Program Description

The BA in Computer Science is a particularly good major if you wish to double-major or minor in another field. This major emphasizes problem-solving, organizing and synthesizing ideas, and applications of computing theory. Graduates are well-suited for projects that apply computing to other disciplines.

Entering and Completing the Major

In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.

Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen major(s) as soon as you have determined it and are eligible to join it, especially by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a major within their first two quarters at SPU.

• If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified a major in this department as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major. To change or add a major, follow these instructions.
• If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, follow these instructions to enter a major in this department.
• The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
• To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
• You must complete the major requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major.

Computer Science (BA)

80 Credits Minimum, Including 40 Upper Division (UD)

¹

A tech internship or professional experience must be approved before enrolling in CSC 4941 and must be completed before passing CSC 4941.

Suggested Course Sequences

Four Year Plan

Check the quarter, day and time in the current time schedule as course offerings may change.

¹

Available any quarter.

²

Or can be taken Fall of junior year.

³

Select a minimum of 3 credits any quarter after satisfying pre-req(s). This can also be taken during the senior year. See link at the bottom of this page for a list of Technical Elective Courses.

⁴

If not already completed.

⁵

Quarter varies. See time schedule.

⁶

Must be taken AFTER completing an approved internship or pursuing an approved certification.

⁷

Select a minimum of 3 credits any quarter after satisfying pre-req(s). See link at the bottom of this page for a list of Technical Elective Courses.

Two Year Plan for a Transfer Student with or without a DTA

¹

Must be at least 3 credits, taken during year 1 or year 2. See link at the bottom of this page for a list.

²

Spread between first and second year.

³

Must be taken AFTER completing an approved internship or pursuing an approved certification.

⁴

If not already completed.

Prerequisites for the Two Year Plan

The following courses must be completed before coming to SPU in order to finish at SPU in two years.

¹

The second must include data structures concepts. 

Technical Electives List

See the Requirements tab for a complete list of technical electives.