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2009-2010 University Catalog
Computer Science, BS
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Banner Code: VS-BS-CS
School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
Department: Computer Science
The objectives of the BS in Computer Science Program relate to the abilities of the graduates several years after graduation. The objectives include:
- Foundation for successful careers in industry: Graduates of the program will have a broad understanding of the fundamental concepts, methodologies, tools, and applications of computer science. They will have the educational foundation that leads to successful careers in the computing industry.
- Foundation for graduate study: Graduates of the program will have the academic preparation for successful completion of rigorous graduate programs.
- Professional preparation: Graduates will have effective written and oral communication skills, and be able to work collaboratively in a professional and ethical manner.
This bachelor’s degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4012, telephone 410-347-7700. |
Degree Requirements
For the BS-CS degree, students must complete 120 credits, including the university general education requirements and all the following: Computer science core (33 credits):
Note:
Students must take CS 101 within their first year at the university. Students should take CS 105 during their second semester. A grade of C or better must be earned in CS 306 for this course to satisfy the university general education synthesis requirement. Senior computer science (12 credits):
Any four of the following: Note:
Only three credits of CS 499 can be used toward the Senior computer science requirement. Mathematics (23 credits):
And one of the following:
Note:
MATH 105 and MATH 108 cannot be counted toward this degree. Computer science-related courses (6 credits):
Two courses chosen from: Note:
Students may need to choose electives to satisfy prerequisites for these courses. Those planning to take MATH 352 may replace STAT 344 with MATH 351. Natural Sciences:
- 12 credits in courses intended for scientists and engineers. Two of the courses for this requirement must have laboratory components and constitute a sequence. A list of relevant courses can be obtained from the department office.
COMM 100 (3 credits):
Computer science students must make a technical presentation. The course fulfills the general education requirement in oral communication for Volgenau School students. And:
Three credits in arts, humanities, or social science in addition to the general education requirements. Additional Information:
Students should consult the sample schedule below and ensure that course prerequisites are satisfied. Students should obtain computer-generated audits periodically to ensure that degree requirements are being met. First Semester
- Western civilization course Credits: 3
Second Semester
- Arts course Credits: 3
- Literature course Credits: 3
Third Semester
- Natural science course Credits: 4
- Social and behavioral science course Credits: 3
Fourth Semester
- Natural science course Credits: 4
- General elective Credits: 3
Fifth Semester
- Global understanding course Credits: 3
Sixth Semester
- Humanities course Credits: 3
- Natural science course Credits: 4
Seventh Semester
- Senior computer science course Credits: 3
- Computer science-related elective Credits: 3
AND one of the following:
Eighth Semester
- Senior computer science course Credits: 3
- Senior computer science course Credits: 3
- Senior computer science course Credits: 3
- Computer science-related elective Credits: 3
- General elective Credits: 2
Change of Major
Students requesting a change of major to computer science must have a GPA of at least 2.75 and successfully completed two of the following: CS 112. CS 211; MATH 113, MATH 114, or MATH 125. Advanced Placement, Credit by Exam
Some students may receive credit for CS 112 by passing departmentally administered exams. In addition, a score of 3 on the Advanced Placement (AP) computer science exam qualifies the student for credit in CS 112. An AP score of 4, together with demonstrated competence in the programming language used in CS 211, qualifies students for credit in CS 211. A score of 4 on the International Baccalaureate computer science exam qualifies students for credit in CS 112, and a score of 5 or more qualifies students for credit in CS 211. Writing-Intensive Requirement
Computer science majors complete the writing-intensive requirement through a sequence of projects and reports in CS 306 and 421. Faculty members provide feedback on students’ expository writing. Grades
Students must earn a C or better in any course intended to satisfy a prerequisite for a computer science course. Computer science majors may not use more than one course with grade of C- or lower toward department requirements. Cooperative Education
Students may participate in the Mason cooperative education program or a work-study program in the Washington, D.C. area. Computer Science, Computer Engineering Double Major
Computer science majors can earn a double major in computer science and computer engineering if they complete an additional 28 credits of courses beyond the 120 credits required for the computer science degree. The additional 28 credits must be part of an approved plan of study. For more information, visit the department web site. |
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