School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems
Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
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Careers
What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science?
Work on project design teams with students from other disciplines to create software, and build the technical and professional skills necessary for success in the expanding universe of high technology. Thinking of studying abroad to take advantage of global career trends? We strongly encourage international study and facilitate internships in other countries. Wherever your imagination takes you, a computer science education at Northern Arizona University will open new doors.
Career opportunities that might be pursued:
- Software consulting
- Bio-informatics and data management
- Graphics and game development
- Defense software analysis
With further education, one of these paths is possible:
- Statistician
- Engineer
- Researcher
- University professor
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University Requirements
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.
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Overview
In addition to University Requirements:
- At least 39 units of preprofessional requirements
- At least 58 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 you 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 |
| Additional Fees/Program Fees | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The BSCS 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 BSACS 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.
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Details
Major Requirements
Take the following 97 units with a Grade of "C" or better in all required CS Core courses and CS 486C:
Preprofessional Requirements (at least 39 units)- Basic Science courses, select one of the following blocks (7-8 units):
- Technical electives at the 200-level or above; select from (6 units)
- Engineering disciplines (EE, EGR, ME, CENE)
- Mathematics or Natural Sciences (MAT, STA, AST, BIO, CHM, GLG, PHY)
- CS (excluding CS 248)
- You may petition the department chair for approval of courses with other prefixes.
- Technical electives at the 200-level or above; select from (6 units)
- ENG 302W (3 units)
Major Courses (58 units)- Core Courses: CS 126, CS 126L, CS 136, CS 136L, CS 200, CS 212, CS 249, CS 301, CS 315, CS 386, CS 396, CS 421, CS 476, CS 480 (36 units)
- CS 486C (4 units)
- CS electives at the 300-level or above (18 units)
- PROGRAM FEE INFORMATION
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $500 per year in students' Junior and Senior years has been approved for this program.
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.
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.)
Additional Information
No more than one "D" is allowed in CS electives and technical electives.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.