2014
Computer Science
Undergraduate Student Handbook
Undergraduate Student Handbook
Cal State L.A.
College of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology
Table of Contents
Undergraduate Student Handbook .......................................................................... 1
Contact Information .................................................................................................. 1
Welcome .................................................................................................................... 3
I.
Advisement ........................................................................................................ 4
Department Undergraduate Advisement ............................................................. 4
College Undergraduate Advisement ................................................................... 4
II.
Objectives and Learning Outcomes ................................................................ 5
Objectives ........................................................................................................... 5
Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................. 5
III.
Useful Web Links .............................................................................................. 6
IV.
EPT, ELM, and Exit Exams ............................................................................... 6
English Placement Test (EPT) ............................................................................ 7
Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Placement Examination .................................... 7
Mathematics Exit Exams ..................................................................................... 8
V.
General Education Requirements .................................................................... 9
Lower Division General Education Requirements ............................................... 9
Upper Division General Education Requirements ............................................. 10
University Requirements ................................................................................... 10
VI.
Major Curricular Requirements ...................................................................... 11
Core Course requirements and their prerequisites ............................................ 11
List of Elective Courses ..................................................................................... 13
Prerequisite Flowchart ...................................................................................... 13
VII. Complete Requirements for BSCS with a Study Plan .................................. 15
Graduation Roadmaps ...................................................................................... 17
Plan 1: Freshman Roadmaps........................................................................ 17
Plan 2: Roadmaps for Students Requiring Remedial Math and English ....... 18
Plan 3: Roadmap for Transfer Students ........................................................ 18
Plan 4: Individualized Roadmap .................................................................... 19
VIII. Blended BS+MS Integrated Program ............................................................. 21
IX.
Applying for Graduation ................................................................................. 22
X.
Academic Standards ....................................................................................... 23
Appendix: Semester Conversion ........................................................................... 24
Contact Information
Department of Computer Science
Engineering and Technology, Room A-322
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8530
Department Chair
Raj Pamula, Professor
ET A-322 — (323) 343-6690 office — rpamula@calstatela.edu
Department Coordinator
Tricia Trejo
ET A-322 — (323) 343-6690 office — (323) 343-6672 fax
ttrejo@cslanet.calstatela.edu
Undergraduate Advisor
Eun-Young (Elaine) Kang, Professor
ET A-316 — (323) 343-4513 -- eykang@calstatela.edu
Graduate Advisor
Behzad Parviz, Professor
ET A-312 — (323) 343-6696 -- bparviz@calstatela.edu
Assessment Coordinator
Chengyu Sun, Associate Professor
ET A-317 — csun@calstatela.edu
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 1
Full-time Faculty and their Research Interests
Russell J. Abbott — rabbott@calstatela.edu
 Artificial intelligence, Web, Java, Complex Systems
Vladimir Akis — vakis@calstatela.edu
 Computer Graphics, Topology, Dynamical Systems
Valentino Crespi — vcrespi@calstatela.edu
 Distributed Computing, Multi-Agent Systems, Tracking, Combinatorics, Petri nets
Jiang Guo — jguo@calstatela.edu
 Software Engineering, Networks, Operating Systems
Huiping Guo — hpguo@calstatela.edu
 Computer Networks, Data Security
Eun-Young (Elaine) Kang — eykang@calstatela.edu
 Computer Vision, Computer Graphics, Image processing
Raj Pamula, Professor — rpamula@calstatela.edu
 Parallel Processing, Distributed Computing, Fault Tolerant Computing
Behzad Parviz — bparviz@calstatela.edu
 General Systems Methodology, Information Theory, Software Engineering
Chengyu Sun — csun@calstatela.edu
 Database performance optimization, communication, network applications
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 2
Welcome
Dear Students,
Welcome to the Department of Computer Science! In choosing this course of study, you
have selected an exciting and dynamic career that uses technology to make life better
for everyone — and sometimes make it more fun!
This handbook has the information and tools that you will need to navigate the
requirements that will lead to graduation. I encourage you to read it and keep it handy
for your reference. In addition, please know that the faculty and staff are here to help
you and we encourage you to ask us for help when you need it.
The curriculum is designed to give you a well-rounded education, with flexibility in your
major so that you can focus on areas that most interest you. Becoming a computer
scientist will require a lot of study time and hard work. Beyond learning the theories and
technical skills, you will learn to collaborate with your fellow students, communicate with
diverse audiences, become aware of your environmental and social responsibilities as
they relate to your field, and nurture your innovative and creative spirit.
We sincerely hope you will enjoy your time at Cal State L.A. and that you will also take
advantage of all the wonderful resources available to you as a student.
Sincerely,
Raj Pamula
Dr. Raj Pamula
Department Chair and Professor
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 3
Advisement
I.
Department Undergraduate Advisement
Student advising in the department is facilitated in a number of ways:

