Computer Science - B.S.
The Computer Science bachelor's degree program is designed to provide a broad overview to the fundamentals of computer science, including software and systems analysis, programming languages, machine architecture, algorithmic thinking, and theoretical foundations of computing.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:
- Apply knowledge of math, science, engineering and contemporary developments in the fields of software programming, networking, system design, computer science and/or project management.
- Analyze problems through the use of computer science concepts and processes to formulate, implement and test software-based algorithms.
- Incorporate historical context and emerging developments in computer science to create adaptable and efficient algorithmic solutions that reflect ethical considerations and global awareness.
- Use the techniques, skills and emerging tools necessary for analysis and evolution of algorithms in computer science.
Upon completion of the Software Engineering specialization (offered at the Providence campus), graduates are expected to:
- Integrate knowledge, tools and problem-solving skills to carry out the design, creation, maintenance and testing of state-of-the-art software solutions.
Upon completion of the Network Engineering specialization (offered at the Providence Campus), graduates are expected to:
- Apply computer science knowledge, skills and tools focused on real-time, finite state machine development methods aimed at creating network products, network designs, troubleshooting plans and advanced protocol tracking.
Modern computer science touches many academic pursuits (i.e., business, economics, the sciences, mathematics, etc.). Computer Science students have the flexibility to truly pursue integrated learning across the university and beyond, made possible by additional elective options with this degree. The benefits of problem-solving and algorithmic thinking can be applied to many intellectual pursuits changing the way students approach problem solving. Coupled with the pragmatic skills of programming and computer internals training, students can be action-oriented in mobilizing and automating problem-solving methods.
In the Software Engineering specialization, the core concepts found in computer science are expanded upon in the pursuit of perfecting the methods and tactics necessary for large-scale software development. Software engineering applies problem-solving methods, data-handling techniques and programming skills to large-scale implementations. Large projects pose unique challenges in terms of specification of problems to be solved, practical application development concerns, testing, project management and documentation. The Software Engineering specialization focuses on learning in these key areas. Programming is comprised of unique skills that separate software engineers from pure computer scientists. Students that complete this specialization are ready to join software development teams and make significant contributions to software product development.
In the Network Engineering specialization, students learn how computer science drives the next level of networking enhancements: application-aware networks, software-driven networks, advanced network security screening/firewalling/packet examination, and data-handling improvements based on advanced-routing algorithms. Finite state-based programming has always been at the core of networking and is the focus of this program. Students who complete this specialization are intimately familiar with the evolution of network products, the software internals of switches and routers, and the latest trends in software development specific to this industry. Students are positioned to lead network design teams, benchmark network products, create network products, and analyze network problems from both a software and hardware point of view.
Computer Science
A four-year program leading to the bachelor of science degree
Credits Major Courses | ||
| CSIS1101 | Computer Science I | 3 |
| CSIS1112 | Computer Science II | 3 |
| CSIS2018 | Advanced Data Structures | 3 |
| CSIS2023 | Survey of Programming Languages | 3 |
| CSIS2030 | Database Concepts | 3 |
| CSIS2045 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSIS3200 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning | 3 |
| CSIS3250 | Cloud Computing at Scale | 3 |
| CYB2010 | Computer Architecture with Assembly Language Programming | 3 |
| ITEC2081 | Network Protocols I | 3 |
| ITEC3050 | Information Security with Cryptography | 3 |
| MATH1030 | Precalculus | 3 |
| PRMG2010 | Introduction to Project Management & Project Membership | 3 |
| Major Courses/Specialization | ||
| Choose additional major courses or a specialization listed below† | 18-21 | |
| Design Project I | ||
| HCI/Usable Security | ||
| Systems Modeling and Simulation | ||
9 credits at the 2000+ level in the following subjects: BIO, CHM, CSIS, CYB, ECON, ENGN, GDES, IDES, ITEC, LEAD, MATH, MGMT, PHY, PSYC, SCI, SOC | ||
| Applied/Experiential Learning | ||
| Choose 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| College of Arts & Sciences Internship lc | ||
| Directed Experiential Education D | ||
| Technical Solutions Design Project | ||
| Related Professional Studies | ||
| ENG2010 | Introduction to Technical Communication | 3 |
| LAW2001 | The Legal Environment of Business I | 3 |
| MATH2020 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MGMT2020 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| University Core Curriculum | ||
| Communicating | 9 | |
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition II | ||
| Communication Skills | ||
| Connecting | 6 | |
Two courses with the Connecting attribute (ECNG), one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level | ||
| Experiencing | 6 | |
| Ethics: A Global Perspective | ||
