Computer Science / Bachelor of Science
Total Credit Hours: 128
Major Credit Hours: 59
Computer Science concerns the design, development, and application of systems that process data. Computer scientists concern themselves primarily, but not exclusively, with the software sides of such systems. Modern software applications must run securely, reliably, and on a great variety of platforms. Computer scientists employ their deep knowledge of programming, data structures, and algorithms to analyze, collect, secure, and communicate data.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Lewis University offers six distinct concentrations: Artificial Intelligence, Game and Simulation Programming, Mobile Computing, Secure Programming, Software Engineering, and Systems Programming. A student may elect not to choose a concentration, as well. In addition, students may choose to minor in a closely related field, such as in Cybersecurity Operations, Data Science, or Information Technology.
Three 4+1 programs enable students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science to earn their graduate degree in Information Security, Data Science, or Computer Science with just one additional year of study. Students may apply for a 4+1 program in the semester in which they will have completed 90 or more credit hours.
Degree Requirements
Program: BS-CPSC-1
I. Core Courses (50)
II. Concentrations
To earn a concentration, a student must take three courses for a total of nine credit hours. To earn multiple concentrations, a student must take three courses that are unique to each concentration.
A. Artificial Intelligence Concentration (9)
Concentration: ARIN
B. Game and Simulation Programming Concentration (9)
Concentration: GAME
The purpose of the Game and Simulation Programming concentration is to prepare students to write computer games and simulations of real-world process and systems. Gaming and simulation are kindred pursuits, and so students who take the courses of this concentration will be well-qualified to develop both kinds of software applications.
C. Mobile Computing Concentration (9)
Concentration: MOBC
D. Secure Programming Concentration (9)
Concentration: SECP
E. Software Engineering Concentration (9)
Concentration: SFTW
F. Systems Programming Concentration (9)
Concentration: SYSP
G. No Declared Concentration (9)
Students who choose not to pursue any concentration may complete their degree requirements by taking any three Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or Information Technology electives at 200-level or above or any Engineering electives at 100-level or above.
III. Advanced Writing Requirement
The Advanced Writing Requirement of the General Education Curriculum is satisfied by successful completion of CPSC 49200 Software Systems Capstone.
IV. Recommended Minors
Pursuing a minor gives students an opportunity to explore an area of interest to greater depth. As computer scientists contribute their expertise to every discipline, students should feel free to choose a minor that aligns with their personal or professional interests. However, the following minors align most closely with the coursework of the major:
- Minor in Cybersecurity
- Minor in Data Science
- Minor in Information Technology
- Minor in Mathematical Modeling
- Minor in Mathematics
The requirements for some of these minors overlap with those of the major. For example, by taking DATA 23500, CPSC 31500, MATH 12300, and MATH 36500, a Computer Science Major can earn a Minor in Mathematical Modeling. To earn a minor, a student must take at least two upper-division courses that count exclusively for the minor. A student may not both major and minor in Computer Science.
Accelerated Program
The online accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is available only to students enrolled in The School of Graduate, Professional, and Continuing Education. To be admitted, adult students should have earned a minimum of 30 semester hours of transferable credit at a regionally-accredited, post-secondary institution; have earned a minimum of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative transfer grade point average based upon all transferable courses; demonstrate evidence of significant work experience or military training; and write a personal statement outlining a plan for achieving success in an adult accelerated program at Lewis University. Credits earned through Prior Learning Assessment cannot be used for satisfying the transfer credit hour requirement for admission into an accelerated degree program. Because a more limited number of courses are available online, students enrolled in the accelerated program may not pursue a Concentration.