Level I Program Form
I Summary of Proposed Changes
Department/program Computer Science
Reduce number of required core courses for majors and increase elective
Summary
options; split major into Professional option and Interdisciplinary option
II Endorsements and Approvals
Please obtain the Program Chair/Director’s approval, the Dean and the Associate Provost.
Requestor: Yolanda Reimer
Phone: 243-4618
_____________________________________
Signature
Date
Program Chair/Director:
_____________________________________
Signature
Date
Other affected programs:
_____________________________________
Signature
Date
___________________________________
Dean’s Signature
Date
___________________________________
Initial Review in Provost’s Office
date
____________________________________
Faculty Senate Review
date
_____________________________________
___________________________________
Signature
Date
Provost
date
Are other departments/programs affected by this
Please obtain signature(s) from the
modification because of
Chair/Director of any such department/ program
(a) required courses incl. prerequisites or
(above) before submission
corequisites,
(b) perceived overlap in content areas
(c) cross-listing of coursework
III Type of Level I Proposal (please check the appropriate space)
(a) Re-titling existing majors, minors, or options
(b) Eliminating existing majors, minors, or options via a program termination checklist
(c) Adding new minors or certificates where there is a major
(d) Adding new minors or certificates where there is an option in a major
(e) Departmental mergers and name changes
(f) Program revisions –for minor modifications use the program modification form
(g) Distance delivery of previously authorized degree program.
(h) Adding option within an existing major or degree *
X
(i) Eliminating organizational units such as departments, divisions and colleges or
schools *
(j) Consolidating existing program and/or degree *
*Requires level II BOR documentation submitted to the Provost’s Office (refer to
http://www.umt.edu/provost/curriculum.htm)
IV Catalog Language
If you are proposing a change to an existing
Please provide the proposed copy as you wish it
program or major, please cut and paste the
to appear in the catalog. 
requirements as they appear in the current catalog
below. www.umt.edu/catalog 
Department of Computer Science




Special Degree Requirements
Suggested Course of Study
Courses
Faculty
Department of Computer Science




Special Degree Requirements
Suggested Course of Study
Courses
Faculty
Yolanda Reimer, Chair
Yolanda Reimer, Chair
The growing utility of computers in research and
education, as well as the increased impact of computers
on our modern society, strongly implies that knowledge
of computers and their capabilities should be a part of
the basic education of all students. The courses listed
below are designed to provide the student with this
knowledge and to prepare the student for a career in a
field in which there is a growing need for trained
personnel. The objective of the undergraduate
curriculum in computer science is to develop
professionally competent, broadly educated computer
scientists who wish to pursue professional careers or
graduate studies.
The growing utility of computers in research and
education, as well as the increased impact of
computers on our modern society, strongly implies
that knowledge of computers and their capabilities
should be a part of the basic education of all students.
The courses listed below are designed to provide the
student with this knowledge and to prepare the
student for a career in a field in which there is a
growing need for trained personnel. The objective of
the undergraduate curriculum in computer science is
to develop professionally competent, broadly
educated computer scientists who wish to pursue
professional careers or graduate studies.
The B.S. program is accredited by the Computing
Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market
Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 Telephone: 410-347-7700. For more information access
our homepage http://www.cs.umt.edu or email the chair
at yolanda.reimer@umontana.edu.
The B.S. program is accredited by the Computing
Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market
Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 Telephone: 410-347-7700. For more information
access our homepage http://www.cs.umt.edu or email
the chair at yolanda.reimer@umontana.edu.
High School Preparation: In addition to general
University admission requirements, pre-college
preparation should include as many computer science
courses as possible, and four years of high school
mathematics, to include algebra, trigonometry and precalculus. Also recommended are physics, chemistry
and biology.
High School Preparation: In addition to general
University admission requirements, pre-college
preparation should include as many computer science
courses as possible, and four years of high school
mathematics, to include algebra, trigonometry and
pre-calculus. Also recommended are physics,
chemistry and biology.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Admission to computer science courses varies
according to course level and other departmental
standards. However, students must have completed all
prerequisite courses with a grade of at least a "C-".
Admission to computer science courses varies
according to course level and other departmental
standards. However, students must have completed all
prerequisite courses with a grade of at least a "C-".
Lower-Division Courses
Lower-Division Courses
Most 100- and 200-level courses are open on a firstcome, first-served basis to all students who have the
prerequisites.
Most 100- and 200-level courses are open on a firstcome, first-served basis to all students who have the
prerequisites.