Additional course with the Experiencing attribute (EEXP) in a different discipline | ||
| Measuring | 6 | |
| Fundamentals of Algebra (or higher, based on student's placement) | ||
| Statistics I | ||
| Exploring | 4 | |
| General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | ||
| Interacting | 6 | |
| Foundations of Leadership Studies | ||
Additional course with the Interacting attribute (EINT) in a different discipline | ||
| A&S Electives | 6 | |
Two courses with the Arts & Sciences elective attribute (EASC) | ||
| Free Electives # | ||
| 3 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university (Students selecting the Software Engineering Specialization do not take any free electives) | 0-3 | |
| Total Credits | 121.0 | |
Credits †Network Engineering Specialization | 18 | |
| Network Protocols II | ||
| Distributed Systems with TCP/IP | ||
| Router Internals and Integration | ||
| Network Security | ||
| Wireless Networking | ||
| Calculus I | ||
Credits †Software Engineering Specialization | 21 | |
| Software Verification, Validation, Testing and Security | ||
| Design Project I | ||
| Software Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Embedded Systems | ||
| Distributed Systems with TCP/IP | ||
| Systems Analysis | ||
| Calculus I | ||
D Directed Experiential Education (DEE) opportunities are based on project availability with community partners and student eligibility. For more information, visit Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS).
IcTypically, internships require a minimum of six credits. Students interested in a 9 or 12-credit internship can apply additional experiential learning and free elective credits, if available. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling internship and free elective credits.
# In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, Directed Experiential Education courses and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For students who qualify for the J2 program, up to four graduate courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Note: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math courses.
Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses.
In collaboration with academic colleges Study Abroad offer several options, direct enroll with international universities, domestic and digital options meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to learn more about how your major, minor, free electives, experiential learning and transferable courses would benefit by a Study Abroad program. There are many options for students during a semester, spring and/or summer breaks. Faculty-led, exchange, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied, and some partners offer external scholarships. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go? Wherever you decide, make the best of your educational journey!
J2 Program
The JWU J2 program allows qualified students enrolled in a matriculating undergraduate program to take graduate level courses at JWU. Students interested in pursuing this option should meet with their academic advisor to discuss their interest, qualifications and plans. The undergraduate student may take up to four graduate courses (maximum 12 credits) and are limited to 6 credits a semester and 3 credits per session (Fall Session I and Fall Session II).
The completion of graduate credits to fulfill undergraduate program requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate program after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Matriculating undergraduate students who wish to formally enroll in a graduate program must fulfill all requirements for entrance into the intended graduate program and complete a graduate program application.
Note: Not all graduate courses are included as part of this policy. Courses offered as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and doctoral courses are excluded from this policy and are restricted to program majors only. Additional courses and/or programs as determined by individual colleges may also have restricted access.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to enroll in graduate level courses (excludes: Masters of Arts in Teaching, Masters of Education, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, doctoral courses and other programs as outlined by the colleges).
Undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:
- Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
- Completed and registered undergraduate credits at least 90 credits
- Meet the individual course prerequisites
Appeal to Eligibility Criteria: College dean or designee will receive a copy of the Petition Form, Student's GPS and email requesting appeal if the student requests to appeal the GPA or earned/registered credit criteria. College dean/designee will review and determine approval.
These courses carry graduate credit and will replace undergraduate degree requirements when applicable, traditionally free-electives (maximum of 12 credits). The course will be applied to the undergraduate degree in the order in which they are taken (if required) and will also be applied towards both the students undergraduate and graduate GPA.
Students should maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits of undergraduate coursework to maintain full-time status; graduate course enrollment is not calculated into undergraduate full-time status. For students already attending full-time as undergraduates (12 credits or more) and paying the full-time tuition, the graduate credits will be included in full-time tuition fee. Students attending part-time (11 credits or less) will pay the cost per-credit undergraduate tuition for the graduate course.
Course registration will be based on space availability and students enrolled in graduate level courses will be required to maintain good academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate level.