Computer Science, B.S.

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The B.S. in computer science prepares students for either continued study at the graduate level or entry into the labor market. Students have been successful at both pathways, with some earning doctoral degrees and some reaching high levels in the private sector, including director of software development at major corporations. The curriculum includes a required core of courses that not only provides a broad base of fundamental knowledge, but also allows individuals to follow their specific interests at the advanced level. All courses focus on general principles that will remain valid in the future but use tools and vehicles reflecting contemporary practice.

Computer science is perhaps the most pervasive technology of our time, reaching into every aspect of modern life, from work to recreation. It spans many disciplines, from mathematics and electrical engineering to linguistics, cognitive psychology, and graphic design. It is a challenge to provide a definition of the essence of such a sprawling discipline, but one the department faculty like is “Computer science is the study of what can be automated”.

Program Requirements

Courses used to fulfill major requirements in sections A through F below must be passed with a grade of C- or higher. Courses that are prerequisites to COS courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher. The cumulative grade point average of all courses applied to the major must be at least 2.0. Unless approval by the department is obtained, a maximum of three credits of COS 497 - Independent Study in Computer Science can be used to meet a degree requirement. In addition to meeting departmental requirements for the major, students must meet the University Core Curriculum requirements. Several required courses for the degree also satisfy Core requirements. Students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor to identify other overlaps.

Minimum total number of credits required for graduation: 120

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Computer Science major: 62.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C-.

A. Computer Science:

COS 160 - Structured Problem Solving Credits: 4 *
COS 161 - Algorithms in Programming Credits: 4
COS 250 - Computer Organization Credits: 4
COS 285 - Data Structures Credits: 4
COS 360 - Programming Languages Credits: 3
COS 398 - Professional Ethics and Social Impact of Computing Credits: 3
COS 485 - Design and Analysis of Computing Algorithms Credits: 3
*Students who transfer this course as a 3-credit course must take an additional 1 credit hour course, such as EGN 181 - Engineering Tools: Mathematica or EGN 186 - Engineering Tools: MATLAB . Students should discuss this with their faculty advisor or the department chair for approval.

B. Software Design:

COS 420 - Object-Oriented Design Credits: 4
or
COS 430 - Software Engineering Credits: 3

C. Computer Systems:

D. Completion of four additional COS Courses:

Completion of four additional COS courses numbered 300 and above, excluding COS 498 - Computer Science Internship . Graduate courses in the Department of Computer Science can be used to fulfill requirements in section D.

E. Mathematics:

The following five courses are required.

MAT 145 - Discrete Mathematics I Credits: 3
COS 280 - Discrete Mathematics II Credits: 4
MAT 152 - Calculus A Credits: 4
MAT 153 - Calculus B Credits: 4
MAT 295 - Linear Algebra Credits: 4
or
EGN 248 - Introduction to Differential Equations and Linear Algebra Credits: 4

F. Communication Skills:

ITP 210 - Technical Writing Credits: 3
THE 170 - Public Speaking Credits: 3

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: ITP 210
Quantitative Reasoning: MAT 152
Creative Expression: THE 170
Cultural Interpretation:
Science Exploration:
Socio-cultural Analysis:
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship: COS 398
Culture, Power, and Equity:
International:
Engaged Learning: COS 498
Capstone: COS 420 , COS 430

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.