Dec 05, 2025  
2025-26 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-26 Undergraduate Catalog

Computer Science, 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 the BA 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.

Crimson Core: 40-42


As outlined in the Crimson Core Requirements  with the following specifications:

Quantitative Reasoning and Data Analysis: 3


Scientific Reasoning: 3-4


One course with prefix BIOL, CHEM, or GEOS.

Major: 39


Other Requirements: 3


Additional Mathematics:


Free Electives: 36-38


Total Degree Requirements: 120


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

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

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

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

SLOs




#

Outcome

How measured

Courses Used

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

CMSC 319, Upper-level electives

2

Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.

Written Assignments, Oral Presentations

CMSC 319, 380, 480

3

Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgements in computing practice on legal and ethical principles.

Assignments, Exams, Oral Presentations

CMSC 380

4

Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to software engineering.

Group Projects

CMSC 319