Computer Science, Bachelor of Science Computer Science
Program Overview
Computer Science is the study of the structure, function and application of computers and is central to the rapidly expanding use of information technology. Computers have traditionally been used in business, engineering and scientific applications, and now applications are found in almost all human activities from art to zoology. Computer science is both an applied and theoretical discipline, supported by the principles of science, engineering, and mathematics that has a direct and profound impact on the quality of life and society at large.
The BSCS in Computer Science degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. The undergraduate curricula in computer science are based on the Association for Computing Machinery recommendations for curricula and reflect the goals of a liberal arts education. The curricula in computer science provide the student with marketable expertise to enter the computing field, the skills and education required to adapt to the rapidly changing characteristic of the fields, and the foundation to pursue graduate study in computer science.
Specific graduation requirements for this program beyond university bachelor’s degree requirements.
- All courses in section Computer Science Core must be completed with a grade ‘C’ or better.
- All courses in sections Programming Language and Databases, Architecture, Networking, and Operating Systems must be completed with a grade ‘C’ or better
Core Curriculum – 42 hours
The Core Curriculum serves as a broad foundation for the undergraduate degree. All candidates for a bachelor’s degree must achieve core student learning outcomes, including communication, critical thinking, empirical and quantitative skills, teamwork, personal responsibility and social responsibility, by completing courses within each category or component area of the Core Curriculum as outlined below.
The University has approved specific courses that satisfy Core Curriculum Requirements. Approved courses can be found on the Core Curriculum Page. Students seeking the most efficient way to complete the core curriculum and major or minor requirements are advised to take approved courses that can fulfill both requirements. Although core curriculum courses can also be used to fulfill major or minor requirements, earned credits hours are only applied once.
The courses listed below fulfill core curriculum and major requirements. Students who have completed a core curriculum category with courses other than those listed below will still be required to take the listed course(s) to meet major requirements.
020 Mathematics - 3 hours
MATH 2413 is given three credit hours for the lecture component.
030 Life and Physical Sciences - 6 hours
Choose any two courses:
Three credit hours from the lecture component of each life and physical science course will be applied towards this requirement.
040 Language, Philosophy, and Culture - 3 hours
090 Integrative and Experiential Learning - 6 hours
Choose an additional 1-hour course from this category except PHIL 2326.
Complete 1-hour of laboratory from each corresponding science course from category 030 Life and Physical Sciences for a total of 2 credit hours.
Major Requirements - 68 hours
Required Courses - 32 hours
Computer Science Core
Prescribed Electives – 18 hours
Programming Language - 3 hours
Choose one:
Databases, Architecture, Networking, and Operating Systems - 6 hours
Choose two:
Additional Computer Science Electives - 9 hours
Choose three:
Support Courses - 18 hours
Oral and Written Communication - 3 hours
Mathematics and Engineering - 15 hours
Required:
MATH 2413 is given one credit hours for the lecture component
Choose one:
| STAT 3337 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| STAT 3301 | Applied Statistics | 3 |
| EECE 3340 | Probability and Statistics for Electrical and Computer Engineers | 3 |
Free Electives - hours will vary
Free electives credit hours required may vary to achieve the institutional minimum of 120 hours for a degree.
Total Credit Hours: 42
Total Credit Hours: 120
View this program’s recommended roadmap to graduation.
UTRGV Roadmaps are a suggested sequence of courses designed to assist students in completing their undergraduate degree requirements. This is a term-by-term sample roadmap of courses required to complete the degree. Students must satisfy all requirements in their catalog including, but not limited to course prerequisites, grade point average and course grade benchmarks, progression requirements, and graduation requirements.
Students should meet with their academic advisor every semester to discuss their individualized path toward completion. Degree progress within this roadmap depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation and readiness, student time management, work and personal responsibilities, and financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.