Computer Science, BA

2nd Major for College Students only.

Computer scientists have revolutionized society and created the computer and telecommunications industries that are so important to human life and the world's economy. As a result of this revolution, expertise in computer science is essential in many new areas, including computer and network service and consulting companies, financial institutions, health industries, natural science labs and medical research labs, and other contexts where intensive manipulation of information is important. As a result, opportunities for computer scientists have expanded greatly, both in specialized fields as well as in numerous dual-career opportunities in which computer expertise is combined with advanced degrees in business, communication, engineering, law, medicine, and science.

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences can add Computer Science as a second major, but it cannot be a student's sole major. College students will receive one degree from the College of Arts and Sciences, with Computer Science as the second major on the student's transcript.

Students must apply for admission to the Computer Science major. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and a grade of B or higher in CIS 1200 are required. Students wanting to add Computer Science as their 2nd major must also be able to do so without extending their graduation date.

Curriculum

Major Requirements
CIS 1100Introduction to Computer Programming1
CIS 1200Programming Languages and Techniques I1
CIS 1600Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science1
CIS 1210Programming Languages and Techniques II1
CIS 2400Introduction to Computer Systems1
CIS 2620Automata, Computability, and Complexity1
CIS 3200Introduction to Algorithms1
Project Electives 12
CIS Elective 21
CIS Electives ≥2000-level 22
Total Course Units12
1

The only allowed Project Electives are CIS 3500CIS 4120CIS 5120CIS 4410CIS 5410CIS 4480CIS 5480CIS 4500CIS 5500CIS 4521CIS 5521CIS 4550CIS 5550CIS 4600CIS 5600CIS 4710CIS 5710CIS 5050CIS 5530ESE 3500 and NETS 2120.

2

A CIS Elective is any CIS or NETS Engineering course; note that non-Engineering CIS/NETS courses are excluded. ESE 3500 may also be used as a CIS Elective.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.