Upper-Division Courses
Upper-Division Courses
Admission to 300-level or above courses requires
successful completion of the prerequisites.
Admission to 300-level or above courses requires
successful completion of the prerequisites.
Major-Minor Status
Completed change of major forms along with college
transcripts must be turned in to the department when
Major-Minor Status
Completed change of major forms along with college
transcripts must be turned in to the department when
declaring computer science as a major or minor.
declaring computer science as a major or minor.
Special Degree Requirements
Special Degree Requirements
To locate graduation requirements in addition to those
of the Computer Science Department, see "graduation
requirements" in the index of this catalog.
To locate graduation requirements in addition to those
of the Computer Science Department, see "graduation
requirements" in the index of this catalog.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computer
Science
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in
Computer Science
A B.S. degree in computer science requires completion
of the following requirements with at least a "C-" in
each course (2.00 grade point average required):
A B.S. degree in computer science requires
completion of the following requirements with at least
a "C-" in each course (2.00 grade point average
required):
Computer Science. CSCI 106 (CS 121), CSCI 135136 (CS 131-132), CSCI 232 (CS 241), CSCI 205 (CS
242), CSCI 361 (CS 281), CSCI 332 (CS 332), CSCI
460 (CS 344), CSCI 323 (CS 346), CSCI 340 (CS 365),
CSCI 315E (CS 415E), CSCI 426 (CS 441), CSCI 427
(CS 442), CSCI 466 (CS 488), and nine credits of CSCI
(CS) electives selected from courses numbered 300 and
above.
Mathematics. M 171-172, 221 or 325, 225 & STAT
341 (MATH 152-153, 221or 325, 225, and 341).
Writing/Communication. Students must take a
University approved lower-division writing course.
Students must also take COMM 111A or COMM 242.
Science. Students must take one of the sequences BIOB
170N-171N, 160N (BIOL 108N-109N, 110N); CHMY
141N, 143N (CHEM 161N, 162N); or PHSX
215N/216N and PHSX 217N/218N (PHYS
211N/213N and 212N/214N).
Students also must take two additional courses selected
from the following list (two numbers separated by a /
means that the second number is a lab for the first and
the two together only count as one course for this
requirement):






ASTR 131N/134N, ASTR 132N/135N
BIOM 250N/251N (BIOL 106N/107N), BIOB
170N/171N (BIOL 108N/109N), BIOB 160N
(BIOL 110N)
CHMY 141N, 143N (CHEM 161N, CHEM
162N)
FOR 201
GEO 101N, 102N (GEOS
100N/101N), GEO 226 (GEOS 226)
PHSX 215N/216N (PHYS 211N/213N),
PHSX 217N/218N (PHYS 212N/214N),
PHSX 343 (PHYS 341), PHSX 444 (PHYS
444)
NOTE: 100-level CSCI (CS) courses other than CSCI
106 (CS 121), CSCI 135-136 (CS 131-132), and 200-
Computer Science Core Courses. CSCI 106 (CS
121), CSCI 135-136 (CS 131-132), CSCI 232 (CS
241), CSCI 205 (CS 242), CSCI 361 (CS 281), CSCI
332 (CS 332), CSCI 323 (CS 346), CSCI 315E (CS
415E), CSCI 426 (CS 441), and CSCI 427 (CS 442).
Every major must choose either the Professional
Option or the Interdisciplinary Option.
Professional Option Requirements. Eighteen credits
of CSCI (CS) electives selected from courses
numbered 300 and above.
Interdisciplinary Option Requirements:


Six credits of CSCI (CS) electives selected
from courses numbered 300 and above.
In addition, students must complete all
requirements for a minor or additional major
in any field other than computer science.
This minor or additional major must include
at least twelve credits at the 200-level or
above.
Mathematics. M 171-172, 221 or 325, 225 & STAT
341 (MATH 152-153, 221or 325, 225, and 341).
Writing/Communication. Students must take a
University approved lower-division writing course.
Students must also take COMM 111A or COMM 242.
Science. Students must take one of the sequences
BIOB 170N-171N, 160N (BIOL 108N-109N, 110N);
CHMY 141N, 143N (CHEM 161N, 162N); or PHSX
215N/216N and PHSX 217N/218N (PHYS
211N/213N and 212N/214N).
Students also must take two additional courses
selected from the following list (two numbers
separated by a / means that the second number is a lab
for the first and the two together only count as one
course for this requirement):
level CSCI (CS) courses other than CSCI 205 (CS 242)
and CSCI 232 (CS 241) do not count toward the degree
or option requirements. However, they do count in the
60 credit limit in the major.