Advisor/staff office visitation: All students must receive academic advisement to
help them make informed academic choices. The advisor and student go over the
student’s degree progress using GET and advisory notes are documented on CSNS.
o
(i) Open Advisement: Office hours for the Advisor and the Department chair
are posted in the Department Office every quarter. Students meet with the
faculty advisor to evaluate class work to date, to discuss issues (if any)
impacting their present load, to resolve any GPA issues, and to plan
subsequent classes.
o (ii) Mandatory Advisement: Every student has to discuss academic plans with
the advisor at least once a year. Students individually meet with the advisor to
plan upcoming schedule and formulate a road map to complete all the
remaining requirements. The mandatory visits are scheduled as follows: (i)
Entering First Time Freshmen or Transfer Students, (ii) Students on probation
status, (iii) CS101 students (iv) CS201 students, (v) CS312 students (vi)
CS496A students

Email advisor: Students can seek to get clarifications from the advisor or staff
concerning any particular queries. Email is often used by students who need
immediate clarification.

CSNS Advisement Forum: Various topics exist that help clarify generic questions
posed by the students. These are replied to either by other students or the advisor
and are monitored by the Department staff and advisor.

CS101 is required to be taken by every student within the first two quarters for a
comprehensive overview of higher education. Topics covered include: University
rules and regulations; general education requirements; major requirements;
evaluate transfer units; sample road maps; individualized quarterly planners;
graduation checks. Instructional videos used in the CS101 class are always
accessible even after completion of the course.
College Undergraduate Advisement
The College of ECST Advising Center (EAC) provides an array of services to incoming
freshman and second year students in all majors. These services include: academic
advisement through professional staff and peer advisors, the engagement of freshman
in learning communities and academic excellence workshops, and assistance with
scholarship and internship opportunities.

Students must make an appointment in advance to guarantee advisement time
with a Staff Advisor or Peer Advisor. To make an appointment:
o Visit the EAC located in the Engineering and Technology building, A-127 or
o Call the EAC front desk at 323-343-4574, or
o Send an email to ecstarc@calstatela.edu.
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 4
II.
Objectives and Learning Outcomes
Objectives
Program Educational Objectives are broader statements that will describe what
graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation.
1. Students who enter the workforce will have established themselves as effective
professionals by having solved real problems through the use of their computer
science knowledge and their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving
skills.
2. Students who continue in academia will have been successful in pursuing advanced
degrees and in demonstrating their ability to master advanced areas of computer
science.
3. Students will have demonstrated their ability to adapt to a rapidly changing
environment by having learned and applied new skills and new technologies.
Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes are specific skills that the students will possess on
completion of the degree program. Students will:
1. be able to apply concepts and techniques from computing and mathematics
to both theoretical and practical problems.
2. be able to demonstrate fluency in at least one programming language and
acquaintance with at least three more.
3. have a strong foundation in the design, analysis, and application of many
types of algorithms.
4. have a fundamental understanding of computer systems.
5. have the training to analyze problems and identify and define the computing
requirements appropriate to their solutions.
6. have the training to design, implement, and evaluate large software systems
working both individually and collaboratively.
7. be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
8. have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for lifelong self-development.
9. have the ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on
individuals and society.
10. have a fundamental understanding of social, professional, ethical, legal, and
security issues in computing.
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 5
III.
Useful Web Links
DESCRIPTION
WEB ADDRESS
University home page
http://www.calstatela.edu/
Department of Computer Science home page
http://cs.calstatela.edu/
http://www.calstatela.edu/cs
Golden Eagle Territory (GET) provides basic
online student services.
http://get.calstatela.edu
Computer Science Network Services (CSNS) is
used as a Learning Management System.
http://csns.calstatela.edu
Important student information
http://www.calstatela.edu/student/
University online catalog
http://catalog.calstatela.edu
University Library
http://www.calstatela.edu/library
Student Chapter of the Association for
Computing Machinery
http://acm.calstatela.edu
IV.
EPT, ELM, and Exit Exams
The California State University requires each entering undergraduate, except those who
qualify for an exemption, to take the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) examination and
the CSU English Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrollment. These placement tests are
not a condition for admission to the CSU, but they are a condition of enrollment. They
are designed to identify entering students who may need additional support in acquiring
basic English and mathematics skills necessary to succeed in CSU baccalaureate-level
courses.
Undergraduate students who do not demonstrate college-level skills both in English and
in mathematics will be placed in appropriate remedial programs and activities during the
first term of their enrollment. Students placed in remedial programs in either English or
mathematics must complete all remediation in their first year of enrollment. Failure to
complete remediation by the end of the first year may result in denial of enrollment for
future terms.
Students register for the EPT and/or ELM at their local CSU campus. Questions about
test dates and registration materials may be addressed to the Cal State L.A. Testing
Center, Library, Palmer Wing 2098, (323) 343-3160. All nonexempt undergraduates
must complete the EPT and ELM after admission and before first enrollment in courses
at Cal State L.A.
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 6
English Placement Test (EPT)
The English Placement Test (EPT) is designed to assess the level of reading and
writing skills of students entering the California State University. The CSU EPT must be
completed by all non-exempt entering undergraduates prior to enrollment in any course,
including remedial courses. Students who score 147 or above on the EPT will be placed
in college-level composition classes.
Exemptions from the EPT are granted only to those who present proof of one of the
following:

