Computer Science (BS)
Hours - 66 Credit Hours
Effective Sep. 2020
Last Revision 3/3/2023
Faculty Unit Assignment: Math & Computing
Sponsoring Program: Computer Science
Holokai Category: Faculty of Math & Sciences
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Program Requirements
Required Courses for Admission to the Major – 17 Credits
Student must pass the following courses with a grade of C or better.
To be accepted into this major, I must pass all courses listed above with a C or better and I must pass CIS 202 and CIS 205 with a B- or better. I must also have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. I understand that one retake is allowed per class, for up to three classes within the entire degree program. Additional retakes require special permission. I understand that if I exhaust my repeats, I risk the chance of not being able to continue in the major or any other major in the computer science, information systems, or information technology programs.
Please sign the form below to acknowledge that you understand this policy and then submit it to your academic advisor.
Core Requirements – 42 Credits
Classes marked "MO" are for admitted majors only.
| Course Number | Title | Semesters Offered | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIS 206 | Discrete Mathematics II | F | 3.0 | CIS 202, 205 |
| CIS 305 | Systems Engineering I (MO) | F, W | 3.0 | CIS 202 |
| CIS 405 | Systems Engineering II (MO) | W, S | 3.0 | CIS 305, IS 350 |
| CIS 470 | Ethics in Computer and Information Sciences (MO) | F, S | 3.0 | ENGL 315 or equivalent |
| CS 203 | Object-Oriented Programming II | F | 3.0 | CIS 202 |
| CS 210 | Computer Organization | W | 3.0 | CS 203 |
| CS 301 | Algorithms and Complexity (MO) | W | 3.0 | CS 203, CIS 206 |
| CS 320 | Introduction to Computational Theory (MO) | W | 3.0 | CS 203, CIS 206 |
| CS 400 | Computer Science Proficiency (MO) | F, W, S | 0.0 | |
| CS 401 | Web Applications Development | F | 3.0 | CS 203, IS 350, MATH 212 |
| CS 415 | Operating Systems Design (MO) | F | 3.0 | CS 210, 301, MATH 212 |
| CS 420 | Programming Languages (MO) | S | 3.0 | CS 301, CS 320, MATH 212 |
| CS 490R | Advanced Topics in Computer Science (MO) | F, W, S | 3.0 | CS 301, MATH 212 |
| CS 490R | Advanced Topics in Computer Science (MO) | F, W, S | 3.0 | CS 301, MATH 212 |
| IS 350 | Database Management Systems (MO) | F, W | 3.0 | CIS 101 |
Math Requirement – 3 Credits
Science Requirement – 4 Credits
Choose one of the following courses.
| Course Number | Title | Semesters Offered | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS 121/L | Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics | F, W | 4.0 | MATH 212 and either High School Trigonometry or MATH 111, and passing a Comprehensive Mathematics Exam during 1st week of semester. Sample Math exam available in Canvas |
| CHEM 105/L | General Chemistry I | F, W | 4.0 | MATH 110 with a C- or better (MATH 110 can be a corequisite if MATH 101 was completed-see Advisor), or ACT Math score 24+, or SAT Math score 590+. High school chemistry or CHEM 101 highly recommended. |
| BIOL 312/L | Marine Biology/Lab | F, S | 4.0 | BIOL 113 |
Supplemental Courses – 0 Credits
For students considering graduate school, we recommend taking MATH 343 and one additional lab-based course from the list below.
Additional Program Requirements
- One D+, D, D- is allowed above. All other credits must be C- or better.
- One retake is allowed per class, for up to three classes. Additional retakes require special permission.
- A program-approved assessment test must be taken during your last full semester at BYUH.
- Students may seek one and only one major in either BCIS, CS, IS, or IT.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completing a major in computer science, a student will have:
- An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
- An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
- An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
- An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
- An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
- Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
- An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
- An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
- An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.
The Discipline
All majors in the computer and information sciences programs share many characteristics. All students are involved in the use and development of computer-based technology solutions. All students learn to work in teams and communicate effectively about technology. However, the primary focus of each program is different.
Computer science prepares students to solve technical problems using algorithms, mathematics, and software. A significant focus is on software development, which touches virtually every human endeavor. Students in computer science learn how to approach complex problems found in science, business, math, medicine, transportation, and entertainment. Students are prepared to research new areas where computers may have a positive impact.
Career Opportunities
Computer science graduates are found performing software development tasks for companies of all sizes worldwide. Students also find industry-specific career opportunities solving technical problems in business, health care, government, education, and communications using the tools of computer science. Students are also prepared for graduate studies.