Nov 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Computer Science, BS


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The Computer Science Program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

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

The Bachelor’s Degree recipients of the Computer Science Program

1. Apply theoretical principles, practical tools, and techniques in computing to solve real-world problems to facilitate successful careers in computer science and related fields. 

2. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and professionally, individually and in team environments, with colleagues and clients of varying backgrounds. 

3. Demonstrate an ability to improve and expand career skills through graduate studies, continuing self-directed learning, and professional development.

Upon completion of at least 54 credits of required and elective courses in Computer Science, 14 credits of required courses in Mathematics, 8 credits of required Science courses, and additional University requirements, a student will be awarded the B.S. degree in Computer Science. Elective courses give students the opportunity to investigate topical areas of special interest. Cooperative education programs are also available to our students. The total number of credits required for an undergraduate degree in Computer Science is 120. 

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Science Program will, by the time of graduation, have the 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.

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.

 

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.

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)


Free General Education Electives are usually satisfied by courses in area I (Technology category), courses in area III (Mathematics category), and courses in area IV (Science category). Additional Free General Education Electives, if needed, are chosen, with Department advisement, from designated General Education courses in any category.

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.

General Electives (5 - 9 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.

 

Note:


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

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


First Semester


Total: 16

Second Semester


Total: 16

Junior Year


Total: 13

Second Semester


Total: 15

Senior Year


First Semester


Total: 16

Second Semester


Total: 13

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