Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Computing, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Computer Science

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.

Related Links

Computing - Computer Science, BS Flowchart

Computing - Computer Science, BS Program Page

Computer Science Department Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42-43
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Computer Competency0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements54
Electives24

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
Select one of the following:3-4
Precalculus
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Elementary Statistics I
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15-16
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Science Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Science Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours42-43
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

Computer Competency

Demonstrate "computer competency" by one of the following:0-3
Pass Computer Competency Exam OR
Select one of the following at SRU or another post-secondary institution:
Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts
Computer Concepts
Introduction to Computing and Programming
Technology for Wellness
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major/Concentration Requirements

  • 27 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 27 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Required Core Courses
CPSC 130Introduction to Computing and Programming 13
CPSC 146Programming Principles 13
CPSC 207Shell Commands and Scripting 13
CPSC 300Challenges of Computer Technology 13
CPSC 311Discrete Computational Structures 13
CPSC 323Fundamentals of Database Systems 13
CPSC 327Administration and Security 13
CPSC 423Computer Networks 13
STAT 152Elementary Statistics I 13
Subtotal27
Computer Science Core Courses
CPSC 246Advanced Programming Principles 13
CPSC 370Computer Organization and Architecture 13
CPSC 374Algorithms and Data Structures 13
CPSC 376Programming Language and Theory 13
CPSC 474Advanced Architecture & Parallel Computing3
CPSC 476Artificial Intelligence 13
CPSC 488Software Engineering 13
Subtotal21
Computer Science Electives
Choose one from the following:3
Advanced Web Programming 1
Selected Computer Languages 1
Mobile App Development for Smart Devices 1
Internet of Things (IoT) 1
Choose one from the following:3
Data Mining and Data Analysis 1
Data Visualization 1
Internship 1
Introduction to Computer Graphics 1
Analysis of Algorithms
Topics in Computer Science: Machine Learning
Big Data Analytics 1
Subtotal6
Total Hours54
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes (Learning Community, Cap-Stone Course, Semester Projects)
  2. Student-faculty research
  3. Service Learning Courses
  4. Internships
  5. Volunteering (Summer Day Camps, Semester Workshops for K-12 students, Robot demos for visitors/local school districts)
  6. Industry Awareness Night

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

COMPUTING - BS (6420)
Concentration in Computer Science (642C)
This program is effective as of Fall 2022
Revised 06.10.2022
UCC 03.01.2022

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
CPSC 130 Introduction to Computing and Programming 3
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
MATH 120
Intermediate Algebra
or Science of Life
3
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry 3
 Hours16
Spring
CPSC 146 Programming Principles 3
Select one of the following: 3-4
Precalculus
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Elementary Statistics I
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
Select one of the following: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Social Science Inquiry 3
 Hours15-16
Second Year
Fall
CPSC 207 Shell Commands and Scripting 3
CPSC 246 Advanced Programming Principles 3
STAT 152 Elementary Statistics I 3
SCI 101 Science of Life (or CS Elective) 3
Computer Science Elective or Free Elective 3 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 2
 Hours15
Spring
CPSC 323 Fundamentals of Database Systems 3
CPSC 370 Computer Organization and Architecture (S) 3
Humanities Inquiry 3
SCI 102 Understanding the Physical World 3
Computer Science Elective or Free Elective 3 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall
CPSC 311 Discrete Computational Structures 3
CPSC 300 Challenges of Computer Technology 3
CPSC 376 Programming Language and Theory (F) 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Computer Science Elective or Free Elective 3 3
 Hours15
Spring
CPSC 327 Administration and Security (S) 3
CPSC 374 Algorithms and Data Structures (S) 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Computer Science Elective or Free Elective 3 3
Computer Science Elective or Free Elective 3 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
CPSC 423 Computer Networks (F) 3
CPSC 474 Advanced Architecture & Parallel Computing (F) 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Computer Science Elective or Free Elective 3 3
Computer Science Elective or Free Elective 3 3
 Hours15
Spring
CPSC 488 Software Engineering (S) 3
CPSC 476 Artificial Intelligence 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Computer Science Elective or Free Elective 3 4
 Hours13
 Total Hours**119-120
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject

2

Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.

3

Computer Science Electives - 9 Credits required:

Select one of the following:  CPSC 217, CPSC 236, CPSC 237CPSC 315

Select one of the following:  CPSC 405, CPSC 476

Select one of the following:  CPSC 406, CPSC 450, CPSC 456, CPSC 478, CPSC 480, CPSC 485

*

Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 6420
Concentration: 642C
Revised date: 06.10.2022