2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


Apply Now

Computer Science (B.S.)



Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Catalog Search

Program Coordinator/Contact

Siddharth Suryanarayanan, Department Head
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Daktronics Engineering Hall 214
605-688-4526

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.

The program begins the first year developing a strong foundation in programming, mathematics, and communication. Following this is another year of study in data structures and object oriented programming along with hardware-based courses that provides the student with a firm grasp of the interaction between hardware and software. The junior and senior years include courses that cover the breadth and depth of the field. Students will select a specialization and take technical electives in their chosen area. The capstone of the program is Senior Design I and II, a two-semester sequence taken in the senior year that places every student on a team that designs, builds, tests, and demonstrates a significant computer science/software engineering project. The projects are developed in collaboration with SDSU researchers or industry and provide students’ valuable “real world” team design experience.

Program Educational Objectives

The undergraduate CS program educational objectives are to equip individuals, who after graduation and initial work experience, to

  1. provide innovative and state-of-the-art approaches to solving complex technical problems through application of sound computer science principles and make high quality technical decisions based on accumulated knowledge, experience, wisdom and common sense.
  2. create positive organizational impact through individual contribution and teamwork with a commitment to working with others of diverse culture and interdisciplinary backgrounds.
  3. demonstrate professional stewardship and ethical responsibility and exemplify a productive member of society by serving their communities and society.
  4. illustrate initiative and successful career growth through measurable and impactful contributions that strongly support the organization’s core high-level goals, accompanied by lifelong learning through graduate work, professional development, and self-study, leading to increases in organizational responsibility.

Student Outcomes

The program will enable students to attain, by the time of graduation:

  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.

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, Licensure, and Certification

The Computer Science (B.S.) program at SDSU is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

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

Total Required Credits: 120


Cooperative Education


Students have the opportunity to work in industry and receive technical elective credit for the experience through CSC 494 Internship. A formal work plan must be approved by the Computer Science administration prior to the work experience. Further information can be found in the Program’s Internship and Cooperative Education policy, located on the program’s website.
 

Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements 33 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 66 Credit Hours
Supporting Coursework 21 Credit Hours
Electives** 0 Credit Hours

**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Catalog Search