Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 General Catalog (Spring, Summer 2015) 
    
2014-2015 General Catalog (Spring, Summer 2015) ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Computer Science - BA


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College of Engineering

Department of Computer Science

The department offers a degree program with emphases in Science (SC), Digital Systems (DS), Software Development (SD), and Bioinformatics (BI). The objectives are to train computer scientists who can relate to science, computer design, or information-based business disciplines. Other areas of emphasis will be considered on an individual basis.

Students must complete the General Education Requirements .

Students must also complete the University Studies Depth Requirements .

In addition to their major requirements, students in the Computer Science major must complete the following minimum university requirements stated below:

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement, students seeking a BA in Computer Science must fill all of the stated major requirements.


Bachelor of Arts Degree Language Requirement


Bachelor of Arts Degree

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree signifies proficiency in one or more foreign languages. Specifically, the BA requirement may be completed in one of the following ways:

  1. Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language by successful completion of one course at the 2020-level or higher (or its equivalent).
    Or
  2. Demonstration of proficiency in American Sign Language by successful completion of COMD 4920  and COMD 4780 , and by passing an exit interview.
    Or
  3. Demonstration of proficiency in two foreign languages by successful completion of the 1020 course level in one language and the 2010 course level in the second language (or its equivalent).
    Or
  4. Completion of an upper-division (3000-level or higher) foreign language grammar or literature course requiring the 2020 course level (or its equivalent) as a prerequisite. Conversation courses cannot be considered for satisfying this requirement.

For nonnative English-speaking students only, the following options are available:

  1. Successful completion of the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) program for international students.
    Or
  2. TOEFL, Michigan, or IELI placement scores high enough to meet the University admission criteria.

First Semester Schedule (15-16 credits)


Depending upon emphasis, a new student’s first semester schedule is configured from the following:

Computer Science Major


Computer Science deals with information structures and processes as they are represented and implemented in modern high-speed digital computers, and with information processing systems designed to implement useful applications of computing.

The program in computer science provides a solid foundation of knowledge about computers and teaches a mode of thinking that permits continuing growth on the part of graduates. Prospective students should have an aptitude for mathematics and logic and an interest in analysis and deduction.

Computer science is one of the fastest growing fields of study in our society. Excellent employment opportunities are available to computer science graduates. All of the major corporations hire computer science graduates. Graduates in Computer Science work for numerous Utah-based corporations, as well as Google, Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, etc.

The Computer Science bachelor’s degree is a four-year degree with areas of emphasis in Science (SC), Digital Systems (DS), Software Development (SD), and Bioinformatics (BI). In addition, by working with a departmental advisor, students may develop a plan of study tailored to their own unique career objectives.

Science Emphasis
The Science Emphasis (SC) is designed for those who plan to pursue scientific or technical careers, research, or graduate education in computer science. Students choosing the science emphasis take courses in programming languages, advanced algorithms, and math courses in calculus, linear analysis, and multi-variable calculus. Additional courses include a variety of upper-division computer science courses, chosen in consultation with an advisor. This emphasis might be termed the “typical” computer science degree.

Digital Systems Emphasis
The Digital Systems Emphasis (DS) is available for those interested in both the hardware and software aspects of computer systems. In addition to computer science and mathematics courses, students in this emphasis take electrical engineering courses in electronics, circuits, digital fundamentals, microcomputer systems, and digital system design. The curriculum for students in this emphasis is similar to that for students in the computer engineering major in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.

Software Development Emphasis
The Software Development Emphasis (SD) is designed to give students expertise in all major areas of software engineering, including project management, development processes, group work, requirement capture and analysis, software design, programming, testing, standards, and documentation. Students completing this option are prepared to create sophisticated, reliable, and secure software for a broad range of applications. Students in this option take courses in computer science emphasizing software development processes, conceptual modeling, database design, testing, and security, along with broadening courses in operations research, statistics, and management.

Bioinformatics Emphasis
The Bioinformatics Emphasis (BI) is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in the computer science aspects of bioinformatics. Students in this emphasis gain a strong background in core computer science areas, such as programming, theory of computing, and software development. In addition, they follow a course of study in biology, biological modeling, and statistics. Through this background and course of study, students are provided with the computational skills and the scientific understanding necessary for work in bioinformatics.

