Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 SDSM&T Academic Catalog 
    
2017-2018 SDSM&T Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, B.S.


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Computer Science B.S.

Contact Information

Dr. Kyle Riley
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
McLaury 308
(605) 394-2471
E-mail: Kyle.Riley@sdsmt.edu

www.sdsmt.edu/MCS

CSC Flowchart  

Faculty

Professors McGough and Weiss; Associate Professors Pyeatt and Qiao; Assistant Professors Karlsson, Hinker, and Rebenitsch; Lecturer Schrader; Emerita Professor Logar; Emeritus Professors Carda, Corwin, Opp, and Weger.

Computer Science Major

The primary goal of the computer science program is to prepare graduates to enter a dynamic and rapidly changing field as competent computer scientists. Graduates are expected to be capable in all phases of software development including design, development, and testing. Graduates should also have a firm understanding of hardware technologies. These capabilities require the graduate to possess good communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to work effectively as a team member. Graduates must be able to read and comprehend the literature of the discipline and be sufficiently well-versed in general theory to allow growth within the discipline as it advances. Most of the graduates will pursue careers as software engineers within the computer industry. Some may choose careers as entrepreneurs and others will pursue advanced degrees and careers in research.

The bachelor of science program in computer science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, 415 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201; Phone +1.410.347.7700

The accompanying sample schedule lists all required classes for the degree in their proper prerequisite sequence. Students should consult course listings for prerequisites and should consult their advisors at each registration.

A computer science major must complete a minimum of 15 credits in humanities and social science, with at least 6 credit hours in humanities and at least 6 credit hours in social science. Refer to the humanities and social sciences section of this catalog for a list of courses satisfying these requirements. It is also important to refer to the general education core requirements under bachelor of science graduation requirements for further information. Students must complete the general education core requirements within the first 64 credits.

Any computer science major desiring a minor in another field should consult his or her advisor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science as early in his or her program of study as possible. The Office of the Registrar and Academic Services has a form that must be signed by the student and the department heads of both departments involved.

Mathematics Double Major

Due to the large number of courses common to the computer science major and the mathematics major, many students find it attractive to pursue a double major in these two areas.  Students seeking the double major should consult their advisors for details about this option.

Accelerated Maters Option

The B.S. in Computer Science program has aligned with the M.S. in Computational Sciences and Robotics (CSR) program. The accelerated option allows for students to complete both the B.S. program and the M.S. program in five years.  Students interested in this program need to apply to the CSR program before or during their junior year.  Students accepted into the program can apply up to ten credits of graduate courses towards their undergraduate degree and these same courses will apply to their graduate program of study.  Students should inquire about this program at the department office or contact the CSR program coordinator.

Computer Science Curriculum


For the bachelor of science in Computer Science, a student must:

  1. Take all of the courses listed in the Computer Science curriculum checklist;
  2. Successfully complete a minimum of 4 computer science elective courses from the following list: CSC 410/510 , CSC 412/512 , CSC 414/514 , CSC 415/415L/515/515L , CSC 416/516 CSC 426/526 , CSC 433/533 , CSC 441/541 , CSC 442/542 , CSC 445/545 , CSC 447/547 , CSC 449/549 , CSC 454/554 , CSC 476/476L/576/576L , and CENG 444/444L/544/544L . A 3-credit Co-op (CP 497 ) may be substituted for, at most, one computer science elective. Special topics and independent study courses may not be used to satisfy the computer science elective requirement.; and
  3. Have a departmental grade point average of at least 2.00 in all CSC courses 300 level or higher. (Courses taken more than once will have only the higher grade counted for computing the departmental grade point average.)
  4. Course requirements for the program also include the total number of credits per course. Any student that has an approved course for transfer will fulfill the course requirement, but if the transferred course does not meet the total credit hour requirement then the program committee will decide on the proper accommodation for meeting the total credit hour requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to get clarification on the necessary accommodation.

Computer Science Curriculum/Checklist


Students are responsible for checking with their advisors for any program modifications that may occur after the publication of this catalog.

Freshman Year


First Semester


Total: 14

Second Semester


Total: 15

Sophomore Year


First Semester


Total: 14

Second Semester


Total: 16

Junior Year


First Semester


Total: 15

Second Semester


Total: 16

Senior Year


First Semester


Total: 15

Second Semester


Total: 14

120 credits required for graduation


Curriculum Notes


  • CSC 464 /CSC 465  is a two-course sequence in senior design. It is expected that the course sequence will be taken in successive semesters.
  • An exit exam, such as the Major Field Achievement Test in Computer Science, will be given as part of CSC 465 . The overall results of this exam will be used to assess the computer science program.
  • CHEM 106 , CSC 105 , MATH 021 , MATH 101 , MATH 102 , MATH 120 , PHYS 111 , and PHYS 113  may not be counted towards the Computer Science degree.

1 Elective courses must be chosen to satisfy all of the following requirements.

2CSC 251  must be taken for four credits to apply towards the Computer Science major.

 

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