2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Computer Science, BS


Banner Code: VS-BS-CS

School: Volgenau School of Engineering 

Department: Computer Science 

The objectives of the BS in Computer Science Program relate to the abilities of the graduates several years after graduation.  The objectives include:

  • Foundation for successful careers in industry: Graduates of the program will have a broad understanding of the fundamental concepts, methodologies, tools, and  applications of computer science. They will have the educational foundation that leads to successful careers in the computing industry.
  • Foundation for graduate study: Graduates of the program will have the academic preparation for successful completion of rigorous graduate programs.
  • Professional preparation: Graduates will have effective written and oral communication skills, and be able to work collaboratively in a professional and ethical manner.

This bachelor’s degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4012, telephone 410-347-7700.

Degree Requirements


For the BS-CS degree, students must complete 120 credits, including the University General Education  requirements and all the following:

Note:


Students must take CS 101 within their first year at the university. Students should take CS 105 during their second semester. A grade of C or better must be earned in CS 306 for this course to satisfy the university general education synthesis requirement.

Note:


Only three credits of CS 499 can be used toward the Senior computer science requirement.

Note:


Students may need to choose electives to satisfy prerequisites for these courses. Those planning to take MATH 352 may replace STAT 344 with MATH 351.

Natural Science (12 credits)


The BS in Computer Science requires 12 credits of natural science.  The courses should be intended for science and engineering students and must include a two course sequence with laboratories.  Some approved combinations have a total of more than 12 hours.  Approved two course sequences with laboratories are:

Communication (3 credits)


  • COMM 100 - Public Speaking Credits: 3
  • Computer Science students must make a technical presentation.  This course fulfills the general education requirement in oral communication for Volgenau School students.

Additional Humanities (3 credits)


Students must complete three additional credits of Humanities courses.  This can be fulfilled by any University General Education  course except those listed under Information Technology, Synthesis, Quantitative Reasoning, or Natural Science.  Students wishing to substitute alternate courses for this requirement must obtain departmental approval.

Electives (2 credits)


Students must complete 2 elective credits.

Total: 120 credits


Sample Schedule


Students should consult the sample schedule below and ensure that course prerequisites are satisfied. Students should obtain computer-generated audits periodically to ensure that degree requirements are being met.

First Semester Credits: 16


  • Western civilization course   Credits:  3

Second Semester Credits: 14


  • Arts course   Credits:  3
  • Literature course   Credits:  3

Third Semester Credits: 14


  • Natural science course  Credits:  4
  • Social and behavioral science course   Credits:  3

Fourth Semester Credits: 16


  • Natural science course   Credits:  4
  • General humanities elective   Credits:  3

Fifth Semester Credits 15


  • Global understanding course   Credits:  3

Sixth Semester Credits: 16


  • Humanities course   Credits:  3
  • Natural science course   Credits:  4

Seventh Semester Credits: 15


  • Senior computer science course   Credits:  3
  • Computer science-related elective   Credits:  3

Eighth Semester Credits: 14


  • Senior computer science course   Credits:  3
  • Senior computer science course   Credits:  3
  • Senior computer science course   Credits:  3
  • Computer science-related elective   Credits:  3
  • General elective   Credits:  2

Change of Major


Students requesting a change of major to computer science must have a GPA of at least 2.75 and successfully completed CS 112 or CS 211 and MATH 113, MATH 114 or MATH 125.

Advanced Placement, Credit by Exam


Some students may receive credit for CS 112 by passing departmentally administered exams.  In addition, a score of 3 on the Advanced Placement (AP) computer science exam qualifies the student for credit in CS 112.  An AP score of 4, together with demonstrated competence in the programming language used in CS 211, qualifies students for credit in CS 211.  A score of 4 on the International Baccalaureate computer science exam qualifies students for credit in CS 112, and a score of 5 or more qualifies students for credit in CS 211.

Writing-Intensive Requirement


Computer science majors complete the writing-intensive requirement through a sequence of projects and reports in CS 306 and  CS 321.  Faculty members provide feedback on students’ expository writing.

Grades


Students must earn a C or better in any course intended to satisfy a prerequisite for a computer science course.  Computer science majors may not use more than one course with grade of C- or lower toward department requirements.

Repeating Courses


Students may repeat an undergraduate CS or SWE class once.  A second repeat requires departmental approval.

Cooperative Education


Students may participate in the Mason cooperative education program or a work-study program in the Washington, D.C. area.

Computer Science, Computer Engineering Double Major


Computer science majors can earn a double major in computer science and computer engineering if they complete an additional 28 credits of courses beyond the 120 credits required for the computer science degree.  The additional 28 credits must be part of an approved plan of study.  For more information, visit the department web site.