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Computer Science BS
Program overview
The computer science major attracts students who are interested in both the mathematical theory and technical applications of computer science. Most employers look for students who are good computer scientists but also understand the tools and techniques of mathematics, science, and industry and are able to communicate effectively. The BS program is for the mathematically adept student who wishes to become a computing professional with knowledge of relevant applications areas. The program also is attractive to students transferring to RIT with an associate degree in computer science with course work in mathematics and science.
The demands of industry and government require college graduates to master both the fundamentals and the applied aspects of their profession. To meet this requirement, two applied educational experiences are woven into the program. Students are required to complete a cooperative educational experience as well as an extensive set of laboratory and small-group experiences, many as members of a team. These activities are typically held in a setting involving 15 to 20 students each, providing a venue for significant student-faculty interaction.
Computer science covers a wide spectrum of areas within the field of computing, ranging from the theoretical to the practical. A computer scientist can specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, computer theory, networking, security, robotics, parallel computation, database, data mining, computer architecture, or systems software. Programming is necessary, but computer scientists also must be adaptable as well as adept at problem solving and analytical reasoning, able to understand design principles, and fluent in using computers.
Students take a core of computer science courses that provide a solid foundation for advanced work. Building on this base, students can explore a variety of specializations in their third, fourth, and fifth years. In addition, students have the opportunity to develop a broad appreciation for computer applications and the effects of computers on society via computer science electives, general education courses, and various electives, which can be used to complete minors.
Accreditation
The BS degree in computer science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Curriculum
Computer science, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Year | |||||
| CSCI-141 | Computer Science I | 4 | |||
| MATH-181, 182 | LAS Perspective 7A: Project-Based Calculus I, II | 8 | |||
| LAS Foundation 1: First Year Seminar† | 3 | ||||
| LAS Perspective 2, 3, 4 | 9 | ||||
| CSCI-142 | Computer Science II | 4 | |||
| MATH-190 | Discrete Mathematics for Computing | 3 | |||
| LAS Foundation 2: First Year Writing | 3 | ||||
| Wellness Education* | 0 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| CSCI-243 | The Mechanics of Programming | 3 | |||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | ||||
| CSCI-262 | Introduction to Computer Science Theory | ||||
| CSCI 263 | Honors Introduction to Computer Science Theory | ||||
| MATH-251 | Probability and Statistics I | 3 | |||
| LAS Perspective 1, 5‡, 6‡ | 10 | ||||
| CSCI-250 | Concepts of Computer Systems | 3 | |||
| SWEN-261 | Introduction to Software Engineering | 3 | |||
| MATH-241 | Linear Algebra | 3 | |||
| LAS Elective§ | 4 | ||||
| Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| CSCI-251 | Concepts of Parallel and Distributed Systems | 3 | |||
| CSCI-320 | Principles of Data Management | 3 | |||
| Program Elective 1 | 3 | ||||
| LAS Elective§ | 3 | ||||
| LAS Immersion 1 | 3 | ||||
| Cooperative Education (spring) | Co-op | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| CSCI-261 | Analysis of Algorithms | 3 | |||
| Program Elective 2, 3§ | 6 | ||||
| CSCI-344 | Programming Language Concepts | 3 | |||
| Free Elective 1, 2 | 6 | ||||
| CSCI-471 | Professional Communications (WI) | 3 | |||
| CSCI-331 | Introduction to Intelligent Systems | 3 | |||
| LAS Elective‡ | 3 | ||||
| LAS Immersion 2 | 3 | ||||
| Fifth Year | |||||
| Cooperative Education (fall) | Co-op | ||||
| Program Elective 4§ | 3 | ||||
| LAS Immersion 3 | 3 | ||||
| LAS Elective | 3 | ||||
| Free Elective 3, 4 | 6 | ||||
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 126 | ||||
Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
† The First Year Seminar requirement is replaced by an LAS Elective for the 2013-14 academic year.
‡ Students must complete one of the following lab science sequences: (a) University Physics I, II (PHYS-211, 212), (b) General and Analytical Chemistry I, II and Labs (CHMG-141, 142, 145, 146) or (c) General Biology I, II, and Labs (BIOL 101, 102, 103, 104). Students are free to choose from approved science electives that either extend or complement their lab science selection.