A score of 500 or above on the critical reading section of the College Board SAT
Reasoning Test.

A score of 22 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) English Test.

A score of 3 or above on either the Language and Composition or Composition
and Literature examination of the College Board Scholastic Advanced Placement
Program.

Completion and transfer to CSU of the credits for a college course that satisfies the
CSU General Education requirement in English Composition, provided such a
course was completed with a grade of C or better.

A score of “Exempt” or “Ready for college-level English courses” on the CSU Early
Assessment Program (EAP) taken along with the English Language Arts California
Standard Test in grade 11.
Verification of successful completion of the appropriate course may be required either
before registration or by the document deadline date specified at the time of admission.
Students who do not submit the required documentation by the time specified are
subject to having their admission rescinded and, if enrolled, being dropped from all
courses.
The results of the EPT will not affect admission eligibility, but will be used to identify
students who need special help in reading and writing to complete college-level work.
Information bulletins for the EPT may be obtained at the Cal State L.A. Testing Center,
Library, Palmer Wing 2098, (323) 343-3160.
Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Placement Examination
The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Examination is designed to assess and measure
the level of mathematics skills acquired through three years of rigorous college
preparatory mathematics coursework (Algebra I and II, and Geometry) of students
entering the California State University (CSU). The CSU ELM must be completed by all
non-exempt entering undergraduates prior to enrollment in any course, including
remedial courses. Students who score 50 or above on the ELM will be placed in
college-level mathematics classes.
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 7
Exemptions from the ELM are granted only to those who present proof of one of the
following:

A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the College Board SAT
Reasoning Test.

A score of 550 or above on a College Board SAT Subject Test in Mathematics
(level 1 or level 2).

A score of 23 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) Mathematics Test.

A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Calculus AB or
Calculus BC exam.

A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Statistics
examination.

Completion and transfer to CSU of a college course that satisfies the requirement
in Quantitative Reasoning, provided such a course was completed with a grade of
C or better.

A score of “Exempt” or “Ready for college-level Mathematics courses” on the CSU
Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11 in conjunction with the CST
in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II.

