2013-2014

Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, provides opportunities for focused study and opens doors toward a more complex understanding of both foundations of the subject and current thought.

This program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET / CAC). (ABET / CAC).

  • 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.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least 36 units of preprofessional requirements
  • At least 61 units of major courses
  • Be aware that you may not use courses with a CS prefix to satisfy liberal studies requirements
  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units

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 316
Additional Fees/Program Fees Required
University Honors Program Optional
Progression Plan Link Not Available

Major Requirements
  • Take the following 97 units with a Grade of "C" or better in all required CS Core courses and CS 486C:

    Preprofessional Requirements (at least 36 units)

    • Basic Science courses, select one of the following blocks (7-8 units):

    • Technical electives at the 200-level or above, select from (9 units):
      • Engineering disciplines (EE, EGR,ME, CENE)
      • Natural Sciences (MAT, PHY, CHM, BIO)
      • CS (excluding CS 248)
      • At least 3 units of technical electives need to come from the Natural Sciences block. (Please note that you may use courses with other prefixes with your advisor's approval.)
General Electives
  • 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.

Additional Information
  • 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.


  • Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan Option
  • This program is available as an Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Integrated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree, allowing them to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner. Students must apply to the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Integrated Program website to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive. Many qualified applicants are denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Integrated Programs.