2024-2025 Undergraduate Course Catalog 
    
    Nov 14, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Course Catalog

Computer Science, BS


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Program Director

Susan Older

315-443-2652

eecsugradadmit@syr.edu.

Description

The mission of the computer and information science programs is to assist students to be ready for work and ready for change. This means preparing students to make professional contributions to computer and information science immediately upon graduation and throughout their professional careers, and to adapt to technological and societal changes.

This program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The programs in computer science prepare professionals who will adapt to constant changes in technology and who will be leaders in developing the new technologies of the Information Age. The multidisciplinary nature of the curricula offers students a high degree of flexibility to design a program of study tailored to their interests and professional aspirations.

Computer science focuses on programming, algorithms, large-scale software development, and the principles of computing that underlie these areas. Syracuse’s program weaves together an emphasis on fundamental principles with new developments in computing, producing graduates prepared either to begin careers or to pursue advanced studies in the field.

With this program you will have opportunities to learn about:

  • Computer and internet security
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop machines that can work among humans.
  • Operating system design to develop the next innovation to change Windows, Mac OS X and Unix or to invent a completely new operating system.
  • Innovative thinking so you can design programs that control rockets, future search engines, and cars that drive themselves.
  • Mathematics to reveal the limits of today’s computers and explore the possibility of a new kind of computer that has yet to be imagined.
  • Problem solving, independent thinking and team collaboration in developing a large-scale software systems with other computer scientists and software engineers.

Student Learning Outcomes


1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions

2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline

3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts

4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles

5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline

6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions

Distribution and Core Requirements


The BS degree in Computer Science requires a minimum of 120 credits. The requirements are divided into a general education section, a mathematics section, and a major section.

General Education Section


Completion of the general education section requires at least 47 credits of coursework, as follows. Each student is required to complete 6 credits of writing (WRT 105 , WRT 205 ) and 3 credits in presentational skills by taking at least one course out of the following:

Natural Sciences


The student is further required to complete 8 credits of natural sciences,  as follows.

Social Science and Humanities


The student is required to complete 21 credits in social science and humanities (A/SS/H), including the following two courses:

Free Electives


Finally, each student has 8 credits of free electives. This requirement can be satisfied by any courses except for CPS courses and certain remedial courses. A list of such courses can be obtained from the CIS program office.

Mathematics Section


The mathematics section requires at least 15 credits of math. The student must complete the following courses:

Major Section


The major section consists of ECS 101 - Introduction to Engineering and Computer Science , CIS 151 - Fundamentals of Computing and Programming , the 34-credit computer science core (listed below), and 18-credits of upper-division technical electives.



Academic Standards


Students are required to meet academic standards as follows: no grade below C- will satisfy the requirements for the 6 credits of writing, for the mathematics section, for the computer science core, and the 18 credits of upper-division technical electives. The computer science core must be completed with a B- (2.667) average.

Upper Division Technical Electives


Students must complete 18 credits of upper division electives chosen from the following options. At least 9 credits of the upper division technical electives must be in computer science or computer engineering (CIS/CSE).

Arts and Sciences


Students may choose any mathematics courses numbered about 400, unless specifically excluded (e.g., MAT 521 and MAT 485). Students may also choose from the following philosophy courses:



Computer and Information Science


Students may select any CIS or CSE courses numbered above 300, unless specifically excluded.

Representative Program of Study


Third Year, Spring Semester (15)


Fourth Year, Fall Semester (15)


Fourth Year, Spring Semester (14)


  • Upper-division elective (3)
  • Upper-division elective (3)
  • Free elective (3)
  • Free elective (2)
  • A/SS/H elective (3)

Intra-University Transfer


Students who wish to transfer into any program within the College of Engineering and Computer Science from another school or college within the University should have a strong record of achievement and demonstrated success in key technical courses. Specifically, it is critical for the applicant to have proven their ability to excel in college-level calculus (by completing at least one of MAT 295 , MAT 296 , or MAT 397  with a grade of B- or better) and science (by completing at least one set of PHY 211 /PHY 221  or CHE 106 /CHE 107  with a grade of B- or better). Students who wish to major in computer science must also complete CIS 252  with a grade of at least a B.

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