Computer Science, BA

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Major: Computer Science

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in computer science is a combination of a liberal arts program and a computing major. It is a professional program in the sense that graduates can be employed as computer professionals, but it is less technical than the Bachelor of Science degree program in computer science. This degree is particularly suitable for students with a wide range of interests. For example, students can major in another discipline in addition to computer science and routinely complete all of the requirements for the double major in a 4 year period. This is possible because over a third of the courses in the program are open electives. Furthermore, if a student is majoring in computer science and a second technical field such as mathematics or physics many of the technical electives will be accepted for both majors. Another example of the utility of this program is that it routinely allows students to major in computer science and take all of the pre-med courses in a four-year period.

This program provides students with a strong background in the fundamental skills and knowledge needed by all CS graduates while providing the greatest flexibility in selecting topics. 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. In addition to an excellent technical education, all students in the department are exposed to societal issues, ethics, professionalism, and have the opportunity to develop leadership and creativity skills.

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Arts 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

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 leadership roles 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 Arts 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.

Undergraduate Policies

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

Combined Bachelor's/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.

Students are required to complete at least 13 computer science and computer science related courses totaling at least 42 credit hours plus 8 credit hours of mathematics. The 13 computer science courses must include all six core courses and at least one course from each of the four computer science breadth areas. The remaining three courses may come from the list of approved technical electives.

Required Courses

Technical Electives

Computer science related courses not listed below may be used as a technical elective but require prior permission from the student’s academic advisor.

Sample Plan of Study

a

Unified General Education Requirement.