Computer Science Major

College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) – Department of Computer Science

Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science with concentrations in Computer Science General, Computer Science General with Cooperative Experience, Information Systems, and Information Systems with Cooperative Experience. The goal of these programs is to train graduates for successful careers in industry and to prepare students for graduate studies. Students are encouraged to do cooperative work with local companies for up to one year, receiving up to four course credits, job experience, and (normally) compensation in the process. Such experience is also beneficial in seeking postgraduate employment.

The General Education Requirement:

All students must satisfy a general education requirement consisting of ten (10) courses outside of the major department. The General Education Domain II-A (Analysis, Modeling, and Problem Solving) requirement is satisfied through the completion of the Computer Science major.

Course Prerequisites

Courses may have specified conditions for enrollment, such as prior completion of less advanced courses, permission of the instructor, or appropriate placement test scores. Students should refer to course descriptions in the department listings for prerequisite requirements.

Requirements for the Major in Computer Science

Departmental Requirements

Computer Science majors must complete core requirements as well as additional requirements for the particular concentration chosen (see below).

The following eight (8) Core Requirements are mandatory of Computer Science majors in all concentrations:

CSCI 120 Introduction to Information Technology
CSCI 130 Computer Science I Using Java
CSCI 200 Computer Science Professional Exploration Seminar (0.5 course-credit)
CSCI 215 Computer Science II Using Java
CSCI 258 Introduction to Operating Systems Using UNIX™
CSCI 360 Database Management
MATH 206 Discrete Mathematics I
STAT 117 Introduction to Statistics

CONCENTRATIONS

All students majoring in Computer Science must choose one (1) of the four (4) concentrations:

Computer Science General (UCSG)

Computer Science General with Cooperative Experience (UCSC)

Information Systems (UCSI)

Information Systems with Cooperative Experience (UCSO)

Concentration in Computer Science General (UCSG)

This concentration prepares students for careers in software development.

Required Concentration Core courses (10):

CSCI 271 Data Structures
CSCI 317 Discrete Structures
CSCI 347 Analysis of Algorithms
CSCI 352 Computer Architecture & Assembly Language
CSCI 362 Software Engineering
CSCI 460 Theory of Computing
CSCI 465 Operating Systems Internals
CSCI 477 Computer Networking

Choose Three (3) Computer Science Electives:

CSCI 300 Artificial Intelligence
CSCI 308 Python Programming
CSCI 320 Windows Server & Client Management
CSCI 333 Object-Oriented Programming Using C++
CSCI 340 UNIX System Administration
CSCI 345 Computer & Network Security
CSCI 373 Advanced Web Technologies
CSCI 400 Special Topics in Computer Science
CSCI 490 Independent Study in Computer Science
CSCI 495 Internship in Computer Science

Science Requirements:

One (1) Science Laboratory Courses:

BIOL 130/130L Principles of Biology with Lab
CHEM 107/107L Principles of Chemistry with Lab
GEOL 108/108L Physical Geology with Lab
PHYS 201/201L Physics for Earth and Life Scientists with Lab
PHYS 211/211L Principles of Physics I with Lab

Concentration in Computer Science General with Cooperative Experience (UCSC)

This concentration integrates two (2) full-time six-month cooperative work experiences and one (1) cooperative experience seminar with the required courses for the Concentration in Computer Science. These cooperative work experiences allow students to apply and further investigate the discipline of computer science.

Concentration Entrance Requirements:

Students must

Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.80;
Maintain a 3.00 GPA in all Computer Science courses;
Complete and submit the cooperative experience application during the semester prior to enrolling in CSCI 310 Cooperative Experience I;
Have junior standing at the time of the first cooperative experience; and
Have the approval of the cooperative experience coordinator. Transfer students must complete three (3) Computer Science courses at Framingham State University prior to participating in CSCI 310 Cooperative Experience I.

This concentration prepares students for careers in software development.

Required Concentration Core courses (12):

CSCI 271 Data Structures
CSCI 310 Cooperative Experience I (3 course-credits)
CSCI 317 Discrete Structures*
CSCI 347 Analysis of Algorithms
CSCI 352 Computer Architecture & Assembly Language
CSCI 362 Software Engineering
CSCI 410 Cooperative Experience II (3 course-credits)
CSCI 460 Theory of Computing
CSCI 465 Operating Systems Internals
CSCI 477 Computer Networking

Choose Three (3) Computer Science Electives:

CSCI 300 Artificial Intelligence
CSCI 303 Web and Mobile Applications
CSCI 306 Introduction to .NET Using Visual Basic
CSCI 320 Windows Server & Client Management
CSCI 333 Object-Oriented Programming Using C++
CSCI 340 UNIX System Administration
CSCI 345 Computer & Network Security
CSCI 373 Advanced Web Technologies
CSCI 400 Special Topics in Computer Science
CSCI 455 Human-Computer Interaction
CSCI 490 Independent Study in Computer Science
CSCI 495 Internship in Computer Science
ESMT 305 Assembler Language for z/OS

Science Requirements:

One (1) Science Laboratory Courses:

BIOL 130/130L Principles of Biology with Lab
CHEM 107/107L Principles of Chemistry with Lab
GEOL 108/108L Physical Geology with Lab
PHYS 201/201L Physics for Earth and Life Scientists with Lab
PHYS 211/211L Principles of Physics I with Lab

Concentration in Information Systems (UCSI)

This concentration trains students for technical careers in information systems such as database administration, network administration, systems analysis and design, and software quality assurance.

Required Concentration Core courses (4):

CSCI 108 HTML, JavaScript Programming, and Web Site Development
CSCI 345 Computer and Network Security
CSCI 373 Advanced Web Technologies
CSCI 376 Networking Technologies

Five (5) required Business Courses:

ACCT 220 Introduction to Financial Accounting
BUIS 411 Information Systems Research
BUIS 460 Information Systems Management
ECON 101 Principles of Macroeconomics or
- ECON 102 Principles of Microeconomics
MGMT 280 Applied Organizational Theory and Management

Three (3) courses from at least two (2) of the following categories:

Network and System Administration:

CSCI 320 Windows Server and Client Management
CSCI 340 UNIX™ System Administration

Computer Graphics and Technical Writing:

CSCI 140 Introduction to the Internet, Graphics and Multimedia
ENGL 286 Professional Writing
ENGL 371 Business Writing
ENGL 372 Technical Writing

General Information Systems Electives:

Any computer science course at the 200-level and above except courses listed in the Network and Systems Administration category above or:
- CSCI 490 Independent Study in Computer Science
- CSCI 495 Internship in Computer Science

Concentration in Information Systems with Cooperative Experience (UCSO)

This concentration integrates two (2) full-time six-month cooperative work experiences and one (1) cooperative experience seminar with the required courses for the Concentration in Information Systems. These cooperative work experiences allow students to apply and further investigate the discipline of computer science.