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Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
This degree, offered by the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, provides opportunities for focused study and opens doors toward a more complex understanding of both foundations of the subject and current thought.
This program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
- All of Northern Arizona University's liberal studies, diversity, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
- At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
- At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- At least 33 units of preprofessional requirements
- At least 62 units of major courses
- Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements
- Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units
Please note that students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 316 |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
This degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET and provides exceptional career flexibility and a broad range of opportunities in programming and software development. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers are among the fastest growing and most rewarding occupations with an exceptionally strong job outlook through 2024 (17% growth).
Graduates with this degree are well-qualified to work for large software development companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Intel, Honeywell, and other software-centric companies and startups. This degree provides a strong foundation for further graduate study in an MS or PhD program; students who are not planning on graduate study may also be interested in the BS in Applied Computer Science program.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the degree, students will have the ability to:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
Details Accordion Closed
Major Requirements
This major requires 95-96 units distributed as follows:
- Preprofessional Requirements: 33-34 units
- Professional Requirements: 62 units
Take the following 95 units:
A Grade of "C" or better is required in all CS Core courses and CS 486C
Preprofessional Requirements (at least 33 units)- Basic Science courses, select one of the following blocks (7-8 units):
- Technical electives at the 200-level or above, from science and engineering disciplines: AST, BIO, GLG, GSP, INF, CENE (excluding CENE 225), CHM, CS, EE, MAT, ME, STA (excluding STA 270 or STA 275), and PHY. (9 units). You may petition the department chair for approval of courses with other prefixes.
Professional Requirements (62 units)
- Core Courses: CS 105, CS 126, CS 126L, CS 136, CS 136L, CS 200, CS 205, CS 212, CS 249, CS 305, CS 315, CS 386, CS 396, CS 421, CS 476, CS 480 (37 units)
- CS 486C which meets the senior capstone requirement (4 units)
- CS electives at the 300-level or above (18 units)
- EGR 333W which meets the junior-level writing requirement (3 units)
Required courses must be completed with a C or better. No more than one D is allowed in professional and technical electives. Six units of letter-graded individualized study (CS 485 or CS 497) may be used to meet degree requirements.
General Electives
Additional coursework is required, if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you. (Please note that you may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.)
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree. Departments may allow students to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by approving up to 12 units applicable toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
Additional Information
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.