§ Two computer science elective courses must come from the same cluster.
Accelerated dual degree option
An accelerated dual degree (BS/MS) option is available for outstanding undergraduate students who wish to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in approximately five years.
Computer science, BS/MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Year | |||||
| CSCI-141 | Computer Science I | 4 | |||
| MATH-181 | LAS Perspective 7A: Project-Based Calculus I | 4 | |||
| LAS Foundation 1: First Year Seminar† | 3 | ||||
| LAS Perspective 2, 3, 4 | 9 | ||||
| CSCI-142 | Computer Science II | 4 | |||
| MATH-182 | LAS Perspective 7B: Project-Based Calculus II | 4 | |||
| MATH-190 | Discrete Mathematics for Computing | 3 | |||
| LAS Foundation 2: First Year Writing | 3 | ||||
| Wellness Education* | 0 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| CSCI-243 | The Mechanics of Programming | 3 | |||
| Choose one of following: | 3 | ||||
| CSCI-262 | Introduction to Computer Science Theory | ||||
| CSCI-263 | Honors Introduction to Computer Science Theory | ||||
| MATH-251 | Probability and Statistics I | 3 | |||
| LAS Perspective 5‡ | 7 | ||||
| LAS Perspective 1 | 3 | ||||
| CSCI-250 | Concepts of Computer Systems | 3 | |||
| SWEN-261 | Introduction to Software Engineering | 3 | |||
| MATH-241 | Linear Algebra | 3 | |||
| LAS Elective† | 4 | ||||
| LAS Perspective 6‡ | 3 | ||||
| Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| CSCI-251 | Concepts of Parallel and Distributed Systems | 3 | |||
| CSCI-320 | Principles of Data Management | 3 | |||
| Program Elective 1 | 3 | ||||
| LAS Elective† | 3 | ||||
| LAS Immersion 1 | 3 | ||||
| Cooperative Education (spring) | Co-op | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| CSCI-261 | Analysis of Algorithms | 3 | |||
| Computer Science Graduate Elective | 3 | ||||
| CSCI-344 | Programming Language Concepts | 3 | |||
| Free Elective 1, 2 | 6 | ||||
| CSCI-471 | Professional Communications (WI) | 3 | |||
| CSCI-331 | Introduction to Intelligent Systems | 3 | |||
| Computer Science Graduate Elective | 3 | ||||
| LAS Elective† | 3 | ||||
| LAS Immersion 2 | 3 | ||||
| Fifth Year | |||||
| Cooperative Education (fall) | Co-op | ||||
| Computer Science Graduate Elective | 3 | ||||
| LAS Immersion 3 | 3 | ||||
| LAS Elective | 3 | ||||
| Free Elective 3, 4 | 6 | ||||
| Sixth Year | |||||
| CSCI-665 | Foundations of Algorithms | 3 | |||
| Cluster Course 1, 2, 3§ | 9 | ||||
| Computer Science Graduate Electives 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5** | 12 or 15 | ||||
| CSCI-788/789 or 790 | MS Project/Colloquium or MS Thesis | 3/0 or 6 | |||
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 156†† | ||||
Please see Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) General Education Requirements, in the Graduation Requirements section of this bulletin, for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
† The First Year Seminar requirement is replaced by an LAS Elective for the 2013-14 academic year.
‡ Students must complete one of the following lab science sequences: (a) University Physics I, II (PHYS-211, 212), (b) General and Analytical Chemistry I, II and Labs (CHMG-141, 142, 145, 146) or (c) General Biology I, II, and Labs (BIOL 101, 102, 103, 104). Students are free to choose from approved science electives that either extend or complement their lab science selection.
§ Two computer science elective courses must come from the same cluster.
** Students who complete the MS Project take one more computer science graduate elective than those who complete the MS Thesis.
†† The BS degree requires 126 semester hours; the MS degree requires 30 semester hours; students use 9 semester hours of computer science graduate electives toward both degrees.
Evening program
The computer science program may also be completed on a part-time basis. Degree requirements are identical to those taken by full-time students. Students are encouraged to work with an academic adviser for planning and course selection.