Upper-division Writing Expectation
Upper-division Writing Expectation for Computer
Science majors is CSCI 315E (CS 415E).
Social Science, Humanities, Arts and Other
Disciplines
Students must take 30 credits in social science,
humanities, arts or disciplines other than computer
science, mathematics and science. The courses taken to
meet the Writing/Communication requirement can also
count towards this requirement.
Bachelor of Science degree with a combined major in
Computer Science-Mathematical Sciences
The purpose for the combined program is to provide a
thorough background in both allied disciplines and to
inculcate a deeper understanding of their goals and
methods. A student must complete 60 credits in the
two disciplines: 30 of these credits in computer science
courses and 30 of these credits in mathematical
sciences courses. A minimum grade of "C-" and a 2.0
grade point average is required in all courses which
follow:
The computer science requirements are: CSCI 106,
135-136, 205, 232, 361, 332 (CS 121, 131-132, 242,
241, 281, 332), and nine credits of CSCI (CS) electives
selected from courses numbered 300 and above. A
total of at most three of the nine credits of CSCI (CS)
electives may be in CSCI 398 or 498 (CS 398 or 498).
The mathematical sciences requirements are: M 171
(or 181), 172 (or 182), 221, 273, 307 (or 225) (MATH
152, 153, 221, 251, 305 (or 225)), and twelve credits
of mathematical sciences electives selected from the
following list: M 311, 325, 326, 361, 362, 381, 412,
414, 429, 431, 432, 439, 440, 445, 472, 473, 485 and
STAT 341, 421, 422, 451, 452 (MATH 311, 325, 326,
341, 351, 381, 382, 406, 412, 414, 421, 422, 431, 441,
442, 444, 445, 451, 452, 471, 475, 485).
The combined nine additional credits of computer
science electives and twelve additional credits of
mathematical sciences electives must include at least
three 3- or 4-credit courses numbered 400 or above,
with at least one chosen from each department (not
including M 429 (MATH 406), STAT 451 and 452
(MATH 444, and 445)).
Other requirements are: One of the sequences BIOB
160N,170N, 171N (BIOL 110N, 108N-109N); or
CHMY 141N, 143N (CHEM 161N, 162N); or PHSX
215N/216N and 217N/218N (PHYS 211N/213N and



ASTR 131N/134N, ASTR 132N/135N
BIOM 250N/251N (BIOL 106N/107N),
BIOB 170N/171N (BIOL 108N/109N),
BIOB 160N (BIOL 110N)
CHMY 141N, 143N (CHEM 161N, CHEM
162N)
FOR 201
GEO 101N, 102N (GEOS
100N/101N), GEO 226 (GEOS 226)
PHSX 215N/216N (PHYS 211N/213N),
PHSX 217N/218N (PHYS 212N/214N),
PHSX 343 (PHYS 341), PHSX 444 (PHYS
444)
NOTE: 100-level CSCI (CS) courses other than CSCI
106 (CS 121), CSCI 135-136 (CS 131-132), and 200level CSCI (CS) courses other than CSCI 205 (CS
242) and CSCI 232 (CS 241) do not count toward the
degree or option requirements. However, they do
count in the 60 credit limit in the major.
Upper-division Writing Expectation
Upper-division Writing Expectation for Computer
Science majors is CSCI 315E (CS 415E).
Social Science, Humanities, Arts and Other
Disciplines
Students must take 30 credits in social science,
humanities, arts or disciplines other than computer
science, mathematics and science. The courses taken
to meet the Writing/Communication requirement can
also count towards this requirement.
Bachelor of Science degree with a combined major
in Computer Science-Mathematical Sciences
The purpose for the combined program is to provide a
thorough background in both allied disciplines and to
inculcate a deeper understanding of their goals and
methods. A student must complete 60 credits in the
two disciplines: 30 of these credits in computer
science courses and 30 of these credits in
mathematical sciences courses. A minimum grade of
"C-" and a 2.0 grade point average is required in all
courses which follow:
The computer science requirements are: CSCI 106,
135-136, 205, 232, 361, 332 (CS 121, 131-132, 242,
241, 281, 332), and nine credits of CSCI (CS)
electives selected from courses numbered 300 and
above. A total of at most three of the nine credits of
CSCI (CS) electives may be in CSCI 398 or 498 (CS
398 or 498).
