Computer Science
Undergraduate Programs
[ top ]Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Science degree in computer science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org. In keeping with the mission statement of the Watson School, the program strives to provide its graduates with a firm grounding in the fundamentals of computer science, elements of practical application and an appreciation for liberal learning.
At its core, the degree program aims to provide all graduates with an understanding of the theory and practice of automating the representation, storage and processing of information. With the understanding that CS graduates will pursue a wide variety of career paths upon graduation, it is the program’s goal to also provide students with the opportunity to pursue specific interests within computer science and/or interests in other disciplines.
[ top ]Program Educational Objectives
Graduates of our program will be:
- Successful in their profession in leadership or supporting positions, in which they exercise and apply their technical computer science background. These positions will use their skills in problem-solving and software or systems development.
- Capable of working well in teams, communicating effectively and meeting the social and ethical responsibilities of their profession.
- Engaged in lifelong learning relevant to their profession, including earning advanced degrees based on their computer science background or completing professional training.
The department encourages students to earn an international studies certificate in parallel with the BS in computer science. Students interested in this program should seek advice from the Watson School Advising Office prior to initial registration.
[ top ]Requirements
To receive the BSCS degree students must earn a minimum of 126 credit hours, including transfer credits, with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 (C) and a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 in the core computer science courses. All courses must be taken for the normal letter grade, unless a course is only offered Pass/Fail; an exception is made for a maximum of four free-elective credits in Harpur. A grade of C- or better in required computer science courses is needed to satisfy prerequisites for computer science courses. All Binghamton University students must also meet the general education requirements; for more details, refer to the General Education section of this publication or consult with the Watson School Advising Office.
Credit Requirements:
A minimum of 126 semester credits, of which:
- A minimum of 60 credits must be in liberal arts and sciences courses;
- a minimum of 40 credits must be earned in Computer Science courses taught in the Watson School.
| Area Requirements | Credits |
|
1. Communications: One course that meets the Binghamton University general education composition requirement. CS 301. Ethical, Social and Global Issues in Computing (included in the CS credits below) |
4 |
|
2. Humanities/social science electives |
20 |
|
3. Science: One of the following sequences: |
12 or 14 |
| 4. Mathematics MATH 224. Differential Calculus MATH 225. Integral Calculus MATH 226. Integration Techniques and Applications MATH 227. Infinite Series MATH 314. Discrete Mathematics or MATH 330. Number Systems MATH 327. Probability with Statistical Methods or MATH 448. Introduction to Probability and Statistics II One elective chosen from: MATH 304. Linear Algebra MATH 371. Ordinary Differential Equations MATH 381. Graph Theory MATH 386. Combinatorics MATH 407. Introduction to the Theory of Numbers |
20 |
|
5. Free Electives: At least four credits must be in liberal arts and science. At most, one free elective in liberal arts and science may be taken pass/fail instead of a letter grade. At most, 2 credits of activity/wellness may be used as free elective credit. |
11 or 13 |
|
6. Computer Science
All CS 480 topics courses and CS 400-level courses approved for future catalog years |
57* |
| TOTAL | 126 |
| * 57 credits include CS 301. |
General Education Requirements
Students must fulfill the general education requirements for Computer Science. Please consult the University Bulletin, the Watson School Advising Office or your faculty advisor for information about these requirements. Students normally complete these requirements within the 126-credit program described above.
Required Course Prerequisites
The following courses, or their equivalent(s), are required prerequisites for courses in the major:
If a student does not have sufficient programming experience to place into CS 120 and CS 140, then CS 110 is required.
If students do not place into MATH 224, then MATH 223 (or its equivalent) and, if needed, MATH 108 (or its equivalent) and, if needed, MATH 107 (or its equivalent) and, if needed, MATH 106 (or its equivalent) are required prerequisites for completion of the major.
Students who have not had adequate course preparation may need to take CHEM 101 prior to taking CHEM 107 and CHEM 108.
Students who take MATH 448 to meet the BSCS degree requirement must take MATH 323 and MATH 447 as prerequisites.
Computer Science Minor
The computer science minor consists of seven courses, all taken at Binghamton (CS 120, CS 140, CS 220, CS 240, MATH 314 or MATH 330 and two CS courses at the 300 level or above, not including CS 395, CS 396, CS 397, CS 499). CS 110 is a prerequisite for CS 120 and CS 140. MATH 225 is a prerequisite for CS 110 and MATH 226 is a prerequisite for CS 240. Before students apply, they must have completed the four specified CS courses and the MATH course with at least a 2.7 GPA in those courses. More information is available from the Department of Computer Science.Dual-Diploma in Information Systems
Binghamton University, in partnership with Istanbul Technical University, the oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in Turkey, offers a dual-diploma bachelor's degree in Information Systems. This innovative program prepares students from ITU with high-level substantive knowledge and analytical skills for careers in high-technology areas that require global perspectives. This four-year program includes full-time enrollment for the sophomore year and the senior year at Binghamton University. Dual-diploma students take computer science, general education, management and other courses alongside Binghamton students. Students must earn a C- or better in any course used as a prerequisite for CS courses taken at Binghamton. Graduates of the program receive two diplomas, a bachelor of science degree from the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science and a Lisans in Information Systems from Istanbul Technical University.
Information concerning the courses taken in the freshman and junior years at Istanbul Technical University can be found at the following website http://www.uolp.itu.edu.tr. Students also do 8 weeks of summer practice.
|
Sophomore Year |
Credits |
| CS 120. Programming and Hardware Fundamentals | |
| CS 140. Programming with Objects and Data Structures | |
| CS 220. Architecture from a Programmer's Perspective | |
| CS 240. Data Structures and Algorithms | |
| MATH 327. Probability with Statistical Methods | |
| MIS 311. Information Systems and Application | |
| OPM 311. Operations Management | |
| WRIT 111. Research and Writing (Rhetorically) (Gen Ed J) | |
| General Education Activity and Wellness (Gen Ed B) | |
| Total Sophomore Year | 32 |
| Senior Year | |
| CS 402. Software and Engineering Project Management | |
| CS 485/486. Senior Project I/II | |
| **CS Technical Elective | |
| CS Technical Elective | |
| CS Technical Elective | |
| General Education Elective* | |
| General Education Elective* | |
| Total Senior Year | 32 |
| *Must take one each of Gen Ed A and P | |
| **One Technical elective must be a Security course |
4+1 BS-MBA Program
Students have the opportunity to complete both the BS in Computer Science and a master's of business administration (MBA) in five years. Students should see their school advising office for questions regarding the curriculum for the undergraduate degree and the School of Management graduate advising office for questions regarding the MBA program. Undergraduate credits: 127. Double count credits: 9. Graduate credits: 34. Note: 8 credits of elective courses waived and 6 credits of core graduate courses waived.