Department of Computer Science
Computer Science Option 2 Revision
Purpose
The proposed revision to the Computer Science major (Option 2) is designed to help
bridge the gap between computer science professionals and domain experts in application
areas. A sound grasp of the fundamental concepts of Computer Science combined with a
working knowledge of an application domain will enable students graduating with a
Computer Science major to be poised to leverage computer science to solve problems in
the application domain, thus significantly improving their career potential.
Rationale
Practicing computer science professionals often find themselves applying computational
principles in domains with which they may only have a passing familiarity. For instance,
a computer science professional may find himself working to support the business
processes of an enterprise. In this context, knowledge of accounting, finance, or
management would be of considerable value to the professional. The Department of
Computer Science recognized this need some years ago when it created an Option 2 in
which Computer Science majors complete 21 hours of Business courses, in addition to
their Computer Science coursework.
With the pervasive use of computing, a similar argument can be made in the context of
fields such as Chemistry, Biology, Oceanography, Geography, Economics, to name a
few. For instance, a computer science professional may find herself working in the
pharmaceutical industry helping support the research activities of chemists. In such a
setting, a working knowledge of chemistry would be of immense value to the
professional, and would help her better understand the needs of her clients and would be
invaluable in determining the optimal use of computer science in the support of
chemistry.
The proposed revision to the Computer Science major (Option 2) seeks to address a
critical need by generalizing the concept embodied by the existing Option 2 for Computer
Science majors. Instead of being restricted to a Business concentration, Computer
Science majors would be free to select a concentration in one of several application
areas.
The Proposed Revision
Currently, students majoring in Computer Science (Option 2) are required to complete
21 hours of business courses, roughly equivalent to a Business concentration. The
proposed revision allows students to select from one of six concentrations, specified
below.
Computer Science major (Option 2 – Applied)
Core requirements: (51 hours). CSC 100, 121, 133, 221, 242, 332, 344, 360, 385, 434,
450, 455; MAT 161, 162; QMM 280 or STT 215; 6 additional hours of 300- 400-level
CSC courses approved by the advisor;
Core subtotal
51
Student selected concentration – provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a
Computer Science application area. Select one of the following options:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Business concentration - 21 hours. ACG 201, ACG 202, ECN 221, ECN 222, MGT
350, MKT 340, FIN 335.
Biology concentration - 21 hours. Complete requirements for the Biology minor.
Chemistry concentration - 22 hours. Complete requirements for the Chemistry minor.
Digital Arts Concentration - 15 hours. Complete requirements for the Digital Arts
minor.
Geographic Information Science concentration - 17 hours. Complete requirements
for the GIS certificate.
Statistics concentration - 18 hours. Complete requirements for the Statistics minor.
15 to
Concentration Subtotal
22
Computer Science major (Option 2)
Total
66 to
73
Catalog Copy
Option 2. 66 to 73 hours. CSC 100, 121, 133, 221, 242, 332, 344, 360, 385, 434, 450,
455; MAT 161, 162; QMM 280 or STT 215; 6 additional hours of 300- 400-level CSC
courses approved by the advisor;
Student selected concentration – provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a
Computer Science application area. Select one of the following options:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Business concentration - 21 hours. ACG 201, ACG 202, ECN 221, ECN 222, MGT
350, MKT 340, FIN 335.
Biology concentration - 22 Hours. BIO 204; BIO 205 or 206; 2 courses selected from
BIO 335, 345, or 366 (with or without laboratory); and 7 additional hours in biology at the
300-400 level, one of which must be a laboratory course.
Chemistry concentration - 22 hours. CHM 101-102, CHM and CHML 211-212, or CHM
and CHML 211 and 235; and 6 additional hours in chemistry at the 300-400 level.
Digital Arts Concentration - 15 hours. Complete requirements for the Digital Arts minor.
Geographic Information Science concentration - 17 hours. Required courses include:
GGY 222, 320, 328 and 422, and 4 additional hours selected from GGY 424 or 426.
Statistics concentration - 15 hours. STT 305, and 12 additional hours in statistics at the
300-400 level.