Computer Science, BA or BS

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While every attempt is made to state the requirements and concentrations available in the department as succinctly as possible, it is recommended that every student majoring or minoring in the department continue in close communication with the academic advisor assigned by the department in order to plan the program best suited to individual needs and goals. Computer Science Majors must earn a C- or better in any CMSC course for it to count towards the major.

Students desiring a minor in computer science must successfully complete the appropriate program described below, and must see the Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science to officially declare a minor in this field.

General Education Core Requirements (38 credits)

Please see the General Education section of this catalog for options for other Goals.

Computer Science majors are required to take CMSC 350 for General Education Goal 12.

Additional Degree Requirements

Additional Degree Requirements BA Degree 6 credits
Additional Degree Requirements BS Degree 7 credits Students must take an additional 4 credit natural science course and MATH 171 to earn a B.S. degree.

Major Requirements (44-46 credits)

(plus 4 credits included in General Education)

Computer Science Foundations (29-31 credits)

(plus 1 credit included in General Education)

CMSC 160 - Introduction to Algorithmic Design I
CMSC 162 - Introduction to Algorithmic Design II
CMSC 201 - Computer Organization
CMSC 208 - Grammars, Languages, and Automata
CMSC 242 - Introduction to Network and Systems Programming
CMSC 262 - Data Structures and Algorithms in Application
CMSC 442 - Operating Systems
CMSC 461 - Senior Capstone in Computer Science
ENGL 319 - Technical Writing
CMSC 490 - Directed Study in Computer Science (1 credit satisfies General Education Goal 14)
or
CMSC 492 - Internship in Computer Science (1 credit satisfies General Education Goal 14)
or
CMSC 498 - Honors Research in Computer Science (1 credit satisfies General Education Goal 14)

Mathematics Foundations (3 credits)

(plus 3 credits included in General Education):

MATH 261 - The Differential and Integral Calculus I (3 of these 4 credits satisfy General Education Goal 5)
MATH 175 - Discrete Mathematics

Major Electives:

Students must complete at least 12 additional credits of CMSC courses at the 200-level or above, of which at least 6 credits must be at the 300-level or above. CMSC 350 may not count as an elective.

Multiple Languages:

CS majors must demonstrate proficiency in multiple programming languages and technologies. This requirement can be met by passing CMSC 140 , CMSC 210 , or CMSC 280 . Courses taken to meet this requirement may also count as major electives if they are of sufficient level.

General Electives

General Electives for BS degree 29-31 credits
General Electives for BA degree 30-32 credits

Total Credits Required

BA or BS degree 120