UMUC

School of Undergraduate Studies

Computer Science

Students may seek an academic major in computer science

Major in Computer Science

The computer science major is designed for students who have a good background in mathematics and an interest in the theory, practice, art, and science of computer programming. This major provides graduates with an educational foundation appropriate for careers in computer software or computer system design, including careers as software engineers, application software designers, system programmers, and system engineers.


Objectives

The student who graduates with a major in computer science will be able to:

  • Analyze the effects of computerization on the global workplace.
  • Develop and present computer software and system designs effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Design and develop computer software using appropriate programming languages.
  • Utilize effective computer organization and system architecture to enhance performance.
  • Design and use efficient algorithms and data structures in writing computer programs.
  • Apply the mathematical foundations of computer science in analyses of models of computation.
  • Use information resources to assist with projects or research.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in computer science requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 38 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 41 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 18 credits in the major must be earned in upperlevel courses (numbered 300 or above).

Computer Science Major - Course Requirements

Coursework for a major in computer science includes the following:

  • Required mathematics courses (8 credits): MATH 140 and 141
  • Required foundation courses (9 credits): CMSC 130, 150, and 230
  • Required core courses (9 credits):CMSC 330, 335 and any 300-level CMSC course
  • Supplemental major courses (9 credits): Chosen from CMSC 101 (for students without prior programming experience) and any 400-level CMSC courses except CMSC 486A and 486B (Note: Students should take CMSC 101 before core courses and may apply it toward the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement rather than toward the major.)
  • Required capstone course (3 credits): CMSC 495

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in computer science. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Coursework for the major is indicated by ‡

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

  • EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3) (strongly recommended as first course)
  • LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
  • WRTG 101/101X Introduction to Writing (3)
  • MATH 115 Pre-Calculus (3) or both MATH 107 College Algebra and MATH 108 Trigonometry and Analytical Geometry (prerequisite for later courses)

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

  • ‡ MATH 140 Calculus I (4)
  • IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3) or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
  • CMSC 101 Introductory Computer Science (3) (fulfills the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement and prerequisite for later courses)
  • GVPT 170 American Government (3) or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first behavioral and social sciences requirement
  • Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3) and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1) or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other course(s) to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement
  • WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/writing requirement
  • ‡ CMSC 150 Introduction to Discrete Structures (3)
  • PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3) or ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement.

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

  • ‡ CMSC 130 Computer Science I (3)
  • ‡ MATH 141 Calculus II (4)
  • PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3) or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology or other course to fulfill the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)
  • NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3) or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other course to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement
  • ‡ CMSC 230 Computer Science II (3)
  • HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3) or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
  • IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3) (recommended elective)
  • SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3) or WRTG 390 Writing for Managers or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing or speech requirement
  • ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3) or a foreign language course (recommended elective)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

  • WRTG 393/393X Technical Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/upper-level intensive writing requirement
  • ‡ CMSC 311 Computer Organization or any 300-level CMSC course (3)
  • ‡ CMSC 330 Advanced Programming Languages (3)
  • ‡ CMSC 335 Object-Oriented and Concurrent Programming (3)
  • ‡ Any 400-level CMSC course except CMSC 486A/B (3) (supplemental major course)
  • ‡ A supplemental major course (3)
  • ‡ A supplemental major course (3)

Capstone Course for Major (to be taken in the last 15 credits)

  • CMSC 495 Current Trends and Projects in Computer Science (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (32)

Recommended Minor


Total credits for BS in computer science 120