Selected Educational Outcomes

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

  2. Students will 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. Students will communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Students will recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Students will function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
  6. Students will apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

The department assesses the extent to which the program requirements create the desired outcomes by a variety of techniques. Examples of these assessments include the following:

  1. The capstone courses are used to assess student progress since taking Core Field of Study courses. They determine if students have mastered effective oral and written communication skills, acquired critical analysis skills, and learned to use the library and technological resources in solving non-routine problems. Assessment methods include student projects and presentations.
  2. Student examinations and samples of student work are kept in the department and are examined by the faculty to assess student content knowledge.
  3. Available employer and alumni survey data collected by the University will be examined to determine students' level of undergraduate preparation for further education or employment.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Computer Science

Core Curriculum60
Core IMPACTS (See VSU Core Curriculum)42
Majors in Computer Science are required to take MATH 1112 or MATH 1113 or MATH 2261 in Mathematics and Quantitative Skills and MATH 2261 or MATH 2262 in Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences
Core Field of Study18
CS 1301Principles of Programming I4
CS 1302Principles of Programming II4
CS 2620Discrete Structures3
MATH 2261Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (1 hour "spillover" from Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences)1
MATH 2262Analytic Geometry and Calculus II4
Any Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences Laboratory Science from a different discipline than the sequence completed as part of the Core IMPACTS (with 2 hours "spilling" into Supporting Courses) or ENGR 2320 (with 1 hour "spilling" into Supporting Courses)2
Senior College Curriculum60
CS 3101Computer Organization3
CS 3200Security and Ethics in Computing3
CS 3335The C Programming Language3
CS 3410Data Structures3
CS 3520Algorithms3
CS 4345Operating Systems3
CS 4121Data Communications and Networks I3
CS 4321Software Engineering I3
CS 4721Database Design I3
CS 4500Formal Languages and Automata Theory3
CS 4900Senior Seminar3
Additional 3000-level or 4000-level course in CS 3
Additional 4000-level course in CS3
Supporting Courses11
Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences Laboratory Science ("spillover" from Core Field of Study)
Introduction to Linear Algebra
Probability and Statistics
Numerical Analysis I
Operations Research I
Electives10
Total Hours Required for the Degree120

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Computer Science--Cyber Security Track

Core Curriculum60
Core IMPACTS (See VSU Core Curriculum)42
Core Field of Study18
CS 1301Principles of Programming I4
CS 1302Principles of Programming II4
CS 2620Discrete Structures3
MATH 2261Analytic Geometry and Calculus I4
MATH 2262Analytic Geometry and Calculus II4
Any Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences laboratory science from a different discipline than the sequence completed as part of the Core IMPACTS (with 2 hours "spilling" into Supporting Courses) or ENGR 2320 (with 1 hour "spilling" into Supporting Courses)2
Senior College Curriculum60
CS 3101Computer Organization3
CS 3200Security and Ethics in Computing3
CS 3300UNIX Programming3
CS 3335The C Programming Language3
CS 3410Data Structures3
CS 3520Algorithms3
CS 3750Introduction to Cybersecurity3
CS 4121Data Communications and Networks I3
CS 4321Software Engineering I3
CS 4345Operating Systems3
CS 4500Formal Languages and Automata Theory3
CS 4625Network and System Security3
CS 4635Digital Forensics3
or CS 4884 Biometric Recognition
CS 4721Database Design I3
CS 4900Senior Seminar3
Supporting Courses11
Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences Laboratory Science ("spillover" from Area F)2
MATH 2150Introduction to Linear Algebra3
MATH 3600Probability and Statistics3
MATH 4651Numerical Analysis I3
or MATH 4901 Operations Research I
Electives4
Total Hours Required for the Degree120

Additional Notes

  1. The 12-hour lab science requirement must include a two-course sequence from Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences. Students not completing these requirements in their Core Curriculum must complete them with elective courses.
  2. Students must receive a “C” or better in all of the mathematics and computer science courses completed to satisfy the degree requirements.
  3. Students may use CS 4800 only one time to fulfill the additional 3000-level or 4000-level courses in the Senior College Curriculum.