A score of “Conditionally ready for college-level Mathematics courses” or
“Conditional” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken in grade 11
along with the California Standards Test in Summative High School Mathematics
or Algebra II, provided successful completion of a CSU-approved 12th grade math
course that require Algebra II as a prerequisite.
Verification of successful completion of the appropriate course may be required either
before registration or by the document deadline date specified at the time of admission.
Students who do not submit the required documentation by the time specified are
subject to having their admission rescinded and, if enrolled, being dropped from all
courses.
Students who are required to take this examination should do so as soon as possible
after admission and before they enroll in courses. The results of this examination do not
affect admission, but will be used to identify students who need special help in
mathematics to do college-level work.
Students who cannot demonstrate basic competence on the examination are required
to take steps to overcome deficiencies the first term of their enrollment. Any course
work undertaken primarily to acquire the required competence shall not be applicable to
the baccalaureate.
Mathematics Exit Exams
Students may choose to attempt a set of questions designed to promote the student to
the next course in mathematics other than where the ELM has placed them. You can
request for exit exams from MATH80 onwards up to MATH 104AB. More information
may be obtained from the Cal State L.A. Testing Center.
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 8
V.
General Education Requirements
Lower Division General Education Requirements
Computer Science majors have a modified General Education program of 32 units.
A Basic Subjects
American
Institutions
8 UNITS
* A1 Written Comm
ENGL 101
8 UNITS
U.S. History
HIST 202A or 202B
* A2 Oral
Communication
COMM 150
U.S. Constitution
+POLS 150
B Natural Sciences
0 UNITS
(Met by Upper
Division Theme)
C Humanities
8 UNITS Select one course from 2 different
areas (C1,C2,C4,C5). (None from C3)
C1 Literature And
C4 Languages Other
Drama
Than English
ANTH/ENGL 245
COMD 150
ENGL 207, 250, 258,
CHIN 100ABC,
(d)260, (d)270, 280
101ABC,
SPAN 242
200ABC, 201ABC
TA 152
FREN 100ABC, 130,
200AB
C2 Arts
GERM 100ABC,
ART 101ABC, 150,
200ABC
152, 155
ITAL 100ABC,
156, 157, 159, 209
200ABC
TVF/DANC/TA 210
JAPN 100ABC, 130,
TVF/ENGL 225
200ABC, 230
(d)CHS 112
KOR 100ABC
(d)CHS/PAS 260
LATN 100ABC, 222
DANC 157
PAS 120
(d) LBS 234
PORT 100ABC
MUS 150, 151, 152,
RUSS 101AB
156, 157, 160
SPAN 100ABC, 105,
130,
C3 Philosophy and
200ABC, 205ABC,
Religious Studies
230
(Not required. Met by
major requirements)
C-5 INTEGRATED
HUMANITIES
TVF/ENGL/TA 240
ENGL/PHIL 210
D Social Sciences
4 UNITS
Select one course.
(d) AAAS 200
(d) ANTH 250
(d) TVF 250
(d) BUS 250
CHDV 140
(d) CHS 111 or
(d) CHS/LAS 255
(d)CRIM 210
ECON 150
ANTH/ENGL 230
(d) GEOG 155
HIST 110ABC
(d) HIST 150 or
(d) SOC 263
(d) LAS/PAS 102
PAS 250AB
POLS 250
PSY 150
SOC 201
(d) SOCS 180
URBA 180
(d) WOMN 203
Integrated
Social Sciences
LAS 150
SOCS 230
E Lifelong
Understanding and
Self-Development
4 UNITS
Select one course
ANTH 265
(d) ART 240
BUS 200
(d) CHDV/SOC 120
HS 150
KIN 150
(d) PHIL 230
POLS 120
PSY 160
COMM 230
SOC 202
TECH 250*
*Recommended
Page | 9
Upper Division General Education Requirements (BLOCK F – 12 units)
Students are required to complete a 12-unit upper division theme as part of the General
Education program. A theme consists of three interrelated courses on the same topic,
designed to help students acquire knowledge of topics that are current, enduring, and of
significant importance for humanity. Topics are designed to promote the following: an
understanding of oneself and one’s fellow human beings, the social and physical
environment, and a wide range of cultural achievements; an understanding of the
shared concerns of all people as well as diverse cultural heritages; and an awareness of
ethical and social concerns and a cultivation of moral responsibility.
Courses in each theme are distributed among three areas including: Natural Sciences
and Mathematics, Social Sciences and Humanities. Students are thereby provided with
the perspectives of at least three different disciplines on the theme’s topic. Completion
of the lower division basic subject requirements is prerequisite to all upper division
theme courses, as well as completion of any additional lower division general education
course that may be required as a prerequisite.
Since a BIOLOGY course is required in the General Education (as the lower division
BLOCK B is not required), students must choose Theme C or Theme F (see University
Catalog). Students must then select 4 units in Biology from Natural Sciences and
Mathematics area in addition to selecting 4 units each from Humanities and Social
Science. (Chose only from Theme C or Theme F as they are the only themes that have
