Computer Science Major

Program Outcomes for the Major in Computer Science

Upon completion of the Computer Science Major students will be able to:

  • Analyze a problem, develop/design multiple solutions, and evaluate and document the solutions based on the requirements.
  • Communicate effectively both in written and oral form.
  • Identify professional and ethical considerations and apply ethical reasoning to technological solutions to problems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of negotiation, effective work habits, leadership, and good communication with teammates and stakeholders.
  • Learn new models, techniques, and technologies as they emerge and appreciate the necessity of such continuing professional development.

It is highly recommended that entering students have four years of high school mathematics including the equivalent of pre-calculus.

Students wishing to apply courses transferred from other institutions to the Computer Science major should meet with the department chair to determine the applicability of the courses before registering for any Computer Science courses at Worcester State University.

A laptop computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux is required for courses in the Computer Science program. 16GB of memory is suggested. A Chromebook will not work.

Requirements for a Major in Computer Science

Students must complete a core of ten Computer Science courses, one of the three Computer Science concentrations, two Computer Science Elective courses, and 31 credits of Ancillary courses.

If a CS student completed two of the three CS concentrations, he/she will be able to declare another concentration and two of the courses in the subsequent concentration can be used to fulfill the 6 credits of required CS electives.

Core Courses(38 credits)
CS-101Basics of Computer Science3
CS-140Introduction to Programming4
CS-155Computer Networking and Security3
CS-225Discrete Structures I3
CS-242Data Structures3
CS-248Algorithm Analysis3
CS-254Computer Organization and Architecture4
CS-282Unix Systems Programming3
CS-286Database Design and Applications3
CS-295Discrete Structures II3
CS-348Software Process Management3
CS-373Operating Systems3
Elective Courses(3 credits)
Credits in Computer Science courses at the 300 level or above 13
Required CS Concentration(9 credits)
One of the CS Concentrations (Big Data Analytics or Software Development)9
Ancillary Requirements 2(31 credits)
CM-110Public Speaking3
EN-252Technical Writing3
UR-230Technology, Public Policy and Urban Society3
or PH-134 Computing Ethics
MA-150Statistics I 33
or MA-302 Probability and Statistics
MA-200Calculus I4
2 lab science courses8
2 approved math or science course chosen from a department-approved list of courses 47
Total Credits81
1

Up to 3 credits of Internship (CS-498) and up to 3 credits of Independent Study (CS-499) may be used to satisfy the major elective requirements.

2

31 credits (may apply to LASC requirements). These ancillary courses cannot be taken on a pass/fail basis

3

Students planning a Mathematics minor or a Computer Science/Mathematics double major should take MA-302.

4

Students planning a Mathematics minor or a Computer Science/Mathematics double major should take math courses required for the Mathematics minor/major.