Computer Science (B.A.)

Program: B.A.
Department of Computer Science
College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science

Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science Building 125 ~ 260-481-6803 ~ cs.ipfw.edu

The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows:

An ability to apply knowledge of computing in a discipline, such as, Biology, Business, Mathematics, Visual Communication and Design, or Professional Writing appropriate to the combined discipline.
An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solutions.
An ability to design,implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
An understanding of professional,ethical, legal security and social issues and responsibilities.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems, in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the trade-offs involved in design choices.
An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

The B.A. program in Computer Science (BA CS) is to provide a degree path to students who want to combine a solid degree in Computer Science with an in-depth focus on a second area of interest. Consequently, the BA CS degree reduces the number of credit hours of specific support in courses as required by the current BS CS degree in order to make these hours available for an approved Area of Discipline. Both BA CS and BS CS programs have the same CS core and concentration area requirements: All but one of the Core courses of the BS CS degree (39 credits) together with completion of courses in the Computer Science Concentration Area courses (15 credits) is also required for the BA CS. As a consequence, the BA CS will offer interested students an interdisciplinary degree that will form a solid foundation for an attractive career path. This program would more efficiently serve our students in achieving their academic goals as well as in finding jobs after graduation.

In addition to satisfying the requirements of IPFW (see Part 8) and the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science (see Part 4), you must complete the following courses. Only Computer Science courses in which you have earned a grade of C or better can be applied to the degree or used to satisfy prerequisites. A maximum of 10 credits with a grade of D will be accepted in non CS courses.

IPFW General Education Requirements (33 Credits)

Area I—Linguistic and Numerical Foundations

COM 11400 - Fundamentals of Speech Communication Cr. 3.
ENG W131 - Elementary Composition I Cr. 3.

One of the following Credits: 3

Depending on the Area of a Discipline other than CS.

Area II—Natural and Physical Sciences Credits: 6

See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses

These courses include:

BIOL 10800 - Biology of Plants Cr. 4.
BIOL 10900 - Biology of Animals Cr. 4.
BIOL 11700 - Principles of Ecology and Evolution Cr. 4.
BIOL 11900 - Principles of Structure and Function Cr. 4.
BIOL 21500 - Basic Human Anatomy Cr. 4.
BIOL 25000 - Women and Biology Cr. 3.
BIOL 32600 - Heredity: A Human Perspective Cr. 3.
BIOL 35000 - Plant Physiology Cr. 4.
CHM 11500 - General Chemistry Cr. 4.
CHM 11600 - General Chemistry (Honors Course) Cr. 4.
CHM 21800 - Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry Cr. 3.
CHM 22400 - Introductory Quantitative Analysis Cr. 4.
CHM 26100 - Organic Chemistry Cr. 3.
GEOL G103 - Earth Science: Materials and Processes Cr. 3.
GEOL G104 - Earth Science: Evolution of the Earth Cr. 3.
GEOL G210 - Oceanography Cr. 3.
GEOL G211 - Introduction to Paleobiology Cr. 3.
GEOL G221 - Introductory Mineralogy Cr. 3-4.
PHYS 15200 - Mechanics Cr. 5.
PHYS 20100 - General Physics I Cr. 5.
PHYS 20200 - General Physics II Cr. 5.
PHYS 21800 - General Physics Cr. 4.
PHYS 21900 - General Physics II Cr. 4.
PHYS 22000 - General Physics Cr. 4.
PHYS 22100 - General Physics Cr. 4.
PHYS 25100 - Heat, Electricity, and Optics Cr. 5.
PHYS 30200 - Puzzles, Strategy Games, and Problem Solving in the Physical Sciences Cr. 3.

Major Requirements (54 Credits)

CS 300 or 400 level Elective Cr. 3

CS 16000 - Introduction to Computer Science I Cr. 4.
CS 16100 - Introduction to Computer Science II Cr. 4.
CS 23200 - Introduction to C and Unix Cr. 3.
CS 26000 - Data Structures Cr. 3.
CS 27100 - Computer Architecture Cr. 3.
CS 27400 - Data Communications Cr. 3.
CS 35000 - Programming Language Design Cr. 3.
CS 36000 - Software Engineering Cr. 4.
CS 36400 - Introduction to Database Systems Cr. 3.
CS 46000 - Senior Capstone Project I Cr. 3.
CS 47200 - Operating Systems Design Cr. 3.

Concentration Area (15 Credits)

To satisfy the Concentration Area requirement, at least 9 credit hours must be chosen from one concentration. The 6 remaining credit hours may be distributed among the other concenration areas. With prior written approval from the Department, 3 credit hours may be chosen from CS 492, CS 494 or CS 495.