The mathematical sciences requirements are: M
171 (or 181), 172 (or 182), 221, 273, 307 (or 225)
(MATH 152, 153, 221, 251, 305 (or 225)), and twelve
credits of mathematical sciences electives selected
from the following list: M 311, 325, 326, 361, 362,
212N/214N). In addition, a university approved lowerdivision writing course, and either COMM 111A or
COMM 242.
Each student plans a program in consultation with a
computer science and a mathematical sciences advisor.
Students planning to attend graduate school in
computer science or the mathematical sciences should
consult with their respective advisors.
The upper-division writing requirement is one of the
following: CSCI 315E (CS 415E), M 429 (MATH
406), any other approved General Education upperdivision writing course, or a senior thesis (CSCI 499
(CS 499) or M 499 (MATH 499)).
Suggested Curricula:
Applied Math-Scientific Programming: M 311, 412,
414 (MATH 311, 412, 414), and one course chosen
from STAT 341 (MATH 341), M 381, 473, 472, 440
(MATH 351, 451, 452, 471). Three courses chosen
from CSCI 441, 444, 460, and 477 (CS 446, 486, 344
and 477).
Combinatorics and Optimization-Artificial
Intelligence: M 361, 362 (MATH 381, 382); two
courses chosen from M 325, 414, 485, and STAT 341
(MATH 325, 414, 485, 341); and CSCI 460, 446 and
447 (CS 344, 455, and 457).
Statistics-Machine Learning: STAT 341, 421 (MATH
341, 441), and two courses chosen from M 325, 362,
485, and STAT 422 (MATH 325, 382, 485, 442); three
courses chosen from CSCI 340, 446, 447, 451, and 444
(CS 365, 455, 457, 458 and 486).
Algebra-Analysis: M 381, 431 (MATH 351, 421), and
two courses chosen from M 326, 432, 473, 472 (MATH
326, 422, 451, 452); CSCI 460, 426 (CS 344, 441), and
one other course.
Suggested Course of Study
First Year
CSCI 106 (CS 121) Careers in Computer
Science
CSCI 135-136 (CS 131-132) Fundamentals of
Computer Science I, II
COMM 111A Introduction to Public Speaking
WRIT 101 (ENEX 101) College Writing I
M 171, 172 (MATH 152-153) Calculus I, II
Electives and General Education
Total
Second Year
CSCI 232 (CS 241) Data Structures and
Algorithms
CSCI 205 (CS 242) Programming Languages
A S
1 3 3
3 - 3
4 4
3 6
14 16
A S
381, 412, 414, 429, 431, 432, 439, 440, 445, 472, 473,
485 and STAT 341, 421, 422, 451, 452 (MATH 311,
325, 326, 341, 351, 381, 382, 406, 412, 414, 421, 422,
431, 441, 442, 444, 445, 451, 452, 471, 475, 485).
The combined nine additional credits of computer
science electives and twelve additional credits of
mathematical sciences electives must include at least
three 3- or 4-credit courses numbered 400 or above,
with at least one chosen from each department (not
including M 429 (MATH 406), STAT 451 and 452
(MATH 444, and 445)).
Other requirements are: One of the sequences
BIOB 160N,170N, 171N (BIOL 110N, 108N-109N);
or CHMY 141N, 143N (CHEM 161N, 162N); or
PHSX 215N/216N and 217N/218N (PHYS
211N/213N and 212N/214N). In addition, a university
approved lower-division writing course, and either
COMM 111A or COMM 242.
Each student plans a program in consultation with a
computer science and a mathematical sciences
advisor. Students planning to attend graduate school
in computer science or the mathematical sciences
should consult with their respective advisors.
The upper-division writing requirement is one of the
following: CSCI 315E (CS 415E), M 429 (MATH
406), any other approved General Education upperdivision writing course, or a senior thesis (CSCI 499
(CS 499) or M 499 (MATH 499)).
Suggested Curricula:
Applied Math-Scientific Programming: M 311,
412, 414 (MATH 311, 412, 414), and one course
chosen from STAT 341 (MATH 341), M 381, 473,
472, 440 (MATH 351, 451, 452, 471). Three courses
chosen from CSCI 441, 444, 460, and 477 (CS 446,
486, 344 and 477).
Combinatorics and Optimization-Artificial
Intelligence: M 361, 362 (MATH 381, 382); two
courses chosen from M 325, 414, 485, and STAT 341
(MATH 325, 414, 485, 341); and CSCI 460, 446 and
447 (CS 344, 455, and 457).