Science Emphasis


Students in the SC emphasis must complete the following courses. Courses used to fulfill a requirement in this category may not be used to fill a requirement in another category:

Digital Systems Emphasis


Students in the DS emphasis must complete the following courses:

Students may also use courses from the list of CS 5000-level electives that are not otherwise used to fill major requirements.

Software Devlopment Emphasis


Students in the SD emphasis must complete the following courses:

Students may also use courses from the list of CS 5000-level electives that are not otherwise used to fill major requirements.

Bioinformatics Emphasis


Students in the BI emphasis must complete the following courses:

 3

  1.  

Students may also use courses from the list of CS 5000-level electives that are not otherwise used to fill major requirements.

Courses Required for Advanced Standing


In order to achieve advanced standing (enter the professional program), students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.2 and a minimum GPA of 2.2 (and a grade of C- or better) among  courses in one of the following core emphasis course sequences, or their equivalent, as determined by the Computer Science Department:

Science Emphasis

Digital Systems Emphasis

Software Development Emphasis

 

Bioinformatics Emphasis

 

Note:

 

For a more complete statement of requirements, please contact the department directly. Requirements may change from time to time.

Computer Science Major: Bioinformatics Emphasis Four Year Plan (Suggested Schedule)


Work closely with your advisor to select your classes.

Students may attempt a class no more than 3 times, according to USU policy.

This suggested schedule is subject to change.

Freshman Year (29 credits)

First Semester (15 credits)

Second Semester (14 credits)

Sophomore Year (33 credits)

First Semester (17 credits)

Second Semester (16 credits)

Junior Year (30 credits)

First Semester (15 credits)

Second Semester (15 credits)

Senior Year (28 credits)

First Semester (16 credits)

Second Semester (12 credits)

Note:

* Required for admission to the professional program. GPA in these classes must be at least 2.2 or greater.

Computer Science Major: Digital Systems Emphasis Four Year Plan (Suggested Schedule)


Students should work closely with their advisor to select your classes.

This suggested schedule is subject to change.

Students may attempt a class no more than 3 times, according to USU policy.

Freshman Year (29 credits)

First Semester (14 credits)

Second Semester (15 credits)

Sophomore Year (31 credits)

First Semester (15 credits)

Second Semester (16 credits)

Junior Year (30 credits)

First Semester (15 credits)

Second Semester (15 credits)

Senior Year (30 credits)

First Semester (14 credits)

Second Semester (16 credits)

Note:

* Required for admission to the professional program. GPA in these classes must be 2.2 or greater.

Computer Science Major: Science Emphasis Four year Plan (Suggested Schedule)


Work closely with your advisor to select your classes.

Students may attempt a class no more than 3 times, according to USU policy.

This suggested schedule is subject to change.

Freshman Year (30 credits)

First Semester (14 credits)

Second Semester (16 credits)

Sophomore Year (32 credits)

First Semester (15 credits)

Second Semester (17 credits)

Junior Year (30 credits)

First Semester (15 credits)

Second Semester (15 credits)

Senior Year (28 credits)

First Semester (15 credits)

Second Semester (13 credits)

  • CS 5xxx approved elective course 3
  • CS 5xxx approved elective course 3
  • Gen Ed (BHU) 3
  • Elective course 4

Note:

* Required for admission to the professional program. GPA in these classes must be 2.2 or greater.

Computer Science Major: Software Development Emphasis Four Year Plan (Suggested Schedule)


Work closely with your advisor to select your classes.

Students may attempt a class no more than 3 times, according to USU policy.

This suggested schedule is subject to change.

Freshman Year (30 credits)

First Semester (14 credits)

Second Semester (16 credits)

Sophomore Year (30 credits)

First Semester (15 credits)

Second Semester (15 credits)

Junior Year (31 credits)

First Semester (16 credits)

Second Semester (15 credits)

Senior Year (29 credits)

First Semester (15 credits)

Second Semester (14 credits)

  • CS 5xxx approved elective course 4
  • CS 5xxx approved elective course 3
  • Gen Ed (BHU) 3
  • Elective course 4

Note:

* Required for admission to the professional program. GPA in these classes must be 2.2 or greater.

