The B.S. program in computer science offers the student a sound foundation in computer science complemented by a background in mathematics appropriate to the discipline. Students will be prepared to deal with scientific applications as well as the theoretical basis of computer science, and gain an exposure to computer hardware (microprocessors) through courses offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Through electives, the student will have the opportunity to gain background in applied areas in computing. Upon completion of this course of study, students will be qualified for careers as software engineers, computer programmers, data scientists, information systems analysts, system programmers, or applications programmers in business or industry. In addition, graduates will be prepared to pursue advanced degrees in computer science or related fields. This program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http:// www.abet.org.

The course of study leading to the B.S. with a major in computer science includes 18 hours of electives; 17 hours of core mathematics and statistics: MATH 131 , MATH 132 , MATH 206 , STAT 261 ; a MATH/STAT elective; and 40 hours of required courses in computer science: CSCI 201 , CSCI 202 , CSCI 211 , CSCI 223 , CSCI 305 , CSCI 317 , CSCI 320 , CSCI 355 , CSCI 405 , CSCI 420 , CSCI 495 , ELEC 311 , ELEC 330 , and one of CSCI 421  or CSCI 499 ; and 6 hours of Approved Computer Science Electives selected from among the computer science courses offered at the 300 or 400 level. In addition, General Education requirements for a selected strand, physical education, modern language, and laboratory sciences must be completed. The complete course of study is provided in the Courses of Study section of this catalog. The program has 123 base credit hours required, plus required courses in leadership, and ROTC.

All undergraduate courses taken at The Citadel with a subject prefix of CSCI will count towards the major GPA.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) for B.S. in Computer Science

Within five years of graduation, alumni of the B.S. program in Computer science should be:

1. Conducting successful career in computer science disciplines and/or pursuing graduate study in computer science.
2. Demonstrating life-long learning skills and adapting to emerging markets and technologies.
3. Embracing high personal and professional standards of conduct, citizenship, and service.

Student Outcomes (SOs) for B.S. in Computer Science

Graduates of the program will have an ability to:

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
3. Communicate effectively ina variety of professional contexts.
4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Major Academic Map

Click here to view the Academic Map for this major, which shows the courses and sequence.

BS in Computer Science – Computer Information Systems Concentration

The B.S. in Computer Science degree program can be taken with a concentration in Computer Information Systems, which which has its own academic map.