B.A. in Computer Science
Contact Person:
Timothy Fossum, Chair
307 Dunn, (315) 267-2056, fossumtv@potsdam.edu
39-40 credit hours required. Plus 11 credits of cognates.
The Computer Science track in the CS major (B.A. Degree option) is designed for general study of the principles and practice of computing and is appropriate if you want to keep your career options open, if you want to combine your study of computer science with a second major in another field, or if you are starting out your study of computer science later in your college career. This track includes coursework in theory of computation, computer systems hardware and software, programming, algorithms, networks, and software engineering. The Computer Science track includes required courses in mathematics.
All courses are 3 credits unless noted. Credits are divided as follows:
| Credits | ||
| Required Courses |
36-37 | |
| CIS 201 | Computer Science I (4 credits) | |
| CIS 203 | Computer Science II (4 credits) | |
| CIS 300 | Foundations of Computer Science* (4 credits) | |
| CIS 301 | Theory of Computation | |
| CIS 303 | Algorithm Analysis and Design | |
One of the following: |
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| CIS 310 | Operating Systems | |
| CIS 356 |
Assembly Language and Computer Architecture (4 credits) | |
All of the following: |
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| CIS 380 | Professional Practice | |
| CIS 405 | Software Engineering | |
| CIS 410 | Computer Networks | |
| CIS xxx | CS Elective (3xx or 4xx) | |
| CIS xxx | CS Elective (3xx or 4xx) | |
Capstone Experience (see information below) |
3 |
|
| One of the following: | ||
| CIS 480 | Senior Project | |
| CIS 490 | Computer Science Internship | |
Cognate Requirements in Mathematics |
11 |
|
| MATH 125 | Probability and Statistics I** | |
| MATH 151 | Calculus I (4 credits) | |
| MATH 152 | Calculus II (4 credits) | |
Information Systems Track 30 credit hours required. Plus 25 credits of cognates. The Information Systems track in the CS major (B.A. Degree option) is appropriate if you are interested in the design and deployment of business and e-commerce applications, in information technology project management, and in computing or networking infrastructure support. This track includes coursework in computer systems software, programming, networks, database systems, and software engineering, as well as basic courses leading to a minor in Business Administration. All courses are 3 credits unless noted. Credits are divided as follows: |
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| Credits | ||
| Required Courses | 27 | |
| CIS 201 | Computer Science I (4 credits) | |
| CIS 203 | Computer Science II (4 credits) | |
| CIS 356 | Assembly Language and Computer Architecture (4 credits) | |
| CIS 380 | Professional Practice | |
| CIS 405 | Software Engineering | |
| CIS 410 | Computer Networks | |
| CIS 420 | DataBase Systems | |
| CIS xxx | CIS Elective (3xx or 4xx) | |
Capstone Experience (see information below) |
3 |
|
| One of the following: | ||
| CIS 480 | Senior Project | |
| CIS 490 | Computer Science Internship |
|
Cognate Requirements in Mathematics |
7 |
|
| MATH 125 | Probability and Statistics I** | |
| MATH 151 | Calculus I (4 credits) | |
Cognate Requirements in Business Administration See Business Administration Minor |
18 | |
| Capstone Experience Each student completing a B.S. or B.A. in Computer Science is required to engage in a capstone experience. To complete this requirement, a student prepares a formal proposal for approval by the Computer Science faculty, performs the proposed work, and presents written and oral reports to the Computer Science Department. Some students choose to complete their capstone experience while engaged in an internship.
Notes for Computer Science Majors and Minors*MATH 340 may be used to fulfill the CIS 300 requirement for double majors in Mathematics and Computer Science only. **MATH 461 may be used to meet the MATH 125 requirement. No courses other than CIS 201, CIS 480, or CIS 490 can be taken for S/U credit and applied toward the requirements for the major in Computer Science. A student must have a GPA of at least 2.0 in the Computer Science major requirements to register for CIS 480 (Senior Project) or 490 (CS Internship). |
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