Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, BS


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The Computer Science Program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Program is for students whose primary interest is in software development.  Students learn to build software for complex systems, and familiarize themselves with the latest software development trends.  Bowie State University has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. This means that students have an option to choose their elective courses in Cybersecurity, thereby earning a Certificate of Completion stating that all mandatory knowledge unit requirements have been satisfied in Cyber Defense Education.

Program Educational Objectives

Recipients of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science:

  1. Will apply theoretical principles and practical tools and techniques in computing to solve real-world problems.
  2. Will communicate effectively orally and in writing, as an individual and as a member of a team.
  3. Will become professionally employed and/or enrolled in advanced graduate studies in Computer Science or a related area.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Science Program will, by the time of graduation, have the following knowledge, abilities, and appreciation of professional standards.

  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.

Second Degree: Bachelor Of Science In Computer Science

(For holders of a bachelor’s degree in other fields)

A person who wishes to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and already holds a Bachelor’s degree in another field is permitted to count toward the new degree any completed courses that can be used to satisfy requirements such as general education. Any person interested in this opportunity should make an appointment with a computer science advisor to discuss his/her case in detail.

Degree Requirements


Note:


(Note: COSC 190 Intermediate Computer Programming may be used in place of COSC 112 and COSC 113

by (1) students with transfer credit for COSC 190, and (2) entering students with a strong programming

background and consent of the instructor.)

II. Electives In Computer Science (9 semester hours)


A minimum of 9 semester hours of 200-400 level courses in COSC, with at least 3 semester hours at 300 - 400 level. Mathematics courses Numerical Analysis I (MATH 460) and Numerical Analysis II (MATH 461) may be used in this category.

Cybersecurity Focus

Students who desire a Cybersecurity focus should consult their departmental advisor when choosing electives. Currently, students completing the Cybersecurity focus may do so by choosing the following courses as their Electives in Computer Science:

III. Required Mathematics Courses (14 semester hours)


IV. Required Courses In Natural Laboratory Sciences (7-8 Semester Hours)


Seven -  Eight credits of Science courses which science majors are required to take, to include:

  1. Life Science: BIOL 102 or higher BIOL course which science majors take 
    and
  2. Physical Science: CHEM 107 or higher CHEM course which science majors take, or PHYS 271 or PHYS 272 (Note: BIOL 101 and BIOL 203 cannot be used; they are not for science majors.)

V. Required English Course (3 semester hours)


Note:


Computer science majors must earn a grade of “C” or better in each course in areas I through V above.

VI. General Education Requirements (18 semester hours)


English Composition (6 semester hours)


Arts and Humanities (6 semester hours)


Choose from designated General Education courses in art, literature, modern languages, music, philosophy, and theater. (The Arts and Humanities Elective must be in a discipline other than COMM.)

Social Sciences (6 semester hours)


Choose from designated General Education courses in anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, social work, sociology, or interdisciplinary social science. (The Social Sciences Elective must be in a discipline other than HIST.)

Note:


Science (7-8 semester hours), Mathematics (3 semester hours), and Technology (3 semester hours) General Education Requirements are satisfied by taking the required courses in areas I through IV.  Free General Education Electives (9 semester hours) are usually satisfied by a courses in area I (Technology category) and courses in area III (Science category).  Additional Free General Education Electives, if needed, are chosen, with Department advisement, from designated General Education courses in any category.

Free General Education Electives (9 semester hours)


Choose, with Departmental advisement, from designated General Education courses in any category. Usually, a course in area I (Technology category) and courses in area IV (Science category) fulfill this requirement.

Note:


The Department reserves the right to specify suitable General Education courses, in keeping with COMAR, for its majors.

VII. Institutional Requirements (6 semester hours)


Freshman Seminar (3 semester hours)


Freshman Seminar (FRSE 101) is required for all entering freshmen and for all transfer students with fewer than 12 CREDITS.

Health and Wellness (3 semester hours)


Choose one of the General Education courses designated for this category.

VIII. General Electives (9-13 semester hours)


The remaining credits needed to make the total at least 120 should be chosen by the student in consultation with his/her advisor.

 

Sample Program


This is a sample only. Most students will not follow the sample exactly as shown. It is very important that students consult regularly with their departmental advisor, to determine their best program.

Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Total: 17

Second Semester


Total: 14

Junior Year


First Semester


Total: 16

Total: 15

Senior Year


First Semester


Total: 16

Second Semester


Total: 12

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