Computer Science Curriculum

Computer Science is the study of computation. The two most fundamental concepts in the field are those of "algorithm" and of a "data structure". Thus, to 'compute' the most direct route between two cities, a person needs an algorithm, or sequence of steps, for doing this [only travel on interstate highways] and a data structure, or abstract representation, of the necessary information [the map].

A computer program is simply an algorithm and data structure put into machine executable form. In fact, the word 'computer' in the name of the discipline is somewhat mis-leading since the study of computers is only one component of the field. The name is a consequence of the fact that the need to study computing formally was created by the development of high-speed electronic computers.

Computer Science lies at the intersection of the disciplines of mathematics, science, and engineering. Mathematics, from which computer science evolved, provides a logical structure for investigations. Science provides general methodologies for exploration and changes, while engineering provides techniques for building hardware and software.

Majoring in Computer Science at V.U.

A Computer Science major includes a broad, liberal arts education. There are only 30 computer science credit hours required for the major (slightly more than one course per semester over four years.) Students regularly have multiple majors and/or minors. A student needs only to take one math course beyond the Mathematics requirement for the Computer Science major to earn a minor in Mathematics. The department also provides a minor (15 credit hours) that is excellent preparation for graduate school in many disciplines.

The Computer Science curriculum places an emphasis on both software engineering practices and the mathematical foundations for computation. The curriculum successfully prepares students for graduate programs and employment in the computing industry. Our employment rate for graduates is virtually 100% and Computer Science graduates typically have the highest paying entry level jobs from within the College of Arts & Sciences.

The first year sequence (one course in each semester) provides an introduction to algorithms using the Java programming language and the UNIX operating system. Students will also take mathematics courses towards satisfying the calculus requirement. In the second year, students take an advanced programming course where they hone their skills on data structures. In the spring semester, they take an assembly language and architecture class. Typically, a student is taking one (or more) mathematics courses in each semester of the second year. Students have great flexibility in choosing Computer Science electives in their second two years.

Students may earn credit in cooperative employment. This program allows the student to apply classroom principles in a job situation while earning a significant salary. Likewise, the job experience enhances the student's performance in upper-division electives.

Required Courses

Major. A minimum of 30 credit hours in Computer Science constitutes a major. Courses must include CS 157, 158, 246, 257, 332, 347, 372, 493. Of the remaining credits all must be from Computer Science courses numbered 290 or above.
Majors must complete the following mathematics courses: MATH 122 or 132 or 152; MATH 168; MATH 240; and MATH 269. Any student considering the study of computer graphics or graduate study in Computer Science is strongly encouraged to take a course in linear algebra before graduation.
A student seeking the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computer Science must complete the above program. In addition the student must complete CS 358. The minimum number of credits in Computer Science for the Bachelor of Science degree is 34.
Minor. A Computer Science minor consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours in computer science. Courses must include CS 157, 158, and 257. The remaining Computer Science credits must come from CS 246 and/or courses numbered above 300. In addition, the student must complete (MATH 122, 168 and 240) or (MATH 131, 132 and 240) or (MATH 151, 152 and 240) or (a calculus course and IDS 205 and IDS 320).