Computer Science, BA or BS

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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 Computer Science Minor , and must see the Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science to officially declare a minor in this field.

Civitae Core Requirements (39-40 credits)

Civitae Core

Computer Science majors may count Civitae Core courses satisfying major requirements as also satisfying their respective Civitae Core requirements, up to two Pillar courses and one Perspectives course. The following are the courses in this major that may be used in this way:

MATH 171 can be taken to satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning Pillar requirement

Courses satisfying major requirements that are designated as Civitae Core courses subsequent to the print deadline of this Catalog will not appear in the above listings but will be eligible to also satisfy Civitae Core requirements, subject to the same rules as the others. (If doing so would otherwise decrease the total credits required for the degree below 120, General Elective credit must be substituted to restore the total.)

Transfer Students go to Transfer Student General Education for requirements.

Additional Degree Requirements

Additional Degree Requirements BA Degree: 3 credits
Additional Degree Requirements BS Degree: 4 credits - MATH 261 must be taken to earn a BS degree (MATH 164 or placement is a prerequisite)

Major Requirements (43 credits)

Computer Science Foundations (29 credits)

CMSC 160 - Introduction to Algorithmic Design I 4 credits
CMSC 162 - Introduction to Algorithmic Design II 4 credits
CMSC 201 - Computer Organization 3 credits
CMSC 208 - Grammars, Languages, and Automata 3 credits
CMSC 242 - Introduction to Network and Systems Programming 3 credits
CMSC 262 - Data Structures and Algorithms in Application 3 credits
CMSC 283 - Experiential Learning Seminar in Computer Science I 0 credits
CMSC 442 - Operating Systems 3 credits
CMSC 461 - Senior Capstone in Computer Science 3 credits
CMSC 483 - Experiential Learning Seminar in Computer Science II 0 credits
ENGL 319 - Technical Writing 3 credits

Mathematics Foundations (2 credits)

MATH 171 - Statistical Decision Making (3 credits counted in Civitae Core)

MATH 175 - Discrete Mathematics 2 credits.

Major Electives (12 credits)

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: 33-34 credits
General Electives for BA degree: 34-35 credits

Total Credits Required

BA or BS degree 120