Computer Science (B.S.)

Computer Science (B.S.)
Computer board

You’ve always wanted to be on the cutting edge. 

With a degree from Plymouth State University, you will have the knowledge, critical thinking and communication skills, and experience you need to solve real-world problems in the fields of computer science and information technology. Our department emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning built on top of extensive laboratory experience, individual interactions and support, and significant group projects.

This program focuses on the design and development of software systems with an emphasis on the creation of new technology. Students will build a framework of conceptual knowledge and practical skills through core computer science courses. A broad selection of electives offers the opportunity to delve into several of the application areas of Computer Science. Auxiliary courses in mathematics and science develop additional analytical skills necessary for success in the many computing specialties that graduates typically choose.

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Courses

Curriculum & Requirements

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Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
CS 2010Computing Fundamentals (TECO)3
CS 2220Computer Hardware3
CS 2370Introduction to Programming4
CS 2381Data Structures and Intermediate Programming4
CS 2470Systems Programming in C/C++2
CS 3221Algorithm Analysis4
CS 3600Database Management Systems4
CS 3720Systems Analysis and Design3
CS 3780Introduction to Computational Theory3
CS 4140Software Engineering3
CS 4250Computer Architecture3
CS 4310Operating Systems3
CS 4520CyberEthics (DICO,INCO,INCP,WRCO)3
CS 4760Senior Project3
MA 2300Statistics I (QRCO)3
MA 2450Mathematical Reasoning4
Science course with laboratory (not BIDI/CHDI/ESDI/MTDI/PHDI)4
Major Electives
Complete two courses from the following:6-7
CS 2900
Introduction to Electronic Circuitry
CS 2901
Introduction to Materials, Design and Fabrication Technology
CS 2905
Introduction to Microcontrollers
CS 3015
Mobile Application Development
CS 3020
Web Programming
CS 3030
Advanced Web Programming
CS 3240
Data Communication and Computer Networks
CS 3420
Introduction to Cybersecurity
CS 3500
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CS 3650
Big Data Administration and Analysis
CS 3820
Human-Computer Interaction
CS 4230
System Administration
CS 4400
Computer Networks and Protocols
CS 4420
Computer Security
CS 4920
Computer Science Internship (maximum of three credits)
Calculus
MA 2550
& MA 2560		Calculus I (QRCO)
and Calculus II (QRCO)		8
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 14-8
GACOGlobal Awareness Connection3-4
WECOWellness Connection3-4
Electives15-18
Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
CS 2010 Computing Fundamentals (TECO) 3
CS 2370 Introduction to Programming 4
Complete two-semester Calculus Sequence:
MA 2550
& MA 2560		 Calculus I (QRCO)
and Calculus II (QRCO)		 8
CTDICreative Thought Direction 3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction 3-4
Elective 0-2
 Credits29-33
Year Two
CS 2220 Computer Hardware 3
CS 2381 Data Structures and Intermediate Programming 4
CS 2470 Systems Programming in C/C++ 2
CS 3221 Algorithm Analysis 4
CS 3600 Database Management Systems 4
MA 2450 Mathematical Reasoning 4
MA 2300 Statistics I (QRCO) 3
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction 3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction 3-4
 Credits30-32
Year Three
CS 3720 Systems Analysis and Design 3
CS 3780 Introduction to Computational Theory 3
Science course with laboratory (not BIDI/CHDI/ESDI/MTDI/PHDI) 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 4-8
GACOGlobal Awareness Connection 3-4
WECOWellness Connection 3-4
Electives 6-8
 Credits26-34
Year Four
CS 4140 Software Engineering 3
CS 4250 Computer Architecture 3
CS 4310 Operating Systems 3
CS 4520 CyberEthics (DICO,INCO,INCP,WRCO) 3
CS 4760 Senior Project 3
Complete two Major Electives from the following: 6-7
CS 3015
 Mobile Application Development
CS 3020
 Web Programming
CS 3030
 Advanced Web Programming
CS 3240
 Data Communication and Computer Networks
CS 3420
 Introduction to Cybersecurity
CS 3500
 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CS 3820
 Human-Computer Interaction
CS 4230
 System Administration
CS 4400
 Computer Networks and Protocols
CS 4420
 Computer Security
CS 4920
 Computer Science Internship
Electives 7-10
 Credits28-32
 Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

