Computer Science/Languages and Systems, BS

Program Code: COSC-LGSY

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. Every student in the B.S. in Languages and Systems track also completes a minor in mathematics. This program is accredited by ABET, the nationwide board for accreditation of computing, engineering technology, and applied and natural science programs. Courses held in computer classrooms offer hands-on learning that blends theory with supervised practice to train work-force ready graduates. Selected theoretical and applied upper-level courses reflect the technical nature of this track and provide students with in-depth skills to analyze complex problems, to identify interdisciplinary solutions, and to manage software implementations.

Graduates leverage the widely recognized ABET credential when entering the workforce or applying to graduate programs. Many of the Languages and Systems track students continue with graduate school or work in analytical and computer-dependent areas of business, government, and industry. Recent graduates have started their careers with positions in systems analysis, programming or business applications, software development, scientific and applied mathematical programming, and other computer-related areas.

Liberal Studies: 43-44

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

Mathematics: 3

MATH 125 - Calculus I/Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics Credits: 3 (1)

Natural Science: Option I

See requirements for Natural Science: Option I of the Liberal Studies Requirements Knowledge Area: Natural Science: One Option in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.

Liberal Studies Elective: 3

MATH 216 - Probability and Statistics for Natural Sciences Credits: 3 (6)
no course with COSC prefix

Major: 48

Core Courses:

COSC 105 - Fundamentals of Computer Science Credits: 3
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

Languages and Systems Required Courses:

COSC 460 - Theory of Computation Credits: 3
COSC 420 - Modern Programming Languages Credits: 3
or
COSC 424 - Compiler Construction Credits: 3
COSC 473 - Software Engineering Practice Credits: 3
or
COSC 493 - Internship in Computer Science Credits: 3-12 (2)

Controlled Electives:

9 cr from the following: (3, 4)

COSC 220 - Enterprise Computing Credits: 3
COSC 343 - Introduction to Numerical Methods Credits: 3 (5)
or
MATH 343 - Introduction to Numerical Methods Credits: 3 (5)
COSC 345 - Computer Networks Credits: 3
COSC 355 - Computer Graphics Credits: 3
COSC 362 - Unix Systems Credits: 3
COSC 365 - Web Application Development Credits: 3

Upper-Level Electives:

6cr from the following: (4)

COSC 405 - Artificial Intelligence Credits: 3
COSC 410 - Computer Architecture Credits: 3
COSC 430 - Introduction to Systems Programming Credits: 3
COSC 432 - Introduction to Operating Systems Credits: 3
COSC 465 - Web Services Credits: 3
COSC 493 - Internship in Computer Science Credits: 3-12
(2)

Other Requirements: 12

Mathematics:

A minor in mathematics which must include: (6)

MATH 171 - Introduction to Linear Algebra Credits: 3
MATH 309 - Discrete Mathematics Credits: 3

Free Electives: 15-16

Total Degree Requirements: 120

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

(2) COSC 493 may be selected after completion of sophomore year. Note: If a 6cr COSC 493 is taken, 3cr are applied toward COSC required courses. If a 12cr COSC 493 is taken, 3cr are applied toward required courses and 3cr toward COSC upper-level electives.

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

(4) Controlled and upper level electives may not be applied toward more than one track in computer science.

(5)COSC 343 or MATH 343 may be counted as a computer science elective or as a part of the mathematics minor, but not both.

(6) MATH 125 and MATH 216 (taken as liberal studies requirements) are also counted towards the minor. Mathematics minor requires at least 6cr of 300-level or higher MATH courses.