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)

90 Credits Minimum, Including 51 Upper Division (UD)

¹

A technical internship, professional experience or approved certification 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

At least a C+ must have been earned in the pre-requisite programming class.

²

This course can be taken at a different quarter, but should be taken in the Fall of the junior year or sooner.

³

See the Requirements tab for a complete list of technical electives. The technical elective can be taken in either year.

⁴

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

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

¹

See the Requirements tab for a complete list of technical electives. The technical elective can be taken in either year.

²

These General Education requirements can be spread over both years. 

³

At least a C+ must be earned in CSC 2330 or CSC 2430 in order to take this class.

⁴

This course must be taken twice.

⁵

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

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. (It is fine to transfer without completing these courses, but the time at SPU will most likely require more than two years.)

¹

The second course must include Data Structures.

Technical Electives List

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