Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) is designed for students planning a career in computing. Students working toward a BSCS degree must meet all requirements for an applied science degree from the McKelvey School of Engineering. In addition, there are the following departmental course requirements:
- Computer Science Core Requirements (21 units total):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CSE 131 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
| CSE 132 | Introduction to Computer Engineering | 3 |
| CSE 240 | Logic and Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| or Math 310 | Foundations for Higher Mathematics | |
| CSE 247 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| CSE 332S | Object-Oriented Software Development Laboratory | 3 |
| CSE 347 | Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| CSE 361S | Introduction to Systems Software | 3 |
| Total Units | 21 | |
- 1
Each of these core courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better.
- Systems Requirement (3 units). Choose one of the following:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CSE 422S | Operating Systems Organization | 3 |
| CSE 425S | Programming Systems and Languages | 3 |
| CSE 431S | Translation of Computer Languages | 3 |
| CSE 433S | Introduction to Computer Security | 3 |
| CSE 434S | Reverse Engineering and Malware Analysis | 3 |
| CSE 473S | Introduction to Computer Networks | 3 |
- 1
The selected course must be passed with a grade of C- or better.
- Methods Requirement (3 units). Choose one of the following:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CSE 256A | Introduction to Human-Centered Design | 3 |
| CSE 411A | AI and Society | 3 |
| CSE 412A | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSE 416A | Data Science for Complex Networks | 3 |
| CSE 417T | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 |
| or ESE 417 | Introduction to Machine Learning and Pattern Classification | |
| CSE 442T | Introduction to Cryptography | 3 |
| CSE 457A | Introduction to Visualization | 3 |
| CSE 468T | Introduction to Quantum Computing | 3 |
- 1
The selected course must be passed with a grade of C- or better.
- Computer Science Technical Elective Requirements:
Students must complete 15 additional units (five courses) of CSE Technical Electives, which can come from any CSE classroom course including Systems and Methods Courses.
- Overall Degree Restrictions:
Up to 6 units total can come from a combination of approved CSE Independent Study (CSE 400E, CSE 497, CSE 498, CSE 499) or approved courses from other departments (e.g., ESE 417). Courses taken in other departments must have significant technical computing content, including those outside of the McKelvey School of Engineering. Students must complete the Elective Request form to request review of non-CSE courses. Students with interests in a particular area of computing should refer to the technical elective course sequences for suggestions on which courses are relevant to that area.
At least two courses must be CSE classroom courses at the 400 level or higher.
All courses must be taken for a grade. Core, Systems, and Methods requirements require a C- or better. All other courses require a passing grade.
- Math Requirements:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Math 131 | Calculus I | 3 |
| Math 132 | Calculus II | 3 |
| Math 233 | Calculus III | 3 |
| Math 309 | Matrix Algebra | 3 |
| or ESE 2180 | Linear Algebra and Component Analysis | |
| ESE 326 | Probability and Statistics for Engineering | 3 |
| or SDS 3200 | Elementary to Intermediate Statistics and Data Analysis | |
| or SDS 3211 | Statistics for Data Science I | |
| or DAT 120 & DAT 121 | Managerial Statistics I and Managerial Statistics II | |
| Total Units | 15 | |
Upon completing a course in the calculus sequence (Math 131-Math 132-Math 233) with a grade of C+ or better, the student may apply to receive credit for the preceding courses in the calculus sequence by following the Department of Mathematics' back credit policy.
- Additional Departmental Requirements:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CWP 100 | College Writing | 3 |
| Engr 310 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| Natural sciences electives | 8 | |
| Humanities and social sciences electives | 18 | |
| Total Units | 32 | |
The College Writing Program, humanities, and social sciences requirements are required of all students in the McKelvey School of Engineering. For information about how to fulfill the school's English proficiency requirement, please visit the Degree Requirements page of this Bulletin.
The natural sciences requirement is for 8 units designated NSM (Natural Sciences and Mathematics) from any of the following departments: Anthropology; Biology; Chemistry; Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences; Environmental Studies; or Physics. The College Writing Program and natural sciences courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
All courses taken to meet any of the above requirements (with the exception of the humanities and social sciences electives) cannot be taken on a pass/fail basis.