COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMS

The Programs

The Department of Computer Science offers two certificates in computer science, one equivalent to the major and the other equivalent to a minor for non-degree students. The department also offers a program of study in computer science, equivalent to a minor, for degree students not majoring in computer science.

Program of Study in Computer Science

Degree students not majoring in computer science can complete a program of study in computer science which is equivalent to a minor. The requirements for the program of study are the same as those for the minor certificate, given below.

Major Certificate

The aim of the program is to train people (who may already have a bachelor’s degree in another field) to work in research and development in the high-technology computer industry. Completing the major certificate may take up to three years of study because of the prerequisite structure. Note that although the listed mathematics requirements begin with calculus, many students may first need a review of high school algebra and trigonometry.

Minor Certificate

The minor certificate in computer science is for those non-degree students who are mainly interested in computer applications.

Requirements

The requirements for the major certificate are identical with those of the computer science BA degree (See the “Department of Computer Science” section of this publication.)

At present, the elementary courses required for the major certificate are offered every semester (day and evening), but the more advanced courses are offered less frequently. Many of the electives are offered at night. It is possible to complete the certificate by taking courses in the evening only.

Requirements for the minor certificate are as follows:

MATH 140 (Calculus I)
CS 110 (Introduction to Computing)
CS 210 (Intermediate Computing with Data Structures)
CS 240 (Programming in C)
CS 310 (Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms)

One of the following three:

CS 241 (Computer Organization and Architecture) or
CS 260 (Numerical Computing) or
a computer science elective

One applications course approved by the department.*

For students wishing to begin one of the certificate programs, forms are available at the Office of the Registrar. Students must notify the department, during their final semester of completing the certificate requirements, that they expect to do so.

*These include any computer science course numbered above (and not including) CS L320. Some courses in computer applications for other disciplines are taught in other departments, for example, MSIS 422 (Decision Support Systems and Groupware) in the College of Management. Students should be sure they have completed the prerequisites for any course they enroll in.

Transfer Credit Policy

How much and what may be transferred is currently settled on an individual basis in a conference with the departmental advisor.
Information

For more information on course descriptions, prerequisites, etc., see the booklet “Computer Science Information,” which is available from the department.