the required BIOL course.)
University Requirements (6units)
ENGL 102 Composition II: Analytical and Persuasive Writing (4)
CS 101
Introduction to Higher Education for Computer Science Majors (2)
Notes:
1. A minimum 2.0 grade is required in all Basic Subjects (Block A) and ENGL102.
2. A minimum 2.0 grade average is required Overall at CSULA and in all General
Education Requirements
3. Complete two diversity courses which may be selected from Blocks C, D, E or F.
4. Must take and pass the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) by registering for
UNIV400 prior to completing 135-quarter units.
5. Computer Science students must complete the Introduction to Higher Education for
CS Majors requirement, CS 101, within their first two quarters at CSULA.
6. Block F cannot be transferred from a Community College. (A full GE certificate from
a community college satisfies Blocks A thru E).
Page | 10
VI.
Major Curricular Requirements
The Computer Science core curriculum provides students with basic knowledge,
training, discipline, and skills, as defined by the Computer Science Program Student
Learning Outcomes. Through its lower division required courses, the curriculum
provides students with the basic mathematical and science framework. Through its
upper division required courses, the curriculum builds upon the fundamental principles
of computer science for more advanced study. Through its upper division technical
electives, students gain additional breadth and/or depth in computer science by an
appropriate selection of courses.
Core Course requirements and their prerequisites
UNITS
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
PREREQUISITES*
LECTURE LAB
CS 120
Introduction to Web Site Development
2
1 Computer Literacy
CS 122
Using Relational Databases and SQL
2
1 Computer Literacy
CS 201
Introduction to Programming
4
1
CS 202
Introduction to Object Oriented
Programming
4
CS 203
Programming with Data Structures
4
CS 245
Introduction to Computer Organization,
Operating Systems and Networks
2
MATH 206
Calculus I
4
MATH 104A and 104B
MATH 207
Calculus II
4
MATH 206
MATH 208
Calculus III
4
MATH 207
MATH 248
Discrete Mathematics
4
MATH 207
MATH 255
Introduction to Matrix Theory
4
MATH 208
MATH 270
Introduction to Probability and
Statistics
4
MATH 208
PHYS 211
Mechanics
5
MATH 103/MATH 104B
PHYS 212
Waves
5
PHYS 211
PHYS 213
Electricity
5
PHYS 212
CS 301
Computer Ethics and Societal Impact
of Computing
CS 312
Data Structures and Algorithms
4
CS 320
Web and Internet Programming
2
1 CS 120, CS 122, CS 203
CS 332F
Functional Programming
1
1 CS 203
CS 332L
Logic Programming
1
1 CS 203
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
MATH 104B or
consent of the instructor
CS 201
1
Recommended: MATH 206
CS 202
1
Recommended: MATH 207, 248
1 CS 202
2 CS 203
CS 203, MATH 208, MATH 248
Page | 11
UNITS
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
PREREQUISITES*
LECTURE LAB
CS 332C
C++ Object Oriented Programming
1
1 CS 203
CS 337
Software Design
2
1 CS 203
CS 386
Introduction to Automata Theory
4
CS 202, MATH 248
CS 437
Software Engineering
4
1 CS 312, 337, and WPE
CS 440
Introduction to Operating Systems
4
CS 245 & 312
EE 444
Computer Architecture
4
CS 245
CS 490
Computer Science Recapitulation
2
CS 496A
Software Design Laboratory
CS 496B
Software Design Laboratory
2 CS 496A
CS 496C
Software Design Laboratory
2 CS 496B
CS 386, 437, 440, EE 444,
MATH 270
CS 312, 320, 337, 386, and senior
2
standing
* A grade of "C" or better is required for Calculus courses and all upper division CS prerequisite
coursework. Prerequisites are strictly enforced on the GET system at the time of registration.
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 12
List of Elective Courses
Students select 6 additional upper division Computer Science courses from a list of
courses described below.
COMPUTER SCIENCE ELECTIVE COURSES
(DEPARTMENT AND COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE)
ELECTIVE
CREDIT HOURS
CS 340 Assembly Language and Systems Programming
4
CS 345 UNIX and Shell Programming
4
CS 370 Parallel and Distributed Programming
4
CS 422 Principles of Data Base Systems
4
CS 447 Computer Networks Configuration and Management
4
CS 450 Foundation of Computer Graphics
4+1
CS 451 Multimedia Software Systems
4
CS 454* Topics in Advanced Computer Science
4
CS 460 Artificial Intelligence
4
CS 461 Machine Learning
4
CS 470 Computer Networking Protocols
4
CS 480 Cryptography and Information Security
4
CS 486 Computability and Intractability
4
CS 488 Compilers
4
* CS 454 can be repeated on different topics to fulfill the electives subject to a maximum of
20 units., e.g., CS454 has been offered on 3-D Computer Game Programming, User Interfaces
and Interactions, and Mobile Computing.
Prerequisite Flowchart
The prerequisite flowchart for the B.S. in Computer Science curriculum is depicted in
the figure on the next page. The courses are structured with the lower division