Minimum University Requirements


Total Credits

120

Grade Point Average (most majors require higher GPA)

2.00 GPA

Credits of C- or better

100

Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above)

40

USU Credits (30 USU credits, 20 of which must be upper-division courses, 10 of which must be courses required for student’s major)

30 USU credits

Completion of approved major program of study

See college advisor

Credits in minor (if required)

12

Credits in American Institutions (ECN 1500;HIST 1700HIST 2700 or HIST 2710;HONR 1300POLS 1100; or USU 1300)

3

General Education Requirements and University Studies Depth Requirements

 

Courses Required for Advanced Standing


In order to achieve advanced standing (enter the professional program), students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3, and a minimum GPA of 2.3 (and a grade of C- or better) among courses in the following core sequence. Students are allowed a total of three repeats in the required courses in the preprofessional program. Note that these requirements are built into the Major Requirements.

Summary of Departmental Admission and Retention Requirements


Admission requirements of the Department of Computer Science for freshmen are the same as those described for the University. Transfer students with a 2.3 GPA may apply for admission to the department.

Before a student can register for a Computer Science course, he or she must earn a grade of C- or better in all prerequisite courses. All required classes for the major must be completed with a grade of C- or better. Except for CS 3000, which is a pass/fail course, all required courses for the CS major, regardless of department, may not be taken pass-fail, and a Computer Science major must have advanced standing or written permission to register for Computer Science courses at the 3000-level or above.

In addition to completing the required courses listed below, students must comply with the following regulations, in order to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

  1. Once students attain advanced standing (admission to the professional program), they must maintain a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.3. The cumulative GPA will be computed using all USU credits, as well as transfer credits (if those transfer credits are applied to any USU requirements, including major requirements).
  2. Students must attain a minimum grade of C- in all courses fulfilling Computer Science major requirements.
  3. Students may have no more than one 5000-level Computer Science course with a grade less than C- on their transcript.
  4. At most three classes in the preprofessional classes may be repeated.

Computer Science Suggested Four-Year Plan


Work closely with your advisor to select your classes.

Students may attempt a class no more than 3 times, according to USU policy.

This suggested schedule is subject to change.

Freshman Year (30 credits)


Sophomore Year (32 credits)


Junior Year (30-31 credits)


Senior Year (28 credits)


First Semester (16 credits)


  • CS 3— Approved Elective 3
  • CS 5— Approved Elective 3
  • CS 5— approved elective 4
  • Technical Elective 3
  • University Studies (DSS) 3

Second Semester (12 credits)


  • CS 5— Approved Elective 3
  • CS 5— approved elective 3
  • General Education Course (BHU) 3
  • Technical Elective 3

Note:


* Required for admission to the professional program. GPA in these classes must be at least 2.2 or greater.

***PHIL3520 will meet both the ethics requirement for the CS major and the DHA.

Additionally, students may opt to fulfill the ethics requirement with either PHIL1120 or 2400. 

Either of these 2 classes will meet both the ethics requirement for the CS major and the BHU.

Regardless of how students fill the ethics requirement, both the DHA and BHU are required.

Students may attempt a class no more than 3 times, according to USU policy.

This is a suggested schedule.  Work closely with your advisor to select your classes.

Minimum University Requirements


Total Credits

120

Grade Point Average (most majors require higher GPA)

2.00 GPA

Credits of C- or better

100

Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above)

40

USU Credits (30 USU credits, 20 of which must be upper-division courses, 10 of which must be courses required for student’s major)

30 USU credits

Completion of approved major program of study

See college advisor

Credits in minor (if required)

12

Credits in American Institutions (ECN 1500 ;HIST 1700 , HIST 2700  or HIST 2710 ; HONR 1300 POLS 1100 ; or USU 1300 )

3

General Education Requirements  and University Studies Depth Requirements 

 

 

 

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