1. Preparation for both professional practice and advanced study 

2. Promotion of the ideas of life-long learning 

3. Development of self-fulfillment, confidence, and belonging within the discipline of computer science 

4. Development of ethical values and personal responsibility 

5. Encouragement of inter- and intradisciplinary exploration 

The program educational objectives are met by a modern curriculum that balances computing practices with the fundamental theories of computer science. Mathematics, projects, and digital hardware courses are important components of the curriculum. In addition to traditional technical courses, and in keeping with the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person, the curriculum includes studies in the humanities, communications, social sciences, and fine arts. Opportunities for involvement in professional societies, student design competitions, public open-source projects, research with faculty, and University co-curricular activities are plentiful and help to accomplish these objectives. 

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Science undergraduate program will be able to:

1. Communicate the purpose and technical details of a software system
2. Work effectively as a team member
3. Apply the right language or tool for a given computing task
4. Design, implement, test, and evaluate software components and systems

Transfer Requirements

Students interested in transferring into the Computer Science undergraduate program must complete MATH 131 , CMSI 1010 , and CMSI 2120  with a minimum grade of B (3.0) in each course before being considered. Final approval of the transfer request resides with the department chair.

Graduation Requirements

Department criteria for graduation include (1) completion of at least 124 semester hours covering all requirements below, with (2) a minimum of 45 semester hours of upper division courses, and (3) a minimum grade point average of C (2.0) in the upper division courses. The course requirements fall into five areas: 

• Computer Science Foundational Knowledge and Skills: CMSI 1010   Computer Programming & Laboratory; CMSI 1900   Exploring Computer Science; CMSI 2120   Data Structures & Applications; CMSI 2130   Algorithms & Analysis; CMSI 2820   Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science; CMSI 2210   Computer Systems Organization; EECE 2242  Logic & Computer Design. 

• CMSI 2820   may be replaced with MATH 367 . This substitution is recommended for students wishing to double major or minor in mathematics. 

• Computer Science Explorations: These courses build on foundational knowledge and skills to deepen undergraduate-level exposure to the field. In addition to a fixed set of explorations courses required of all majors, students must select four or more breadth explorations courses that include at least one course from three distinct tracks, determined in consultation with the student’s academic advisor. Students have the flexibility to emphasize breadth by continuing to select courses across multiple tracks or emphasize depth by focusing on courses within a single track aligning to more specialized interests. 

• CMSI 3801  Languages and Automata I; CMSI 3802  Languages and Automata II 

• Four (4) total courses, one from each of the three tracks listed below, plus one additional upper division computer science course, not limited to the selections below. 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)-This track prepares students to address modern problems in machine learning, intelligent agent design, and the data sciences, extending both industry capabilities and theoretic development for academia: CMSI 3300  Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, CMSI 4320  Cognitive Systems, CMSI 533  Data Science, CMSI 5350  Machine Learning, CMSI 5370  Natural Language Processing 

• Systems/Architecture (SA)-This track focuses on the architecture and design of hardware and software systems, along with security and privacy issues relating to systems and networks: CMSI 3520  Introduction to Database Systems, CMSI 3550  Networks and the Internet, CMSI 3510  Operating Systems, EECE 3140  Microprocessor and Microcontroller Systems

• Games and Interaction (GI)-This track provides an in-depth examination of both game design (the rules, objectives, etc. that make games successful) and development (the implementation of a designed game), alongside the underpinning theories of user interaction and computer graphics: CMSI 3700  Interaction Design, CMSI 3710  Computer Graphics, CMSI 3751  Game Design, CMSI 3752  Game Development 

• Computer Science Applications, Integration, and Mastery: One of CMSI 2021  or CMSI 2022 ; one of CMSI 4071  or CMSI 4081 ; one of CMSI 4072  or CMSI 4082   

• Mathematics Core: MATH 131 ; MATH 132 ; MATH 251 ; MATH 361  

  • The MATH 361  requirement is waived for students who take CMSI 4320 .

• University Core: A minimum of 32 semester hours that must include the following: 

• Free Electives: Courses necessary to bring the total semester hour count to 124. Students will normally prepare a coherent program of electives and related core courses with a faculty advisor. Students may use elective slots for additional Computer Science courses, either emphasizing breadth by taking courses across multiple tracks, or depth by selecting multiple courses within a track. Students may also use free electives to help pursue a second major or minor or take any combination of courses that suits their interests. Example elective groups include, but are by no means limited to: 

• Business and Information Management: Selected electives from economics or business and multiple courses from Information Systems and Business Analytics, such as ISBA 3720  Systems Analysis and Design. 

• Scientific Computing: Three suitable science courses and two math courses outside the Computer Science Mathematics Core with a computational component. 

• Games and Animation: The Games and Interaction computer science track can be supplemented with several suitable animation (ANIM) courses and one physics course, preferably PHYS 1100  Introduction to Mechanics. 

• Mathematics: Courses selected from Calculus III, Differential Equations, Abstract Algebra, Methods of Applied Math, Real Variables, Complex Variables, Topology, or any upper division mathematics course. 

• Cognitive Science: The Artificial Intelligence computer science track can be supplemented with PSYC 2003  Brain and Behavior (with appropriate PSYC prerequisites), PSYC 4001  Cognitive Neuroscience (with appropriate prerequisites). One or more courses in linguistics or the philosophy of language and thought are recommended. 

• General Breadth: Any number of free electives to create a broad-based education. A mix of martial arts, languages, music or music theory, film, animation, psychology, and various selections from the humanities, communications, and creative arts are common choices. 

Curriculum

(124 Semester Hours)

A typical course of study leading to the B.S. degree in computer science is as follows. Note that his chart is not a substitute for the official requirements above. Students must consult with an academic advisor to ensure all graduation requirements are satisfied and that 124 total semester hours are completed. 

Notes

*Only one of CMSI 2021  or CMSI 2022  is required, though students are welcome to take both. 

**Students who take Computer Science exploration electives that also satisfy university core requirements (e.g., CMSI 3700 ,CMSI 3710 , and CMSI 3920 ) will be able to take additional free electives. 

Total Semester Hours: 124