Computer Science B.S.

Program Educational Objectives:

Educational objectives of the computer science program are the knowledge, skills and experiences that enable graduates to:

  1. model, simulate, and solve computational problems using appropriate theoretical and experimental methods, producing reliable and secure systems;
  2. think critically and creatively, communicate clearly, work effectively with others, and develop leadership skills;
  3. integrate computational principles with social, business, and ethical issues in modern society in the process of decision making;
  4. be professionally engaged in serving the needs of business, industry, government, and academic organizations;
  5. grow professionally through activities such as graduate study, continuing education, professional certifications, and participation in professional organizations.

Program Outcomes:

Computer Science students at the time of graduation are expected to:

  1. possess knowledge of the fundamentals of mathematics, science, and technology;
  2. be able to use modern computational tools and techniques in the practice of computer science;
  3. be able to develop logically sound and efficient algorithms;
  4. be prepared to implement algorithms in multiple programming languages, on multiple hardware platforms, and in multiple operating system environments;
  5. be able to perform analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of computer-based systems, stressing software engineering principles;
  6. be prepared to seek continuing professional development, graduate studies, or professional certifications related to computer science;
  7. possess a knowledge of computer security and computer security management;
  8. demonstrate effective written, visual, and oral communication skills;
  9. possess an educational background to understand the global context in which computer science is practiced, including:
    1. knowledge of contemporary issues related to computer science;
    2. the impact of computers on society;
    3. the role of ethics in the practice of computer science;
  10. be able to contribute effectively as members of a project development team;
  11. recognize the need to pursue continued learning throughout their professional careers.

Graduation Requirements

Upon a student’s admission to the Computer Science major, a faculty member will serve as the student’s academic advisor to work with the student in planning a program to complete the degree requirements. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor throughout the semester and are required to meet with their advisor prior to registering for the next semester.

Before enrolling in upper-division (junior and senior level) courses, students must have earned a grade of "C" or better in each of the following:

Programming Fundamentals

3 or 4 semester hours

Object-Oriented Programming

3 or 4 semester hours

Data Structures and Algorithms

3 semester hours

Computer Organization

3 semester hours

Calculus I and II

6 to 8 semester hours

University Physics I and II

8 semester hours

Preparation should be started for upper-division work in supporting areas such as business, mathematics, engineering, or physical science.

To graduate with a degree in Computer Science, the student must meet the following specific requirements in addition to the general baccalaureate degree requirements:

2.0 grade point average in all upper-division computer science courses attempted and a grade of “C” or better in all forty-seven hours of computer science courses.

Thirty-three semester hours of upper-division computer science courses, with at least 18 hours completed at UT Tyler.

Forty-seven hours of computer science courses

Required courses are as follows:

COSC 1436Programming Fundamentals

COSC 1437The Object-Oriented Paradigm

COSC 2315Computer Organization

COSC 2336Data Structures and Algorithms [ TCCN: COSC 2336]

COSC 3325Algorithm Design and Analysis

COSC 3215Social and Professional Issues in Computing

COSC 3355Operating Systems

COSC 3445Computer Architecture

COSC 4385Database Management Concepts

COSC 4360Net-Centric Computing

COSC 4315Information and Knowledge Management

COSC 4336Software Development

COSC 4395Capstone Project

Six semester hours of approved upper-division COSC electives.

Three semester hours in an approved technical elective.

Thirty-four semester hours of specified support courses:

MATH 2413Calculus I [TCCN: MATH 2413]

MATH 2414Calculus II [TCCN: MATH 2414]

MATH 2330Discrete Structures

MATH 3351Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists

MATH 3203Matrix Methods in Science and Engineering

MANA 3370Business Writing and Oral Presentations

PHYS 2325University Physics I [TCCN: PHYS 2325]

PHYS 2125University Physics I Laboratory [TCCN: PHYS 2125]

PHYS 2326University Physics II [TCCN: PHYS 2326]

PHYS 2126University Physics II Laboratory [TCCN: PHYS 2126]

Three-hour approved elective in science or mathematics

Additional four-hour physical science and lab elective.

Six hours of approved electives in supporting disciplines.

At least three hours must be upper-division.

Suggested Four-Year Curriculum

Total Semester Credit Hours= 120

Freshman Year

First Semester (14 hrs.)

COSC 1436Programming Fundamentals

HIST 1301United States History I [TCCN: HIST 1301]

MATH 2413Calculus I [TCCN: MATH 2413]

ENGL 1301College Composition I [TCCN: ENGL 1301]

Second Semester (17 hrs.)

COSC 1437The Object-Oriented Paradigm

HIST 1302United States History II [TCCN: HIST 1302]

MATH 2414Calculus II [TCCN: MATH 2414]

ENGL 1302College Composition II [TCCN: ENGL 1302]

MATH 2330Discrete Structures

Sophomore Year

First Semester (15 hrs.)

COSC 2336Data Structures and Algorithms [ TCCN: COSC 2336]

MATH 3203Matrix Methods in Science and Engineering

POLS 2305Introductory American Government [TCCN: GOVT 2305]

PHYS 2325University Physics I [TCCN: PHYS 2325]

PHYS 2125University Physics I Laboratory [TCCN: PHYS 2125]

Visual and Performing Arts

Second Semester (16 hrs.)

COSC 2315Computer Organization

ENGL 23XXWorld/ European Literature

POLS 2306Introductory Texas Politics [TCCN: GOVT 2306]

PHYS 2326University Physics II [TCCN: PHYS 2326]

PHYS 2126University Physics II Laboratory [TCCN: PHYS 2126]

Humanities

Junior Year

First Semester (15 hrs.)

COSC 3325Algorithm Design and Analysis

COSC 3215Social and Professional Issues in Computing

COSC 3445Computer Architecture

Approved Lower/Upper-Division Elective

COSC 4385Database Management Concepts

Second Semester (16 hrs.)

COSC 3355Operating Systems

COSC 4336Software Development

MANA 3370Business Writing and Oral Presentations

Physical Science Elective III

Physical Science Elective III Lab

Social Sciences

Senior Year

First Semester (15 hrs.)

COSC Upper-Division Elective I

COSC 4360Net-Centric Computing

COSC 4315Information and Knowledge Management

MATH 3351Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists

Approved Math/Science Elective

Second Semester (12 hrs.)

COSC 4395Capstone Project

Approved Technical Elective

COSC Upper-Division Elective II

Approved Upper-Division Elective