Computer Science, BS

The Bachelor of Science degree program in computer science is designed to give a student a strong background in the fundamentals of mathematics and computer science. The curriculum is designed according to the latest ACM/IEEE computer science curriculum guidelines. A graduate of this program should be able to use these fundamentals to analyze and evaluate software systems and the underlying abstractions upon which they are based. A graduate should also be able to design and implement software systems that are state-of-the-art solutions to a variety of computing problems; this includes problems that are sufficiently complex to require the evaluation of design alternatives and engineering trade-offs. In addition to these program-specific objectives, students can use their technical and open electives to pursue interests in software engineering, algorithms, artificial intelligence, databases, data mining, bioinformatics, security, computer systems, and computer networks, and all students in the Case School of Engineering are exposed to societal issues, professionalism, and are provided opportunities to develop leadership skills.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science.

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science degree program in computer science is to graduate students who have fundamental technical knowledge of their profession and the requisite technical breadth and communications skills to become leaders in creating the new techniques and technologies which will advance the field of computer science and its application to other disciplines.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program will be prepared to:

1. Analyze real-world problems and create solutions based on the fundamentals of computer science and mathematics.
2. Work effectively, professionally, collaboratively, and ethically.
3. Assume positions of leadership in industry, academia, public service, and entrepreneurship.
4. Successfully progress in advanced degree programs in computing and related fields.

Learning Outcomes

As preparation for achieving the above educational objectives, the Bachelor of Science degree program in computer science is designed so that students attain the ability to:

• Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
• Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
• Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Co-op and Internship Programs

Opportunities are available for students to alternate studies with work in industry or government as a co-op student, which involves paid full-time employment over seven months (one semester and one summer). Students may work in one or two co-ops, beginning in the third year of study. Co-ops provide students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in their field by completing a significant engineering project while receiving professional mentoring. During a co-op placement, students do not pay tuition but maintain their full-time student status while earning a salary. Alternatively or additionally, students may obtain employment as summer interns.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements. Students completing this program as a secondary major while completing another undergraduate degree program do not need to satisfy the school-specific requirements associated with this major.

Each student is required to complete at least 20 computer science and computer science related courses totaling at least 63 credit hours plus additional courses in mathematics, science, engineering and statistics.

The 20 computer science and computer science related courses must include:

1. all six core courses;
2. at least two courses from each of the four breadth areas;
3. and a course from the secure computing requirement list.

The remaining courses needed to fulfill the 20 course and 63 credit hour requirement may come from the list of approved technical electives with at most two Group 2 courses.

Other computer science related courses not listed here may be used with prior permission from the student’s academic advisor.

Computer Science Core Requirement

Computer Science Breadth Requirement

BS students are required to complete at least two courses from each of the four breadth areas for a total of eight computer science breadth courses.

Computer Science Secure Computing Requirement

Students pursuing the BS degree must demonstrate competence in the principles and practices of secure computing by completing one of the following courses as part of their 20 computer science or computer science related courses. This course may be double counted as a computer science breadth course or technical elective course, as appropriate.

Mathematics, Science and Engineering Requirement

Statistics Requirement

List of Approved Technical Electives

This list of approved technical electives is divided into groups according to how closely a course is related to the core knowledge areas as defined in the ACM/IEEE computer science curriculum guidelines. Computer Science BS students may use up to two courses from Group 2 as technical electives toward the computer science degree. Computer science related courses not listed below may be used as a technical elective but require prior permission from the student’s academic advisor.

Group 1

Group 2

Sample Plan of Study