Oct 09, 2024  
2020-2021 University Catalog 
    
2020-2021 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, B.S.


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Computer Science, B.S.

The Computer Science Bachelor of Science major prepares students for professional employment in technical fields or graduate school. Students receive a thorough grounding in modern computer science theory and practice, learn to apply their knowledge to the design of today’s complex software systems and prepare for the ever-more complex systems of the future. 

The curriculum begins with a year-long introduction to the art and science of computer programming, using the Java language. This introduces concepts of object-oriented programming, development and analysis of algorithms, and principles of software design.

The student’s intermediate years involve the study of how hardware is constructed and organized, the nature and development of programming languages, the study of efficient data structures and algorithms, and the theoretical study of the computational process. Experience is gained using procedural, functional, logic, and object-oriented programming languages. At each stage, appropriate mathematics is used as a method of describing and reasoning about computing systems.

The student’s final year is devoted to using this foundation to design and engineer major software projects in areas such as compiler and operating system design, computer graphics, or artificial intelligence. A two semester senior design course sequence serves as the capstone event of the program.

Incorporated into the major is a strong mathematics and natural science component. Calculus, discrete mathematics, and probability and statistics form the nucleus of a math program that earns the graduate a core concentration in mathematics. Students may elect to earn a minor in mathematics by taking an additional mathematics course.

The Computer Science Program is designed to enable graduates to anticipate and to respond effectively to the uncertainties of a changing technological, social, political and economic world. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, (http://www.abet.org).  Specific program educational objectives and outcomes include:

Program Educational Objectives

During the first few years after graduation, we expect our graduates to:

  1. Apply disciplinary knowledge and skill to analyze, design, implement, and test solutions to applied problems individually and in diverse teams. Present solutions using the variety of media that best promotes understanding.
  2. Continue to grow intellectually and professionally in the computing sciences and appreciate the continuous pursuit of knowledge in other areas of interest.
  3. Use knowledge and draw on experiences relevant to current and emerging needs in computing sciences and recognize the social, ethical, and cultural impact of technology in a global setting.
  4. Serve as an exemplar and ambassador of the RWU Computer Science program, strengthening its tradition of excellence, by becoming active in professional societies and organizations and by volunteering within your community.

Program Outcomes


Graduates of the program will have an 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. [CS]

Program Requirements


The major in computer science leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. Students normally complete a minimum of 120 credits, including satisfaction of all University Core Curriculum requirements. The approved outline is as follows:

Required Courses


Third Year (15-16 credits) - Spring


Fourth Year (16 credits) - Fall


Fourth Year (12 credits) - Spring


Total: 120-122 Semester Credits


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