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Requirements
Computer Science
Computer science focuses on how to create a model for a real-world situation, how to represent that model inside a computer, and how to devise mechanizable techniques to manipulate that model. Such models and techniques are used to understand or investigate the situation or to solve real-world problems.
Introductory courses prepare a student to do such problem-solving in any domain. Students pursuing a computer science major learn more advanced techniques for such modeling and also focus on models specific to computer science and computer technology. Upper-level elective courses prepare students for graduate-level study and for vocations in various computer fields.
Majors
- Eight and one-half departmental units: Computer Science 111, 175, 204, 245, 315, 335, 347 (.5), 367, and 377.
- One elective unit chosen from Data Science & Data Analytics 345 and 385, Mathematics 300, Cognitive Science 205 (when topic is appropriate and approved in advance by the department chair), or any other course approved in advance by the department chair and advisor.
- Two supporting units: Mathematics 110 and 160.
- Students planning to attend graduate school in computer science should consult with an advisor for additional study that should be done. The computer science program recognizes the importance of oral and written communication.
- Successful graduates of the program should be able to speak and write effectively in order to communicate important ideas to diverse audiences. The program helps students develop these capabilities in the context of computer science through the progression in its courses. In written communication, students are expected to document their programming work via both internal and external documentation. In oral communication, students are expected to present all aspects of their work and effectively communicate in teams. In all forms of communication, students are expected to be able to address both technical and general audiences. The capstone experiences offer an important opportunity to solidify and extend these skills as students prepare for their future work.
Students majoring in computer science may choose to receive the Bachelor of Science degree rather than the Bachelor of Arts degree by completing a minimum of 4 units in biology, chemistry, geology, and/or physics.
Minors
- Six departmental units:
- Two units of core courses: Computer Science 111 and 204.
- Four additional units of computer science courses chosen from 175, 245, 315, 335, 347, 367, and 377. Cognitive Science 205 (when topic is appropriate), Data Science & Data Analytics 345, 385, or Mathematics 300 may be used toward this 1 unit if approved in advance by a computer science advisor or another course approved in advance by the department chair.
Additional Information
Supplemental to the college’s general policies of Advanced Placement and Credit, the department of mathematics and computer science may grant additional placement (based on advising by faculty). The department does not grant placement for computer programming alone but for mastery of concepts and techniques of computer science.
The goals of departmental honors in Mathematics and Computer Science are:
- to encourage students to explore independently topics in mathematics or computer science outside the scope of our formal curriculum, and
- to enhance students’ abilities to communicate ideas in mathematics and computing.
Honors in Computer Science is awarded on the basis of the following criteria.
- Academic achievement. The candidate must demonstrate high academic achievement across the College (cumulative GPA of at least 3.2) and in Computer Science (GPA of at least 3.2 in the major).
- Intention to apply: The candidate must submit an intention to apply for honors (in writing), including the list of courses that satisfy the requirements for the major, to the chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department no later than the last day to add one-unit courses for the last on-campus term as a regular full-time student.
- Project: An honors student in Computer Science engages in original research that demonstrates thorough knowledge of Computer Science. The project may be completed through
- A summer research experience
- An internship
- An off campus study course
- A Special Project (CSCI 390) of at least 0.5 unit, or a 0.25 unit Special Project that expands on one in CSCI 175 or higher.
- Presentation: An honors student in Computer Science must present their work to an external audience (on or off campus).
- Professional engagement: The candidate should demonstrate active engagement in the department or in the broader discipline of computer science and serve as a role model for respectful and professional behavior.
- The award of Honors in Computer Science requires designation by the faculty of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science that the candidate’s project and presentation is of honors merit (one that demonstrates independence of thought, intellectual maturity, and an in-depth understanding of the research problem).