Computer Science, BA

Program Code: COSC-BA

IUP’s computer science programs share a curricular core covering fundamental concepts, programming, problem solving, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, database, and seminars on technical topics and the profession. The department focuses on providing a broad foundation to create agile graduates who can adapt to the rapidly changing trends in the computer science field. Upper-level courses are designed to provide depth of theory and build career skills. Courses held in computer classrooms offer hands-on learning that blends theory with supervised practice to train workforce ready graduates. The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science program allows greater flexibility by having fewer required courses. Students often choose this track when planning to double major or if they want to tailor their degree program meet specific interests. Graduates leverage their wide scope of knowledge by applying computing skills to fields outside of computer science and are effective in communicating across disciplines and cultural backgrounds.

Students completing the program are prepared to work in computer-dependent areas of business, government, and industry. Recent graduates have started their careers with positions in programming and systems analysis, business applications, computer software development, applied scientific programming, and other computer-related areas.

Liberal Studies: 40-41

As outlined in the Liberal Studies Requirements with the following specifications:

Learning Skills: 6 (1)

Mathematics: 3

MATH 125 - Calculus I/Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics Credits: 3 (2)

Liberal Studies Elective: 3

MATH 216 - Probability and Statistics for Natural Sciences Credits: 3
No courses with COSC prefix

Major: 39

Core Courses:

COSC 110 - Problem Solving and Structured Programming Credits: 3
COSC 210 - Object-Oriented and GUI Programming Credits: 3
COSC 300 - Computer Organization and Assembly Language Credits: 3
COSC 310 - Data Structures and Algorithms Credits: 3
COSC 319 - Software Engineering Concepts Credits: 3
COSC 341 - Introduction to Database Management Systems Credits: 3
COSC 380 - Seminar on the Computer Profession and Ethics Credits: 2
COSC 480 - Seminar on Technical Topics Credits: 1

Controlled Electives:

12cr from the following: (3)

COSC 343 - Introduction to Numerical Methods Credits: 3
or
MATH 343 - Introduction to Numerical Methods Credits: 3
COSC 216 - Introduction to Cybersecurity Credits: 3 (4)
COSC 345 - Computer Networks Credits: 3
or
COSC 352 - LAN Design and Installation Credits: 3
COSC 355 - Computer Graphics Credits: 3
COSC 356 - Network Security Credits: 3
COSC 362 - Unix Systems Credits: 3
COSC 365 - Web Application Development Credits: 3
COSC 473 - Software Engineering Practice Credits: 3 (5)
COSC 493 - Internship in Computer Science Credits: 3-12 (5)
IFMG 455 - Business Data Mining Credits: 3

Upper-Level Electives (3): 6

COSC 405 - Artificial Intelligence Credits: 3
COSC 410 - Computer Architecture Credits: 3
COSC 420 - Modern Programming Languages Credits: 3
COSC 424 - Compiler Construction Credits: 3
COSC 427 - Introduction to Cryptography Credits: 3
COSC 430 - Introduction to Systems Programming Credits: 3
COSC 432 - Introduction to Operating Systems Credits: 3
COSC 460 - Theory of Computation Credits: 3
COSC 465 - Web Services Credits: 3
COSC 471 - Cloud Computing Credits: 3

Other Requirements: 3

Additional Mathematics:

MATH 309 - Discrete Mathematics Credits: 3

Free Electives: 37-38

Total Degree Requirements: 120

(1) English Composition II requirement is fulfilled by the department’s Writing Plan.

(2) MATH 125 can be substituted by MATH 121 .

(3) Upper-level electives may be counted as controlled electives. 3cr of Intermediate Level foreign language may be applied toward controlled electives.

(4) COSC 216 cannot be counted for major credit if a student does a Cyber Security minor.

(5) Credit for both COSC 473 and COSC 493 may be counted toward the degree, but only one will be counted toward the major requirements. Note: Only 3cr of first 6cr of COSC 493 or 6cr of a total 12cr of COSC 493 can be counted toward major. COSC 493 may be selected after completion of sophomore year.

SLOs

#	*Outcome*	*How measured*	*Courses Used*	*Improve Category*
1	Analyze a complex computing problem, then design and implement computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of software engineering.	Assignments, Exams, Projects	COSC 319, Upper-level electives	C
2	Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.	Written Assignments, Oral Presentations	COSC 319, 380, 480	B
3	Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgements in computing practice on legal and ethical principles.	Assignments, Exams, Oral Presentations	COSC 380	C
4	Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to software engineering.	Group Projects	COSC 319	B