Computer Science B.A. / B.S.
B.S. Curriculum, effective Fall 2026
The B.S. gives you a strong foundation in essential computer science: software development, algorithms, systems, and theory, plus a three-course specialization in the area that excites you most.
This page describes the new Fall 2026 curriculum. Current students should meet with an advisor about their catalog year.
Degree requirements at a glance
- 120 credits total, with 56 credits in the major
- 11-course computing core (44 credits), including a capstone internship or research project
- 3-course specialization: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, or General
- Calculus, mathematical tools for computing, and statistics
- One laboratory science sequence and one professional writing course
- A major and cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher is required to graduate
Computer science core: 44 credits
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 110 | Introduction to Programming | 4 |
| CSC 211 | Computer Programming | 4 |
| CSC 212 | Data Structures | 4 |
| CSC 305 | Software Engineering | 4 |
| CSC 310 | Programming for Data Science | 4 |
| CSC 301 | Fundamentals of Programming Languages | 4 |
| CSC 340 | Discrete Structures | 4 |
| CSC 440 | Design and Analysis of Algorithms | 4 |
| CSC 411 | Computer Organization | 4 |
| CSC 412 | Operating Systems and Networks | 4 |
| CSC 477 or CSC 499 | Capstone: Computer Science Internship, or Project in Computer Science | 4 |
Additional major requirements: 16 to 18 credits
| Requirement | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and statistics | MTH 141 Calculus I, MTH 180 Mathematical Tools for Computing, and STA 409 Statistical Methods in Research I | 10 |
| Professional writing, one of | WRT 227 Professional Writing, WRT 290 Writing with AI, WRT 332 Technical Writing, WRT 334 Science Writing, or HPR 142 Honors in Writing and Information Literacy | 3–4 |
| Laboratory science, one of | PHY 111 & 185; PHY 112 & 186; PHY 203 & 273; PHY 204 & 274; CHM 101 & 102; CHM 112 & 114; BIO 101 (or 110) & 103; BIO 102 & 104; GEO 103; or OCG 123G | 3–4 |
Students also complete the university’s 40-credit general education program, including at least one Grand Challenge course. Several major requirements carry general education credit, so they count in both directions. A total of 120 credits is required for graduation.
Specializations: choose one
Three courses that turn your interests into a credential. Every specialization builds on the same strong core.
Artificial Intelligence
Develop expertise in designing, implementing, and deploying intelligent systems that solve real-world problems. You’ll explore machine learning, neural networks, and language modeling while gaining hands-on experience with contemporary AI frameworks and large-scale data analysis.
| Requirement | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required gateway | CSC 461 Machine Learning | 4 |
| Choose two | CSC 546 Algorithms for Big Data | 4 |
| CSC 561 Neural Networks and Deep Learning | 3 | |
| CSC 581 Special Topics in Artificial Intelligence | 3 | |
| STA 441 Introduction to Multivariate Statistical Learning | 4 | |
| Another AI-related course, with departmental permission | 3–4 |
New AI courses, including large language models and machine learning security and privacy, are in development and may be counted with departmental permission as they become available.
Cybersecurity
Learn to protect computing systems, networks, and data. Drawing on industry-recognized security frameworks, you’ll study threat management, vulnerability assessment, security operations, network defense, and governance, then advance into intrusion detection, penetration testing, incident response, malware analysis, and risk management.
| Requirement | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | CSF 430 Introduction to Information Assurance | 4 |
| CSF 432 Introduction to Network and Systems Security | 4 | |
| Choose one | CSF 434 Network and Systems Security | 4 |
| CSF 534 Advanced Topics in Network and System Security | 4 |
CSF 534 adds a research dimension suited to students considering graduate study.
General Computer Science
Maximum flexibility to tailor advanced coursework to your interests and career goals. Choose from a broad range of topics: algorithms, software engineering, computer graphics, database systems, parallel computing, programming languages, networks, and more.
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| One course | Any CSC course at the 300 level or higher |
| Two courses | Any CSC courses at the 400 level or higher |
Your advisor can help you assemble a coherent sequence around your goals, from graphics and games to systems and databases.
Your four years, mapped
One possible route through the degree. Your advisor will tailor the sequence to you each semester.
Foundations
Start programming on day one with CSC 110 and CSC 211, alongside Calculus (MTH 141) and Mathematical Tools for Computing (MTH 180).
Building blocks
Data Structures (CSC 212), Software Engineering (CSC 305), Programming for Data Science (CSC 310), statistics, and your science sequence.
Depth and direction
Systems (CSC 411, 412), theory (CSC 301, 340), and the start of your specialization in AI, Cybersecurity, or General CS.
Launch
Algorithms (CSC 440), your remaining specialization courses, and a capstone internship (CSC 477) or research project (CSC 499).
Joining the major
To transfer into the College of Arts and Sciences as a B.S. computer science major, complete CSC 110 and CSC 211 with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher across the CSC and MTH courses required by the program that you have taken. Both your major and cumulative GPA must remain 2.00 or higher to graduate. Talk with an advisor about your plan.
Ready to build what’s next?
Join a program designed for the future of computing, starting Fall 2026.