Computer and Information Sciences Major

Computer and Information Technology Library Resources

The major in Computer and Information Sciences is designed to prepare students for graduate study and/or careers in computer science and related fields. Students take a variety of courses that introduce them to programming concepts, data structures, computer algorithms, computer architecture and networking. Students participate in an internship that enables them to apply their academic knowledge and gain experience in the workplace. A minimum Career GPA of 2.00 and a minimum Major GPA of 2.00 are required for graduation. Courses required in the major comprise the major GPA. Unless indicated, students must earn a grade of C- (1.70) or better in courses both in the major and in order to successfully complete the requirements for the major. Students must earn a grade of C- (1.70) or better in courses required to successfully complete the requirements for the Minor.

Students declaring a major in Computer and Information Sciences should schedule an initial placement interview with a member of the faculty either at the formal orientation or at another convenient time. Based on the student’s prior experience, CMSC-190: Introduction to Programming Logic and CMTC-190: Introduction to Computer Hardware and Peripherals may not be required; students will be advised to register for the next level of appropriate coursework.

Major in Computer and Information Sciences – 63 credits
Courses are 3-credits unless indicated.
Required in the Major:

CMSC-190: Introduction to Programming Logic *

CMSC-205: Systems Analysis and Design (WOK: Problem Solving)

CMSC-210: Programming in Java ( 4 credits) (WOK: Problem Solving)

CMSC-251: Data Structures in Java (4 credits)

CMSC-280: Computer Science: History, Trends and Ethical Issues (Writing Intensive)

CMSC-285: Algorithms in AI and Robotics

CMSC-300: Application Development and Design

CMSC-310: Research Methods in Computer and Information Science **

CMSC-321: Communications and Networks

CMSC-350: Computer Architecture and Logic Design (4 credits)

CMSC-401: Internship in Computer Science

CMSC-405: Programming Languages

CMSC-498: Senior Seminar in Computer and Information Sciences

Choice of one course (3 credits) from the following, which may not be offered every semester:

• CMSC-281: Special Topics in Computer Science/Topics vary by semester (Repeatable for credit)
• CMSC-481: Advanced Special Topics in Computer Science/Topics vary by semester (Repeatable for credit)
• CMDF-200: Introduction to Computer Forensics

Also required:

CMTC-190: Introduction to Computer Hardware and Peripherals *

CMTC-230: Introduction to Data Communications

CMTC-280: Database Programming

Choice of:

• MATH-202: Mathematics for Management and the Social Sciences I (WOK: Problem Solving)
  OR
• MATH-203: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (WOK: Problem Solving)

MATH-225: Introduction to Statistics I (WOK: Problem Solving)

MATH-261: Discrete Methods in Mathematics (WOK: Problem Solving)

Recommended, but not required:

MATH-204: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II

PHYS-121: Principles of Physics I (4 credits) (WOK: Scientific)

PHYS-122: Principles of Physics II (4 credits) (WOK: Scientific)

* May not be required based on interview. Students who do not need to take this course will choose an elective (3 credits.)

** Student must earn a grade of C or better.

Sample Bachelor of Science: Computer and Information Science Major/selected minor (declaration of minor not required for graduation):  

Please note that this is a suggested academic plan only, it is not meant to address each student’s individual requirements or interests. Students will develop a personalized academic plan with a faculty advisor; however, it is the student’s responsibility to be aware of, register for, and successfully complete all of the requirements for graduation in the major.

*Non-academic credit - these courses do not apply towards the minimum required for graduation.

Minimum Academic Credits required for graduation: 121