Computer Science, BS

Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Major: Computer Science

Program Overview

These programs provide students with a strong background in the fundamentals of mathematics and science. Students can use their technical and open electives to pursue concentrations 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.

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, 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, http://www.abet.org/.

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

  1. To educate and train students in the fundamentals of computer science and mathematics
  2. To educate students with an understanding of real-world computing needs
  3. To train students to work effectively, professionally and ethically in computing-related professions

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.

Core and breadth courses provide our students with the flexibility to work across many disciplines and prepare them for a variety of professions. Our curriculum is designed to teach fundamental skills and knowledge needed by all CS graduates while providing the greatest flexibility in selecting topics. Students are also required to develop depth in at least one of the following technical areas: software engineering; algorithms and theory; computer systems, networks, and security; databases and data mining; bioinformatics; or artificial intelligence.

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. Learn more at engineering.case.edu/coop. Alternatively or additionally, students may obtain employment as summer interns.

Undergraduate Policies

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