Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (CSE)
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 1301 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
| CSE 1302 | Introduction to Computer Engineering | 3 |
| CSE 2400 | Logic and Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
or MATH 3010 | Foundations for Higher Mathematics | |
| CSE 2407 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| CSE 3302 | Object-Oriented Software Development Laboratory | 3 |
| CSE 3407 | Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| CSE 3601 | Introduction to Systems Software | 3 |
| Total Units | 21 | |
- *
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 4202 | Operating Systems Organization | 3 |
| CSE 4205 | Programming Systems and Languages | 3 |
| CSE 4301 | Translation of Computer Languages | 3 |
| CSE 4303 | Introduction to Computer Security | 3 |
| CSE 4304 | Reverse Engineering and Malware Analysis | 3 |
| CSE 4703 | Introduction to Computer Networks | 3 |
- **
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 2506 | Introduction to Human-Centered Design | 3 |
| CSE 4101 | AI and Society | 3 |
| CSE 4102 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSE 4106 | Data Science for Complex Networks | 3 |
| CSE 4107 | Introduction to Machine Learning | |
or ESE 4170 | Introduction to Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition (ESE 4170 would not count toward the required two CSE courses at the 4000+ level and would be counted as an out-of-department course.) | |
| CSE 4402 | Introduction to Cryptography | 3 |
| CSE 4507 | Introduction to Visualization | 3 |
| CSE 4608 | Introduction to Quantum Computing | 3 |
- ***
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 4001, CSE 4970, CSE 4971, CSE 4975) or approved courses from other departments (e.g., ESE 4170). 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 4000 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 1510 | Calculus I | 3 |
| MATH 1520 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 2130 | Calculus III | 3 |
| MATH 3300 | Matrix Algebra | 3 |
or ENGR 3180 | Engineering Mathematics A | |
| ESE 3260 | Probability and Statistics for Engineering | 3 |
or SDS 3020 | Elementary to Intermediate Statistics and Data Analysis | |
or SDS 5212 | Statistics for Data Science I | |
or DAT 120 & DAT 121 | Managerial Statistics I & II | |
| Total Units | 15 | |
Upon completing a course in the calculus sequence (MATH 1510-MATH 1520-MATH 2130) 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 1500 | College Writing | 3 |
| ENGR 3100 | 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/No Pass basis.