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2013-2014 General Catalog (Spring 2014) 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:
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Minimum University Requirements
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:
- Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language by successful completion of one course at the 2020-level or higher (or its equivalent).
Or
- Demonstration of proficiency in American Sign Language by successful completion of COMD 4920 and COMD 4780 , and by passing an exit interview.
Or
- 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
- 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:
- Successful completion of the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) program for international students.
Or
- 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: Select 13 credits from the following courses:
In this category, students must include at least one of the following capstone courses: CS 5100 , CS 5200 , CS 5300 , CS 5410 or CS 5600 .
With advisor approval, students may also take CS 6000-level courses to fill this requirement. Science Plus Breadth Sequence
Complete one of the following two-semester plus breadth sequences: Digital Systems Emphasis
Students in the DS emphasis must complete the following courses: Select 13 credits from the following courses:
In this category, students must include at least one of the following capstone courses: CS 5100 , CS 5200 , CS 5300 ,CS 5410 or CS 5600 .
With advisor approval, students may also take CS 6000-level courses to fill this requirement. Science Plus Breadth Sequence
Software Development Emphasis
Students in the SD emphasis must complete the following courses: Select at least 7 credits from the following courses:
In this category, students must include at least one of the following capstone courses: CS 5100 , CS 5200 , CS 5300 , CS 5410 or CS 5600 .
With advisor approval, students may also take CS 6000-level courses to fill this requirement. Science Plus Breadth Sequence
Complete one of the following science plus breadth sequences: Bioinformatics Emphasis
Students in the BI emphasis must complete the following courses: Courses Required for Advanced Standing
In order to achieve advanced standing (enter the professional program), students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum GPA of 2.0 (or 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: Software Development Emphasis
Note:
For a more complete statement of requirements, please contact the department directly. Requirements may change from time to time. |
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