Computer Science B.S.

Program Educational Objectives

Educational objectives of the computer science program are the knowledge, skills and experiences that enable graduates to:

model, simulate, and solve computational problems using appropriate theoretical and experimental methods, producing reliable and secure systems;
think critically and creatively, communicate clearly, work effectively with others, and develop leadership skills;
integrate computational principles with social, business, and ethical issues in modern society in the process of decision making;
be professionally engaged in serving the needs of business, industry, government, and academic organizations; and
grow professionally through activities such as graduate study, continuing education, professional certifications, and participation in professional organizations.

Student Outcomes

Computer Science students at the time of graduation are expected to have:

an ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline;
an ability to identify and 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 common goals;
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 mathematics 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; and
an ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

Graduation Requirements

Upon a student’s admission to the Computer Science major, a faculty member will serve as the student’s academic advisor to work with the student in planning a program to complete the degree requirements. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor throughout the semester and are required to meet with their advisor prior to registering for the next semester.

Before enrolling in upper-division (junior and senior level) courses, students must have earned a grade of "C" or better in each of the following:

COSC 1336 Programming Fundamentals	3 semester hours
COSC 1337 Object-Oriented Programming	3 semester hours
COSC 2336 Data Structures and Algorithms	3 semester hours
COSC 2315 Computer Organization (TCCN: COSC_2325)	3 semester hours
MATH 2413 Calculus I	3 semester hours
MATH 2414 Calculus II	3 semester hours
University Physics/Chem/Biol I and II	8 semester hours

Preparation should be started for upper-division work in supporting areas such as business, mathematics, engineering, or physical science.

Degree Requirements

To graduate with a degree in Computer Science, the student must meet the following specific requirements in addition to the general baccalaureate degree requirements:

Grade Point Average

A 2.0 grade point average in all upper-division computer science courses attempted and a grade of “C” or better in all courses listed in C. and D. below.

Upper-Division Courses

Thirty-three semester hours of upper-division computer science courses, with at least 18 hours completed at UT Tyler.

Specified Support Courses

Thirty-four semester hours of specified support courses:

MATH 2413	Calculus I [TCCN: MATH 2413]
MATH 2414	Calculus II [TCCN: MATH 2414]
MATH 2330	Discrete Structures
MATH 3351	Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists
MATH 3203	Matrix Methods in Science and Engineering
MANA 3370	Business Writing and Oral Presentations

One of the following sequence of science courses:

PHYS 2325: University Physics I, PHYS 2125: University Physics I Lab, PHYS 2326: University Physics II, PHYS 2126: University Physics II Lab
CHEM 1311: General Chemistry I, CHEM 1111: General Chemistry I Lab, CHEM 1312: General Chemistry II, CHEM 1112: General Chemistry II Lab
BIOL 1306: General Biology I, BIOL 1106: General Biology I Lab, BIOL 1307: General Biology II, BIOL 1107: General Biology II Lab

Three-hour approved elective in science or mathematics.

Additional four-hour physical science and lab elective.

Computer Science Courses

1. Forty-seven hours of computer science courses.

2. Twelve semester hours of approved upper division COSC.

COSC 1336	Programming Fundamentals
COSC 1337	Object Oriented Paradigm
COSC 2315	Computer Organization [TCCN: COSC 2325]
COSC 2336	Data Structures and Algorithms [TCCN: COSC 2336]
COSC 3215	Social and Professional Issues in Computing
COSC 3325	Algorithm Analysis and Foundations
COSC 3345	Computer Architecture
COSC 3355	Operating Systems
COSC 4315	Information and Knowledge Management
COSC 4336	Software Development
COSC 4360	Net-Centric Computing
COSC 4385	Database Management Concepts
COSC 4395	Capstone Project

Approved Electives

Six hours of approved electives in supporting disciplines. Three hours must be upper-division.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Requirements

Total Semester Credit Hours = 120

Freshman Year

First Semester (13 hrs.)

COSC 1336	Programming Fundamentals
HIST 1301	United States History I [TCCN: HIST 1301]
MATH 2413	Calculus I [TCCN: MATH 2413]
ENGL 1301	College Composition I [TCCN: ENGL 1301]

Second Semester (16 hrs.)

COSC 1337	Object Oriented Paradigm
MATH 2414	Calculus II [TCCN: MATH 2414]
ENGL 1302	College Composition II [TCCN: ENGL 1302]
MATH 2330	Discrete Structures
HIST 1302	United States History II [TCCN: HIST 1302]

Sophomore Year

First Semester (15 hrs.)

COSC 2336	Data Structures and Algorithms [TCCN: COSC 2336]
MATH 3203	Matrix Methods in Science and Engineering
POLS 2305	Introductory American Government [TCCN: GOVT 2305]

Creative Arts Elective (3 hrs.)
University Physics/Chemistry/Biology I (3 hrs.)
University Physics/Chemistry/Biology Lab (1 hr.)

Second Semester (16 hrs.)

COSC 2315	Computer Organization [TCCN: COSC 2325]
SPCM 1315	Fundamentals of Speech Communication [TCCN: SPCH 1315]
POLS 2306	Introductory Texas Politics [TCCN: GOVT 2306]

Language, Philosophy & Culture Core Elective (3 hrs.) (PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics Preferred)
University Physics/Chemistry/Biology II (3 hrs.)
University Physics/Chemistry/Biology Lab II (1 hr.)

Junior Year

First Semester (15 hrs.)

COSC 3325	Algorithm Analysis and Foundations
COSC 3345	Computer Architecture
MANA 3370	Business Writing and Oral Presentations
MATH 3351	Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists

Social and Behavioral Sciences Core Elective (3 hrs.) (ECON 2301 or ECON 2302 preferred)

Second Semester (15 hrs.)

COSC 3355	Operating Systems
COSC 4315	Information and Knowledge Management
COSC 4385	Database Management Concepts
COSC 3215	Social and Professional Issues in Computing

Physical Science Elective III (3 hrs.)
Physical Science Elective III Lab (1 hr.)

Senior Year

First Semester (15 hrs.)

COSC 4360	Net-Centric Computing
COSC 4336	Software Development

COSC Upper-Division Elective (3 hrs.)
COSC Upper-Division Elective (3 hrs.)
Approved Math/Science Elective (3 hrs.)

Second Semester (15 hrs.)

COSC 4395

Capstone Project

Approved Upper-Division Electives (3 hrs.)
COSC Upper-Division Electives (6 hrs.)
Approved Upper/Lower Division Elective (3 hrs.)