Computer Science: Majors and Programs: Indiana University South Bend

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The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, an Associate of Science in Computer Science, a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, minors in computer science, cognitive science, and informatics, certificates in Computer Programming, Advanced Computer Programming, and Technology for Administration. It also provides support to the Master of Science in Management of Information Technology offered by the School of Business and Economics.

The Bachelor of Science degree program follows the guidelines set out by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the leading professional computing societies. Students in this degree program complete a core curriculum that builds an overall understanding of computers, computing environments, and theoretical issues. The degree prepares students to enter challenging computing careers in the workplace or to embark on postgraduate programs in computing.

The Associate of Science degree program makes up roughly the first half of the Bachelor of Science program. The minor in computer science requires the same computing courses as the associate degree. These programs, as well as the certificate programs, allow students to become skilled programmers and to learn how computers are organized and how they work. Nonmajors are invited to take courses in computer applications or programming.

The Master of Science in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science is offered jointly with the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Students in the program will take advanced courses in both computer science and applied mathematics, with emphasis on real-world problems and applications. A complete description of this program begins on page 187.

The minor in cognitive science is offered jointly with the Departments of Mathematical Sciences, Philosophy, and Psychology. A complete description of this program begins on page 101.

The minor in informatics is offered jointly with a number of other departments at IUSB. A complete description of this program begins on page 112.

Scheduling of Computer Science Courses

To help students make long-range curriculum plans, the department attempts to offer courses in a predictable fashion. Courses are offered both in the daytime and in the evenings (5:30 p.m. or later); a course that is offered in the evening in one term will normally be offered during the day in the next term in which it is scheduled, and vice versa. A brochure containing the most recent information about the computer science curriculum may be obtained from the departmental secretary.

Any student who intends to major or minor in computer science or obtain a certificate in programming should contact the chairperson of the Department of Computer and Information Sciences as soon as possible.

Placement Examination

Students planning to enroll in CSCI C101 Computer Programming I must place at level III of the mathematics placement examination before registering for the course. The examination tests mathematics skills (arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry) which students entering the computing curriculum are generally expected to have mastered in their precollege studies. Students who place lower than level III on the examination must complete appropriate remedial mathematics courses before enrolling in CSCI C101 Computer Programming I.

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Minor in Computer Science (23 cr.)

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

A minor in computer science consists of seven courses in computer science, including the following:

CSCI C101 Computer Programming I (4 cr.)
CSCI C151 Multiuser Operating Systems (2 cr.)
CSCI C201 Computer Programming II (4 cr.)
CSCI C243 Introduction to Data Structures (4 cr.)
Three additional courses in computer science above the level of CSCI C201 Computer Programming II

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Associate of Science with a Concentration in Computer Science

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

The degree requires 61 credit hours including the following area requirements:

Basic Requirements (32-34 cr.)

ENG W131 Elementary Composition or equivalent
Arts and Humanities (6 cr.)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 cr.)
Natural Sciences (8 cr.)
Foreign Language (6 cr.)
A calculus course approved by the department

Concentration Requirements (23 cr.)

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Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

The degree requires 122 credit hours including the following area requirements:

Area Requirements

Writing Requirement
ENG W131 Elementary Composition or equivalent.
Foreign Language Requirement
Completion of two introductory courses in a single foreign language, or equivalent.
Business or Foreign Language Requirement
Completion of one of the following:

Five courses in Business and Economics, including:

BUS A201 Introduction to Financial Accounting
BUS A202 Introduction to Managerial Accounting

Courses from at least two other departments in business and economics. (BUS K201 The Computer in Business and ECON E270 Introduction to Statistical Theory in Economics and Business are excluded from the list of five courses.) Economics courses simultaneously fulfill this requirement and the Social and Behavioral Sciences A requirement below. Students who complete ECON E103 Introduction to Microeconomics, ECON E104 Introduction to Macroeconomics, BUS A201 Introduction to Financial Accounting, and BUS A202 Introduction to Managerial Accounting may wish to consider BUS F301 Financial Management as a fifth course in this area.
Two courses at the second-year level in a foreign language.

Two courses at the first-year level in a second foreign language.

Arts and Humanities Requirement
One course from each of the following three areas, plus a fourth course in any one area:

Fine Arts, Music MUS M174 Music for the Listener I, Communication Arts (except SPCH S160 Speech Correction for Classroom Teaching)

English (except ENG W130 Principles of Composition and ENG W131 Elementary Composition); Foreign Languages (only advanced courses of a literary nature)

History, philosophy, religious studies

Social and Behavioral Sciences Requirement (12 cr.)
Four courses from the following areas, including no more than two courses in any area:

Economics, Geography, Political Science

Psychology

Sociology, Anthropology, Linguistics

Physical and Life Sciences Requirement (13 cr.)
Thirteen credit hours in courses selected from chemistry, physics, biological sciences, geology, and astronomy. At least two disciplines must be selected. A physics course in electronics approved by the department is required.
Mathematics Requirement (13 cr.)
At least thirteen credit hours of mathematics to be satisfied by taking the following:

at least 6 credit hours of calculus approved by the department

at least 4 credit hours of combinatorics, discrete probability, and statistics approved by the department

MATH M301 Linear Algebra and Applications

Concentration Requirements (44 cr.)
Forty-four credit hours in computer science to be satisfied with the following courses:
CSCI C101 Computer Programming I (4 cr.)
CSCI C151 Multiuser Operating Systems (2 cr.)
CSCI C201 Computer Programming II (4 cr.)
CSCI C243 Introduction to Data Structures (4 cr.)
CSCI C251 Foundations of Digital Computing
CSCI C308 System Analysis and Design (4 cr.)
CSCI C311 Organization of Programming Languages
CSCI C335 Computer Structures (4 cr.)
CSCI C435 Operating Systems (4 cr.)
CSCI C455 Analysis of Algorithms
At least three additional computer science courses at or above the 300-level. MATH M471 Numerical Analysis I may be counted here as a computer science course.

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1700 Mishawaka Ave. P.O. Box 7111
South Bend, IN 46634
Phone: (574) 520-IUSB

(574) 520-4872

Last updated: 28 October 2003
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