  • The ability to develop applications to solve small and large problems, both independently and as part of a team.
  • An understanding of how the running time of algorithms is measured and the theoretical limitations of computing.
  • An understanding of computer instruction-set architecture and experience with hardware-focused programming.
  • The ability to communicate technical information to a wide range of audiences.
  • An understanding of professional, ethical, and security issues and responsibilities that arise with modern socio-technical systems.

Computers are used in virtually every industry which requires employees who specialize in computer science. Computer science is not simply a study of how to use computers and various software. Although all computer scientists are proficient in using computers with various operating systems and a variety of software, they have a larger goal: they design and construct or configure computer hardware and software to be used by others. With the need for computers in virtually every industry, the need for employees who specialize in computer science and can incorporate new technologies is ever increasing.
 
For more information, visit the Career Services site.
Here is a link to A guide for women in STEM created by DDS (Discover Data Science), including STEM scholarship opportunities for women.
 
Sample Job Titles:
  • Computer Programmer
  • Computer Systems Manager
  • Control Engineer
  • Database Administrator
  • Manager, Management Information Systems
  • Network Administrator
  • Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Robot Software Engineer
  • Robot System Engineer
  • Software Designer
  • Software Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • System Analyst
  • Web Application Developer
  • Technical Writer
  • Web Designer
Useful Skills for Jobs in Computing Disciplines:
  • Ability to analyze cause and effects
  • Ability to think logically and critically
  • Strong communication skills
  • • Mathematical background

Explore Program Details

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Students in Computer Science class

As a Computer Science and Technology student you will be part of a tight-knit community. We spend a lot of time working in teams on projects, playing games over lunch with professors, and asking questions during open tutoring hours.  These connections not only keep the department lively, but also build a network that can provide career opportunities.

  • Evening tutoring hours
  • Internship and career opportunities
  • Board game groups
  • Meet and talk with alumni in the field
  • Senior Project presentations

PSU offers several scholarships for students in the Computer Science & Technology department. For any questions regarding these awards, please contact us directly.

Please follow the link to PSU’s Academic Works for more information on scholarships available and their criteria, requirements, and deadlines. Scholarships that do not require an application are awarded by the Financial Aid Office based on the scholarship criteria and greatest need. For questions regarding scholarships with general criteria, contact the Financial Aid office.

Gary David Johnson Memorial Scholarship

This endowment honors Gary David Johnson, and in his memory, funds scholarships for worthy students majoring in Computer Science.  The award, based on academic excellence, is granted to students for use in their sophomore, junior or senior year.  Recipients are selected by a committee composed of faculty and the chair of the Computer Science and Technology Department.  The award is worth approximately $1,000.00.

Elaine Gail Vaillant Brown Scholarship Endowment

This endowment honors Elaine Gail Vaillant Brown, and in her memory, funds worthy students majoring in Information Technology. The award, based on academic excellence, is granted to Junior year students for use toward their Senior year tuition. Recipients are selected by a committee composed of faculty and the chair of the Computer Science and Technology Department. The award is worth approximately $1,000.00.

Charles E. Brown Computer Science Scholarship

The purpose of this endowed fund is to provide a scholarship for a student majoring in Computer Science. The scholarship award, based on academic excellence, will be granted to a full-time student in their senior year at Plymouth State University. Recipients are selected by a committee composed of faculty and the chair of the Computer Science and Technology Department. The award is worth approximately $1,000.00.

Outstanding Senior Award

Each year the Computer Science and Technology Department chooses the “Outstanding Senior” from three of its majors. This award, for the soon-to-graduate student, is based on many factors including grades, participation in computing activities, enthusiasm and others. In recognition for their efforts the students’ names are placed on the Outstanding Senior plaque on display in the Computer Science and Technology Department offices.

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