Minor Degree in Computer Science
Courses Transferrable from Other UMS Campuses to the University of Southern Maine
The following chart provides general guidance as to which courses offered at other University of Maine System
campuses will be accepted as transferable into the Minor in Computer Science undergraduate degree program
at the University of Southern Maine.
As shown, links to course descriptions for all courses are provided. Additional courses beyond those listed may
be acceptable for transfer as assessed by the appropriate course faculty on the campus to which the student is
transferring.
Courses qualifying to fulfill General Education course requirements are handled on a campuswide basis and are available through a separate information sheet.
University of Southern Maine
Minor Degree: Computer Science
(Curriculum drawn from http://www.usm.maine.edu/cos/minor-computer-science)
Typical Program showing Acceptable Transfer Courses
(Course transfer information is drawn from https://peportal.maine.edu and confirmed by involved faculty members.)
REQUIRED COURSES
Course
Course Title
Number
COS 160
Structured Problem Solving:
Course
Java
Description
Credits: 3
COS 161
Algorithms in Programming
Course
Credits: 3
Description
COS 170
Structured Programming
Course
Laboratory
Description
Credits: 1
COS 250
Computer Organization
Course
Credits: 3
Description
COS 255
Computer Organization
Course
Laboratory
Description
Credits: 1
COS 285
Data Structures
Course
Credits: 3
Description
UM
COURSES ACCEPTABLE FOR TRANSFER
UM-A
UM-F
UM-FK
UM-M
COS 230
COS 351
COS 350
COS 251
UM-PI
COS 25X*
(and upper)
COS 25X*
(and upper)
Note: *Students should choose two additional COS courses numbered 250 or greater, excluding COS 398 and COS 498.
University of Southern Maine Computer Science Minor Course Descriptions
COS 160 Structured Problem Solving: Java
An introduction to the use of digital computers for problem solving, employing the Java programming language as a
vehicle. Content includes elementary control structures and data representation methods provided by Java and the object-oriented
programming methodology. Course requirements include a substantial number of programming projects. This course
must be taken concurrently with COS 170. Offered each semester.
Prerequisite: successful completion of the USM mathematics proficiency requirement.
Credits: 3.
COS 161 Algorithms in Programming
The development of algorithms and their implementations in a higher-level programming language, with emphasis on
proper design principles and advanced programming concepts. Introduction to the performance analysis of algorithms. Course
requirements include substantial programming projects. Offered each semester.
Prerequisites: COS 160, and working knowledge of word processing and Web browsing.
Credits: 3.
COS 170 Structured Programming Laboratory
Computational experiments will be designed to teach students how to construct reliable software using Java. Topics to be
covered include: Windows system, conditional program flow, iteration, procedures and functions, and symbolic debugging.
Offered each semester.
This course must be taken concurrently with COS 160.
Credits: 1.
COS 250 Computer Organization
The basic hardware, architecture, and software of computer systems are covered. Subjects include digital logic design,
microprogramming, machine languages, assembly languages, and operating systems.
Prerequisite: COS 161. This course must be taken concurrently with COS 255. Typically offered only in the spring semester.
Credits: 3.
COS 255 Computer Organization Laboratory
Students design, build, and test combinational and sequential logic circuits and write assembly language programs.
Typically offered only in the spring semester.
This course must be taken concurrently with COS 250.
Credits: 1.
COS 285 Data Structures
Basic abstract data types and their representations, fundamental algorithms, and algorithm analysis. Consideration is given
to applications. Specific topics include linked structures, trees, searching and sorting, priority queues, graphs, and hashing.
Course requirements include a substantial programming component. Typically offered only in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: COS 161 and either of MAT 145 or MAT 152, or their equivalents.
Credits: 3.