requirements shown in Rows 1 – 3. The advanced required CS courses are shown in
Rows 4 – 7. Elective courses should be scheduled between Rows 4 – 7.
As a general rule, students are advised to finish the courses in a particular row before
progressing to the next row.
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 13
Page | 14
VII. Complete Requirements for BSCS with a Study Plan
Note that the credit hours are indicated by lecture + laboratory units. For example: The
Credit Hours for CS 201 is described as 4+1 implying 4 lecture units (4 hours per week)
+ 1 laboratory unit (3 hours per week).
CREDIT HOURS (LECTURE AND LAB)
COURSE
(DEPT., NUMBER)
REQUIRED (R)
OR
ELECTIVE (E)
MATH AND
BASIC
SCIENCES
COMPUTER
SCIENCE
CORE
GENERAL
EDUCATION
ELECTIVES
YEAR #1 (FALL QTR)
CS101
R
MATH206
ENGL101
R
R
GE E
+
2
4
4
R
4
YEAR #1 (WINTER QTR)
CS120
MATH207
ENGL102
HIS202A/B
YEAR #1 (SPRING QTR)
CS122
R
R
R
R
MATH208
COMM150
POLS150
YEAR #2 (FALL QTR)
CS201
MATH248
GE C1
PHYS 211
YEAR #2 (WINTER QTR)
R
R
R
CS202
MATH255
GE C2
PHYS 212
YEAR #2 (SPRING QTR)
CS203
MATH270
CS245
PHYS 213
R
R
R
R
2+1
4
4
4
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
2+1
4
4
4
4+1
4
4
5
4+1
4
4
5
4+1
4
2+1
5
Page | 15
CREDIT HOURS (LECTURE AND LAB)
COURSE
(DEPT., NUMBER)
REQUIRED (R)
OR
ELECTIVE (E)
MATH AND
BASIC
SCIENCES
COMPUTER
SCIENCE
CORE
GENERAL
EDUCATION
ELECTIVES
YEAR #3 (FALL QTR)
CS312
CS332F
CS337
CS320
YEAR #3 (WINTER QTR)
CS Elective #1
R
R
R
R
4
1+1
2+1
2+1
CS301
CS332C
R
R
0+2
1+1
CS437
YEAR #3 (SPRING QTR)
GE D
CS332L
CS386
CS Elective #2
CS Elective #3
R
4+1
E
4
R
R
R
E
E
4
1+1
4
4
4
YEAR #4 (FALL QTR)
CS496A
EE444
CS Elective #4
GE UD Theme #1
YEAR #4 (WINTER QTR)
CS496B
CS440
CS Elective #5
GE UD Theme #2
R
R
E
R
0+2
4
4
4
R
R
E
R
0+2
4
CS496C
CS490
CS Elective #6
R
R
E
0+2
2
GE UD Theme #3
TOTAL UNITS (180)
R
4
4
YEAR #4 (SPRING QTR)
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
4
43
67
4
46
24
Page | 16
Graduation Roadmaps
Graduation roadmaps are suggested academic plans designed to inform students about
the sequence of courses needed to satisfy degree requirements. The roadmaps adhere
strictly to the prerequisites and scheduling patterns of the courses.
Plan 1: Freshman Roadmaps
This roadmap is described for students who enter Cal State LA directly from high school
as freshman. It assumes that the freshmen students are ready to take MATH 206 and
ENGL 101 and do not need to take any remedial mathematics or English courses. This
ideal roadmap provides a pathway for students to complete their undergraduate
requirements in four years.
SUMMER
CS 101
MATH 206
ENGL 101
GE E (TECH 50)
YEAR
1
SUMMER
2
SUMMER
FALL
CS 312
CS 332F
CS 320
CS 337
YEAR
3
SUMMER
4
FALL
CS 201
MATH 248
GE C1
PHYS 211
YEAR
YEAR
FALL
WINTER
CS 120
MATH 207
ENGL 102
HIST 202A/B
WINTER
CS 202
MATH 255
GE C2
PHYS 212
WINTER
CS Elective 1
CS 332C
CS 437
CS 301
SPRING
CS 122
MATH 208
COMM 150
POLS 150
SPRING
CS 203
MATH 270
CS 245
PHYS 213
SPRING
CS Elective 2
CS 332L
CS 386
CS Elective 3
GE D
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
CS 496A
CS Elective 4
EE 444
GE UD Theme 1
CS 496B
CS Elective 5
CS 440
GE UD Theme 2
CS 496C
CS Elective 6
CS 490
GE UD Theme 3
Page | 17
Plan 2: Roadmaps for Students Requiring Remedial Math and English
This roadmap is for freshmen students who need remedial MATH/ENGL. It is described
for students who enter Cal State LA directly from high school as freshman and are
placed into remedial mathematics and/or English courses. It indicates that the students
should be able to complete all the remedial courses in a year along with some of the
other major requirements indicated earlier. Students will then continue on and revise the
roadmap described above.
SUMMER
FALL
MATH 91
CS 101
ENGL 95
ENGR 154*
GE
YEAR
1
WINTER
SPRING
MATH 104A
CS 190
ENGL 96
ENGR 154*
GE
MATH 104B
CS 120
ENGL 101
ENGR 154*
GE
* Workshops designed for corresponding math courses
Plan 3: Roadmap for Transfer Students
This roadmap is for students who transfer to Cal State LA directly from another institute
of higher education. The plan assumes that the students have entered Cal State LA with
completion of all lower division GE requirements and all lower division required math,
computer scie=nce and physics PHYS courses.
This ideal roadmap provides a pathway for students to complete their remaining
undergraduate requirements in two years.
SUMMER
CS 312
CS 332F
CS Elective 1
CS 337
YEAR
1
SUMMER
YEAR
2
FALL
WINTER
CS 320
CS 332C
CS 437
CS 301
SPRING
CS 386
CS 332L
CS Elective 2
CS Elective 3
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
CS 496A
CS Elective 4
EE 444
GE UD Theme 1
CS 496B
CS Elective 5
CS 440
GE UD Theme 2
CS 496C
CS Elective 6
CS 490
GE UD Theme 3
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 18
Plan 4: Individualized Roadmap
It is a fact that every student's situation is unique. Therefore, the roadmaps described
above should be used as guides. Note the following two characteristics described in the
roadmap plans above:

The roadmaps describe the suggested plan of study (by year and quarter term) for
students assuming that a student plans for the regular fall, winter and spring
quarters. These roadmaps do not include courses during the summer quarter. This
leaves the option for students to take classes during the summer quarter to finish
earlier or to reduce the number of units per quarter.

The roadmaps are designed for individuals who are devoting full-time to their
studies and thus taking a full load of 16 to 20 units per quarter.
It is essential that every student should see a faculty member for academic advisement
and design an individualized roadmap. This should be updated if any situation changes
down the road.
The blank roadmap on the next page can be printed and completed either by hand, or
filled in using a computer and printed.
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 19
CSULA — COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE ROADMAP
SUMMER
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
YEAR
Date:
1
YEAR
2
YEAR
3
YEAR
4
YEAR
Student:
5
YEAR
6
Page | 20
VIII.
Blended BS+MS Integrated Program
The Blended BS/MS program (http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/ecst/cs/blended.php)
in computer science provides an accelerated route for academically excellent upperdivision students in the BS degree program to complete the MS degree program while
simultaneously completing the BS requirements. The main objectives of the program
are:


To provide an accelerated route to a graduate degree, with simultaneous
awarding of both bachelor's and master's degrees.
To provide a seamless process whereby a limited number of select students can
progress from undergraduate to graduate status.
Program Features






