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2014-2015 University Catalog
Computer Science, BS
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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, http://www.abet.org.
Students in this program have the option of applying to an accelerated master’s degree program in computer science , information security and assurance , information systems , or software engineering . See each listing for specific requirements. |
Degree Requirements
For the BS CS degree, students must complete 120 credits, including the Mason Core requirements and all of the following: Computer science core (36 credits)
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 Mason Core synthesis requirement. Senior computer science (15 credits)
One of the following: And four additional courses chosen from:
Note:
Only three credits of CS 499 can be used toward the senior computer science requirement. Computer science-related courses (6 credits)
Two courses chosen from: 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)
Additional Humanities (3 credits)
Students must complete three additional credits of Humanities courses. This can be fulfilled by any Mason Core 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. Additional Mason Core (21 credits)
Students must complete all Mason Core requirements not fulfilled by major requirements.
- Written Communication: 6 credits
- Literature: 3 credits
- Arts: 3 credits
- Western Civilization/World History: 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Science: 3 credits
- Global Understanding: 3 credits
Electives (4 credits)
Students must complete 4 elective credits. 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 . 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 attempt an undergraduate course taught by the Volgenau School of Engineering twice. A third attempt requires approval of the department offering the course. This policy does not apply to STAT 250 , which follows the normal university policy for repeating undergraduate courses. Termination from the Major
No math, science, or Volgenau School of Engineering course, required for the major, may be attempted more than three times. Those students who do not successfully complete such a course within three attempts will be terminated from the major. Undeclared students in the Volgenau School who do not successfully complete a course required for a Volgenau School major within three attempts will also be terminated. For more information, see the “Termination from the Major” section under AP.5 Undergraduate Policies .
Students who have been terminated from a Volgenau School of Engineering major may not register for a Volgenau School course without permission of the department offering the course. This applies to all undergraduate courses offered by the Volgenau School except IT 103 and STAT 250 . Advanced Placement, Credit by Exam
A score of 3 on the Advanced Placement (AP) computer science exam qualifies the student for credit in CS 112 . An AP score of 5, 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 (IB) 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. 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. |
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