2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Apr 19, 2024  
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Computer Science Major


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Program Contact/Coordinator
George Hamer, Assistant Department Head
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Daktronics Engineering Hall 214
605-688-4526
e-mail: sdsu.eecs@sdstate.edu
website: http://www.sdstate.edu/eecs/
Click here for additional information. 

Program Information
Computer Scientists play key roles in many walks of life in today’s society. Graduates of the program work in many different areas such as; application programmer, network designer, database administrator, information technologist, game development, and many others. CS related jobs are among the ten fastest growing careers that show a lot of promise and opportunity for growth.

Majors complete a core of basic computer science courses that includes the study of programming and algorithms, data structures, database concepts, computer architecture and organization, programming languages, compilers, operating systems, and software engineering. Important courses in closely related fields, e.g., discrete mathematics, digital logic design, scientific computation, and probability and statistics are also taken. Computer Science students are required to study all aspects of computing, including hardware, software, and theory.

Student Learning Outcomes
The program must enable students to attain, by the time of graduation, the ability to:

  • apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
  • analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
  • design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
  • function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
  • understand professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
  • communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
  • recognize the need for and the ability to engage in continuing professional development.
  • use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
  • apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
  • apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

Additional Academic Requirements
Computer Science students must pass all CSC and SE courses with a grade of C or better. All graduating seniors are required to take the Major Field Test in Computer Science, which is given once per semester.

Accreditation
The B.S. program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Course Delivery Format
A majority of the courses are taught on campus in smart classrooms. The smart classrooms allow for a variety of methods for student engagement and faculty are able to record and post their lectures on-line.

Requirements for Computer Science Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

System General Education Requirements*: 33


Institutional Graduation Requirements:** 5


Technical Electives: 12


  • Technical electives must be 300 level or higher.
  • A minimum of 9 of the 12 technical credits must be in approved CS or SE courses.
  • 3 of the 12 credits may come from a departmental approved support area.

 

Total Required Credits: 120


Game Programming Emphasis:


The Computer Science program offers an emphasis in game programming. This emphasis deals with a wide range of both hardware and software related topics relating to game development. The Game Programming course will provide the students with an understanding of some of the tools used in game development such as C/C++, DirectX and OpenGL. The Artificial Intelligence course will provide the students with a foundation that will allow the students to understand how games can make effective decisions based upon the current game state. The Computer Networks course will provide the students with a foundation that will allow the students to understand how to deal with multiplayer LAN and WAN based games. The Microcontroller Systems Design course will provide the students with a foundation that will allow the students to understand how to communicate with the microcontrollers found inside of console and handheld gaming systems. The Embedded Systems Programming course will provide the students with a foundation that will allow students to understand how to develop games for console and handheld gaming systems. Students interested in the Game Programming Emphasis are encouraged to take courses from the list of elective courses below.  

Information Technology Management Emphasis:


Information is one of the most important assets of any organization. The use of the computer and software in the current Information Age requires business to employ individuals savvy in producing, manipulating, and analyzing data. Business leaders understand that management of the organizational information systems must be entrusted to a competent and knowledgeable person. Students interested in Information Technology Management Emphasis should take courses:

Software Engineering Emphasis:


The Computer Science Program offers an emphasis in Software Engineering. This emphasis deals with the engineering design aspects of software such as quality control, software assurance, requirements and specifications as well as the human-machine interface. Students interested in the Software Engineering Emphasis should take the courses below.

Curriculum Notes


* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs).

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.

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