Simplified application process
BS and MS coursework can be taken concurrently
Sixteen common elective units between BS and MS programs.
Access to graduate student facilities
TA appointments (if available)
The scheduling flexibility provided by the program enables students to complete
the BS and MS degrees efficiently.
The eligibility requirements for admission to the Blended BS/MS program are:




Students must have completed a minimum of 135 quarter units of coursework.
Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the last 90 quarter units.
Students must have completed all the six required CS 300-level courses (CS301,
CS312, CS320, CS332FLC, CS337, CS386) in the BS degree program with a
minimum grade of "B".
Students must have completed the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement
(GWAR)
Eligible and interested students should contact the Academic Advisor for further
information.
To apply, please submit:
1. Your application word doc format. [email to ttrejo@calstatela.edu]
2. Two letters of recommendations in word doc format. [Request two CS faculty
members (at least one should be from a CS Full-Time faculty) to email
recommendation letter to ttrejo@calstatela.edu]
Page | 21
IX.
Applying for Graduation
Certifying that a student has met all graduation requirements is a simple but functional
process (see http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/registrar/grad_off.php)as described
below:
1. Students initiate this process by filling out an Application for Graduation (degree
check) on a form available at the Cal State L.A. Graduation Office website, and
Enrollment Services in Administration 146. These forms are available five days prior
to the application filing period. (Filing periods are published in the Graduation
information section of the Schedule of Classes.). The application fee is $30. ($20 for
the application and $10 for the Diploma).
2. The application is to be filed two quarters prior to the end of the term of their
graduation. Students are able to access their Academic Requirements Report at any
time thorough their college career. The Academic Requirements Report (an audit
report generated on GET) gives a visually clear picture of the requirements;
completed requirements; transfer credits etc. Students thus have a general idea of
the graduating quarter and discuss the program requirements with the advisor.
3. Students submit their completed application to the Department for processing. The
undergraduate faculty advisor discusses the Academic Progress Report with the
student which indicates clearly all the requirements that have been completed and
flags the remaining requirements. The student and advisor draw up a plan to meet
the remaining requirements in the coming two quarters.
4. The Department staff then forwards the graduation application to the Graduation
Office for an official audit.
5. The Graduation Office of the University Registrar’s Office has the sole authority to
audit and certify that a candidate for graduation has fulfilled her/his approved
program requirements. Graduation check audit results are sent by surface mail to
the students prior to their final anticipated quarter. If a student is enrolled in the
quarter they expect to graduate but does not complete all degree requirements, then
their graduation application will be automatically transferred to the following quarter.
6. Students who do not finish their requirements by the end of the second quarter must
consult with their advisor and restart the graduation application procedure.
7. Degree dates are posted at the end of the quarter in which all requirements are met.
On completion of the degree requirements, the transcripts on GET indicate the
following:
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Confer Date: (date)
Plan:
Computer Science
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 22
X.
Academic Standards
As a student, you are now joining an academic community. The privilege of membership
has certain obligations. Academic Integrity is very important. Cheating will not be
tolerated. Cheating on any assignment or exam will be taken seriously. Failure to meet
established standards may result in various penalties. In extreme cases this could result
in expulsion from the University.
Please visit the Cal State LA, Judicial Affairs Office website where you will find
examples of what constitutes cheating and plagiarism so that you become familiar with
the guidelines, and consequences of not following them:
http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/stuaffrs/jao/doc/ah.pdf
We hope that behavior standards never become and issue, but it is important that you
prove worthy of the trust we place you in. Honesty is extremely important both for the
operation of the University and for your personal development.
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 23
Appendix: Semester Conversion
California State University, Los Angeles will be fully converted from a
Quarter system of three quarters per academic year (10 weeks of educational
instruction per term), to a semester system of two semesters per academic year (15
weeks of educational instruction per term) beginning Fall semester 2016.
This section pertains to students who have begun their academic programs before Fall
2016 and will graduate after the campus semester conversion.
Students who began their academic programs under the requirements of the quarter
system (i.e., prior to Fall 2016) may choose to complete their requirements with
semester course equivalents or they may switch to the new semester program
requirements in place.
See the program conversion table and the course conversion tables below.
Students must make an appointment with the academic advisor to develop an
Individualized Road Map (described in Section VII) that maps out their academic
requirements for a timely graduation.
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
Page | 24
Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
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Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook
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