Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

In addition to University Requirements:

• At least 39 units of preprofessional requirements
• At least 58 units of major courses

• Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major 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.

Purpose Statement 

The BSCS degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET and provides exceptional career flexibility and a broad range of opportunities in programming and software development. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers are among the fastest growing and most rewarding occupations with an exceptionally strong job outlook through 2024 (17% growth).

Graduates with this degree are well-qualified to work for large software development companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Intel, Honeywell, and other software-centric companies and startups. This degree provides a strong foundation for further graduate study in an MS or PhD program; students who are not planning on graduate study may also be interested in the BSACS program.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the degree, students will have the ability to:

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

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 39 units)

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

• • • PHY 161, PHY 262 (7 units)
    • CHM 151, CHM 151L, CHM 152 (8 units)
    • BIO 181, BIO 181L, BIO 182, BIO 182L (8 units)

• • MAT 136, MAT 137, MAT 226, (MAT 316 or MAT 362) (14 units)
  • CENE 225, STA 270, or STA 275 (3 units)
  • Mathematics or Natural Science electives (MAT, STA, PHY, AST, CHM, BIO, or GLG prefixes) at the 200-level or above. (6 units)

• • Technical electives at the 200-level or above; select from (6 units)
    • Engineering disciplines (EE, EGR, ME, CENE)
    • Mathematics or Natural Sciences (MAT, STA, AST, BIO, CHM, GLG, PHY)
    • CS (excluding CS 248)
    • You may petition the department chair for approval of courses with other prefixes.

• • ENG 302W (3 units)
  
  Major Courses (58 units)
  • Core Courses: CS 126, CS 126L, CS 136, CS 136L, CS 200, CS 212, CS 249, CS 301, CS 315, CS 386, CS 396, CS 421, CS 476, CS 480 (36 units)
  • CS 486C (4 units)
  • CS electives at the 300-level or above (18 units)
  You are allowed to take up to six units of letter-graded individualized study classes (e.g., CS 485 or CS 497). You may petition the department chair for approval of other computing-intensive courses.

   

• PROGRAM FEE INFORMATION

• 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.

• Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
  
  This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree. Departments may allow students to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by approving up to 12 units applicable toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
   

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.