This degree, offered by the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, 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 ABET, www.abet.org
Unleash your imagination. Picture yourself rolling out your own breakthrough software to be the next Google or YouTube, working on the next generation of computer gaming engines, or developing new applications at Microsoft, IBM, or Intel. Whether you start a career right away or pursue graduate study first, we'll help build a platform for your high-tech dreams.
Work on project design teams with students from other disciplines to create software, and build the technical and professional skills necessary for success in the expanding universe of high technology. Thinking of studying abroad to take advantage of global career trends? We strongly encourage international study and facilitate internships in other countries. Wherever your imagination takes you, a computer science education at Northern Arizona University will open new doors.
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 316 |
| Additional Fees/Program Fees | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
This 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 BS in Applied Computer Science program.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the degree, students will have the ability to:
This major requires 95 to 96 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 95 units:
A Grade of "C" or better is required in all CS Core courses and CS 486C
Preprofessional Requirements (at least 33 units)
Professional Requirements (62 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.
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.
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 $425 per semester has been approved for this program.