Mar 29, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2016-2017 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Departments and Programs

The Computer Science program has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. The program contains both practical applications and underlying foundations of the discipline.

Program Educational Objectives:

  1. Graduates will be employable and successful in a variety of professional computing positions.
  2. Graduates will possess backgrounds which qualify them to pursue graduate study in computer science.
  3. Graduates will exhibit knowledge and skills sufficient for continued intellectual growth in computing.
  4. Graduates will possess an awareness and understanding of social and ethical issues in computing.
  5. Graduates will be able to communicate orally and in writing.
  6. Graduates will be able to work collaboratively with others.

Student Outcomes:
      Students will have:

  1. an ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
  2. an ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
  3. an ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
  4. an ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
  5. an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
  6. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  7. an ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
  8. recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
  9. an ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
  10. 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 trade-offs involved in design choices
  11. an ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity

Baccalaureate-Level Writing Requirement

Students in this program will satisfy the Baccalaureate-Level Writing Requirement by successfully completing CS 4900: Software Systems Development I: Requirements and Design.

 

Requirements


Students enrolling in the Computer Science Program are required to own a laptop computer with minimum specifications set by the department. By April of each year, the department will establish specifications of laptops for students entering in the following fall. These specifications will be posted on the department website.

Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science must satisfy the following requirements in addition to those required by Western Michigan University:

1. Mathematics/Statistics and Laboratory Science


To satisfy CAC/ABET accreditation requirements, all students must complete at least thirty credit hours of mathematics, statistics and laboratory science requirements which must include one approved laboratory science and a minimum of 15 credit hours in mathematics/statistics. Mathematics/statistics course work must include:

Approved Mandatory Laboratory Science Courses


Students may meet the laboratory science requirement by taking one of the following:

Remaining Mathematics/Statistics and Laboratory Science


The remaining required courses in laboratory science, mathematics and statistics must be approved by a department advisor.

2. General Education


A list of approved General Education courses can be found in the “Graduation and Academic Advising” section in this catalog.

General Education requirements include one course from each of the distribution areas I, II, III, IV, V, VII, and VIII with no more than two courses in the same department and at least two courses at the 3000-4000 level. A writing course is also required to satisfy Proficiency 1. The required lab science course (CHEM, GEOS and PHYS, though not BIOS) currently also satisfies distribution area VI.

3. Minimum Grades


Students may receive at most two grades below a “C” in the following courses:

  • All courses with a CS prefix
  • ECE 2500
  • Courses used for the Math/Stat/Science 30 credit hour requirement including required Math/Stat courses, the required Science course and any courses included as the Math/Stat/Science electives

4. Complete 122 Semester Credit Hours


The schedule below is an example of one leading to graduation in eight semesters, beginning with the fall semester.

First Semester (14 hours)


  • General Education   Credits: 3 hours

Second Semester (15 hours)


  • General Education   Credits: 4 hours

Third Semester (16 hours)


  • General Education   Credits: 3 hours

Fourth Semester (16 hours)


  • General Education   Credits: 3 hour
  • Free Elective   Credits: 3 hours

Fifth Semester (16 hours)


  • General Education   Credits: 2 hours
  • MATH/STAT/SCIENCE Approved Elective   Credits: 4 hours
  • Laboratory Science Requirement (satisfies General Education Area VI)   Credits: 4 hours

Sixth Semester (16 hours)


  • General Education   Credits: 3 hours
  • MATH/STAT/SCIENCE Approved Elective   Credits: 4 hours
  • Free Elective   Credits: 3 hours
  • Free Elective   Credits: 3 hours

Seventh Semester (16 hours)


  • Free Elective   Credits: 3 hours
  • Free Elective   Credits: 3 hours
  • Approved CS Elective   Credit: 3 hours
  • MATH/STAT/SCIENCE Approved Elective   Credits: 4 hours

Eighth Semester (13 hours)


  • Approved CS Elective   Credits: 3 hours
  • Free Elective   Credits: 4 hours
  • General Education    Credits: 3 hours

CS Elective


CS Elective means the student must take an approved computer science elective course. Such electives may be described in the undergraduate catalog or in departmental material published traditionally or on its website. Students should consult with a departmental advisor before enrolling in one of these courses.

Free Elective


Free Elective means the student may choose without restriction any course offered at the University. That is, the course need not be a General Education course nor a course in computer science.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Departments and Programs