Statistics-Machine Learning: STAT 341, 421
(MATH 341, 441), and two courses chosen from M
325, 362, 485, and STAT 422 (MATH 325, 382, 485,
442); three courses chosen from CSCI 340, 446, 447,
451, and 444 (CS 365, 455, 457, 458 and 486).
4 -
Algebra-Analysis: M 381, 431 (MATH 351, 421),
and two courses chosen from M 326, 432, 473, 472
(MATH 326, 422, 451, 452); CSCI 460, 426 (CS 344,
441), and one other course.
- 4
Suggested Course of Study
w/C/C++
CSCI 323 (CS 346) Software Science
CSCI 361 (CS 281) Computer Architecture
M 225 (MATH 225) Discrete Math I
M 221 (MATH 221) Linear Algebra
Science sequence
Total
Third Year**
CSCI 332 (CS 332) Design/Analysis
of Algorithms
CSCI 460 (CS 344) Operating Systems
CSCI 466 (CS 488) Networks
CSCI 340 (CS 365) Database Design
STAT 341 (MATH 341) Introduction to
Probability and Statistics
University approved lower-division writing
course
Science Electives
Electives and General Education
Total
Fourth Year**
CSCI 315E (CS 415) Computers, Ethics, and
Society***
CSCI 426 (CS 441) Adv Prgrmng Theory and
Practice I
CSCI 427 (CS 442) Adv Prgrmng Theory and
Practice II
CSCI (CS) option courses and electives
Electives and General Education
Total
3 - 3
3 - 4
5 5
15 16
A S
- 3
3 - 3
- 3
3 - 3
3 3
6 15 15
A S
3 3 - 3
3 6
6 6
15 15
**CSCI (CS) core courses at the 300- and 400-level
may not always be offered in the sequence shown but
will be offered every year.
***Students must pass the upper-division writing
proficiency assessment and a university approved
lower-division writing course before taking CSCI 315E
(CS 415E).
Requirements for a Minor
There are two minors offered by the Department of
Computer Science: the traditional minor in computer
science emphasizes computer programming and related
skills, while the minor in computer applications
emphasizes use of applications such as programming
languages, word processors, spreadsheets, and data
bases in the management and manipulation of
electronic information.
Computer Science: To earn a minor in computer
science the student must complete (with at least a "C-"
in each course and a 2.00 grade average) 18 CS credits
including:
First Year
CSCI 106 (CS 121) Careers in Computer
Science
CSCI 135-136 (CS 131-132) Fundamentals of
Computer Science I, II
COMM 111A Introduction to Public Speaking
WRIT 101 (ENEX 101) College Writing I
M 171, 172 (MATH 152-153) Calculus I, II
Electives and General Education
Total
Second Year**
CSCI 232 (CS 241) Data Structures and
Algorithms
CSCI 205 (CS 242) Programming Languages
w/C/C++
CSCI 323 (CS 346) Software Science
CSCI 361 (CS 281) Computer Architecture
M 225 (MATH 225) Discrete Math I
M 221 (MATH 221) Linear Algebra
Science sequence
Total
Third Year**
CSCI 332 (CS 332) Design/Analysis
of Algorithms
CSCI (CS) option courses and electives *
STAT 341 (MATH 341) Introduction to
Probability and Statistics
University approved lower-division writing
course
Science Electives
Electives and General Education
Total
Fourth Year**
CSCI 315E (CS 415) Computers, Ethics, and
Society***
CSCI 426 (CS 441) Adv Prgrmng Theory and
Practice I
CSCI 427 (CS 442) Adv Prgrmng Theory and
Practice II
CSCI (CS) option courses and electives*
Electives and General Education
Total
A S
1 3 3
3 - 3
4 4
3 6
14 16
A S
4 - 4
3 - 3
3 - 4
5 5
15 16
A S
- 3
3 6
3 - 3
3 3
6 15 15
A S
3 3 - 3
3 6
6 6
15 15
*Students completing the Interdisciplinary Option
may substitute CSCI elective courses or courses
related to their Minor or Additional Major in another
field.
**CSCI (CS) core courses at the 300- and 400-level
may not always be offered in the sequence shown but
will be offered every year.
***Students must pass the upper-division writing
1.
2.
3.
CSCI 135-136 (CS 131-132) (6 credits).
