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Computer Science

The Computer Science curriculum emphasizes a broad foundation of computer organization, software, and mathematics, together with electives that focus on some aspect or application of computers. This curriculum is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Software Engineering Option
Flowchart (PDF)

The emphasis of the Software Engineering option is more vocational than academic. It provides a solid foundation for students seeking a career in Software Engineering.

Computer Science Option
Flowchart (PDF)

The emphasis of the Computer Science option is more academic than vocational. It is well-suited for students seeking a liberal education, as well as for those who wish to pursue graduate study in Computer Science.

Curriculum Requirements

The following core courses are required for Computer Science majors:

  • CIS 200 Fundamentals of Software Design and Implementation (4 hours)
  • CIS 300 Data and Program Structures (3 hours)
  • CIS 301 Logical Foundations of Programming (3 hours)
  • CIS 450 Computer Architecture and Operations (3 hours)
  • CIS 501 Software Architecture and Design (3 hours)
  • EECE 241 Introduction to Computer Engineering (3 hours)

In addition, the following table summarizes the requirements for the BS Degrees in Computer Science.

Computer Science Degree
Software Engineering Option Computer Science Option
Advanced Courses
  • CIS 308 C/C++ Programming Laboratory (1 hour)
  • CIS 415 Computers and Society (1 hour)
  • CIS 540 Software Engineering Project I (3 hours)
  • CIS 541 Software Engineering Project II (3 hours)
  • CIS 562 Enterprise Information Systems (3 hours)
  • CIS 544 Advanced Software Design and Development (3 hours)
  • CIS 625 Parallel Programming (3 hours)
  • CIS 308 C/C++ Programming Laboratory (1 hour)
  • CIS 415 Computers and Society (1 hour)
  • CIS 505 Introduction to Programming Languages (3 hours)
  • CIS 520 Operating Systems I (3 hours)
  • CIS 560 Database System Concepts (3 hours)
  • One of:
    • CIS 570 Formal Language Theory (3 hours)
    • CIS 575 Introduction to Algorithm Analysis (3 hours)
  • CIS 598 Computer Science Project (3 hours)
Specialization Courses
  • 6 hours of upper-division computing courses at the 500-level or above
Quantitative Courses
  • MATH 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (4 hours)
  • MATH 221 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (4 hours)
  • MATH 510 Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)
  • MATH 551 Applied Matrix Theory (3 hours)
  • STAT 510 Introductory Probability and Statistics I (3 hours)
Other Required Courses
  • CIS 015 Undergraduate Seminar (0 hours)
  • ENGL 100 Expository Writing I (3 hours)
  • ENGL 200 Expository Writing II (3 hours)
  • ENGL 516 Written Communication for the Sciences (3 hours)
  • One of:
  • ECON 110 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 hours)
  • DEN 325 Introduction of Personal and Professional Development (1 hour)
Humanities and Social Sciences
  • 15 hours taken from the list approved by the College of Engineering. These must include 6 hours selected from the following departments: English, History, Modern Languages, and Philosophy (except PHILO 492). At least 6 hours must be UGE courses at the 300 level or above.
Natural Sciences
  • At least 14 hours from the list of courses approved by the department. At least 3 hours must be a UGE course. At most one of PHYS 113, 213, and 223, and at most one of PHYS 114, 214, and 224 may be included. One of the following 2-semester sequences must be included:
Unrestricted Electives
  • 20-23 hours of additional coursework. A total of 124 hours are required for the BS degree.

Changes from Previous Curricula

Software Engineering Option

The following courses are no longer required:

  • CIS 497 Senior Seminar
  • CIS 505 Introduction to Programming Languages
  • CIS 520 Operating Systems I
  • CIS 560 Database System Concepts
  • CIS 570 Introduction to Formal Language Theory
  • CIS 575 Introduction to Algorithm Analysis
  • MATH 655 Elementary Numerical Analysis I

The following courses have been added to this curriculum:

  • CIS 562 Enterprise Information Systems. Topics in this course will include: data modeling for business applications, database management systems, relational data model, normal forms, query language, security features, web access and scripting languages, development process and management, and issues in management of enterprise information systems.
  • CIS 625 Parallel Programming.
  • CIS 544 Advanced Software Design and Development. This course will cover advanced concepts and practicum in object-oriented analysis, modeling, design, implementation, testing, and use of CASE tools; relationships among structural, static, and dynamic models; relationship among conceptual, system, and implementation models.

Computer Science Option

The following courses are no longer required:

  • CIS 497 Senior Seminar
  • CIS 540 Software Engineering Project I
  • CIS 541 Software Engineering Project II
  • CIS 570 Introduction to Formal Language Theory
  • CIS 575 Introduction to Algorithm Analysis
  • MATH 655 Elementary Numerical Analysis I

The following courses have been added to this curriculum:

  • One of:
    • CIS 570 Introduction to Formal Language Theory.
    • CIS 575 Introduction to Algorithm Analysis.
  • CIS 598 Computer Science Project. Students will work with individual faculty members to select a project on some topic not covered in prior courses. It may include an implementation and/or experimentation component, and it may be done in collaboration with other students. The project will consist of a plan, two reviews, and a final report with literature review and project evaluation.