To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 226 |
| Additional Fees/Program Fees | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
Computer science and software engineering are terms used to describe a diverse discipline of computing professionals who apply mathematics, computer science, and engineering principles to the design, analysis, implementation, and maintenance of software systems. Computer scientists and software engineers pursue careers designing and building software, developing effective ways to solve computing problems, and devising new and better methods of using computers to address problems in the arts, the sciences, industry, and society. Computer scientists and software engineers must be master problem solvers who understand how to analyze a problem, discern the fundamental requirements for implementing a solution, design and analyze potential solutions, implement solutions using appropriate technologies, manage and work in multidisciplinary teams, design appropriate software tests, and maintain software after it has been deployed.
In a world where communication, commerce, manufacturing, education, government, and entertainment depend on software systems it's easy to understand how computer scientists and software engineers make a difference.
While both the Bachelors of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) and the Bachelors of Science in Applied Computer Science (BSACS) share some of the same core curriculum and many final career outcomes they are differentiated by their focus.
BSCS students will have gained greater exposure to higher mathematics and the theory of computing. Exposure to rigorous algorithmic analysis, theories of computation, and the connection between language and computation give these students the skills and background to be successful developing high performance systems, complex algorithms, and developing software that pushes the boundaries of what is possible with computation.
BSACS students will have gained greater exposure to the practice and craft of software development and software engineering. BSACS students will be exposed to systematic approaches to software development, which give these students the skills and background to be successful developing large complex software systems, systems with evolving constraints, and systems which require predictability, precision, mitigated risk, or process compliance.
Student Learning Outcomes
By the time students graduate with an Applied Computer Science degree from Northern Arizona University, they will be able to:
Take the following 81 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each CS Core course and CS 486C:
Preprofessional Requirements (22 units)
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
No more than one "D" is allowed in CS electives and technical electives.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $500 per year in students' Junior and Senior years has been approved for this program.