12 credits of elective courses chosen from CS
181, CSCI 100, 250, 232, 205, 361 (CS 101,
177, 181, 241, 242, 281) and courses
numbered 300 and above with the
restrictions: both CSCI 100 and 250 (CS 101
and 177) cannot be counted, and at least 6
credits of elective must be at the 300 level or
above.
M 115 or M 121 and M 122 or M 151 (MATH
117 or Math 111 and MATH 112 or MATH
121)
Computer Applications: To earn a minor in computer
applications, a student must complete (with at least a
"C-" grade in each course and a 2.00 grade average) 21
CSCI (CS) credits including:
1.
2.
3.
Either CSCI 100 (CS 101), CSCI 135 (CS
131) or both.
At least one and no more than three of CSCI
105 (CS 111), CAPP 171 (CS 171), CSCI 172
(CS 172), CSCI 250 (CS 177), and CS 181.
Remaining courses must be selected from
CSCI 135-136 (CS 131-132), CSCI 232 (CS
241), CSCI 205 (CS 242), CSCI 444 (CS 486),
other CS major courses, pre-approved CSCI
191 (CS 195), CSCI 291 (CS 295), CSCI 391
(CS 395), or CSCI 491 (CS 495) special topics
courses, or up to six credits of pre-approved
classes outside the department.
proficiency assessment and a university approved
lower-division writing course before taking CSCI
315E (CS 415E).
Requirements for a Minor
There are two minors offered by the Department of
Computer Science: the traditional minor in computer
science emphasizes computer programming and
related skills, while the minor in computer
applications emphasizes use of applications such as
programming languages, word processors,
spreadsheets, and data bases in the management and
manipulation of electronic information.
Computer Science: To earn a minor in computer
science the student must complete (with at least a "C" in each course and a 2.00 grade average) 18 CS
credits including:
4.
5.
6.
CSCI 135-136 (CS 131-132) (6 credits).
12 credits of elective courses chosen from
CS 181, CSCI 100, 250, 232, 205, 361 (CS
101, 177, 181, 241, 242, 281) and courses
numbered 300 and above with the
restrictions: both CSCI 100 and 250 (CS
101 and 177) cannot be counted, and at least
6 credits of elective must be at the 300 level
or above.
M 115 or M 121 and M 122 or M 151
(MATH 117 or Math 111 and MATH 112 or
MATH 121)
Computer Applications: To earn a minor in
computer applications, a student must complete (with
at least a "C-" grade in each course and a 2.00 grade
average) 21 CSCI (CS) credits including:
4.
5.
6.
Either CSCI 100 (CS 101), CSCI 135 (CS
131) or both.
At least one and no more than three of CSCI
105 (CS 111), CAPP 171 (CS 171), CSCI
172 (CS 172), CSCI 250 (CS 177), and CS
181.
Remaining courses must be selected from
CSCI 135-136 (CS 131-132), CSCI 232 (CS
241), CSCI 205 (CS 242), CSCI 444 (CS
486), other CS major courses, pre-approved
CSCI 191 (CS 195), CSCI 291 (CS 295),
CSCI 391 (CS 395), or CSCI 491 (CS 495)
special topics courses, or up to six credits of
pre-approved classes outside the department.
Please explain/justify the new proposal or change. 
These program modifications are in direct response to a changing environment in which the
demand for computer science interdisciplinary options is quickly emerging and becoming increasingly
critical and popular. This modification would allow for and encourage students to combine their
interests in other disciplines with that of computer science. The changes proposed also provide more
flexibility with our major requirements by allowing students to enroll in an increased number of
courses within the computer science discipline that are truly of interest to them. In deriving these
modifications, the CS faculty worked hard to ensure that our ABET accreditation requirements are still
satisfied. We note that a number of other computer science programs around the country, including the
one at Montana State University, have made similar changes to their curriculum. The Chair of
computer science at MSU has told us that these changes are quite popular with the student body, and
anecdotal comments by our own students as well as advice from our external advisory board suggest
that the same will be true here as well. Finally, the reduction in required core CS courses (although not
necessarily in total CS credits) will allow our faculty the opportunity to develop additional coursework
both within and outside their immediate areas of expertise; this will have the dual benefit of reenergizing our courses and faculty, and allowing for the potential of new research areas to emerge.
What other programs are affected by your
proposal? Obtain signatures as requested below.
V Department Summary Required if several proposals are submitted. In a separate document
list program title and proposed change for all proposals.
VI Copies and Electronic Submission After all signatures have been obtained submit the
original, a paper copy and electronic file to the Faculty Senate Office, UH 221.
Revised
11/09