Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Computer Science (B.A.)


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

Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science Building 125 ~ 260-481-6803


The Bachelor of the Arts in Computer Science (BA CS) provides a degree path for 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 supporting courses as required by the current Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BS CS) degree in order to make these hours available for an approved Second Discipline. Both BA CS and BS CS programs have similar CS core and concentration area requirements.  As a consequence, the BA CS will offer interested students an interdisciplinary degree which will form a solid foundation for a secure career path. This program would more efficiently serve our students in achieving their academic goals as well as in developing skills that the global society needs.


Student Learning Outcomes:

The graduates from the Computer Science program are expected to know and gain the ability to:

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Accreditation:

  • The B.S. in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Program Delivery:

  • The Computer Science program is mainly delivered through on-campus courses. However, limited number of courses are available as hybrid courses.

Declaring This Major:

Students interested in declaring Computer Science as their major may do so in one of two ways:

  • On their application when they first apply to Purdue University Fort Wayne
  • After meeting with a CS faculty advisor, a change of major can be declared.

General Requirements:

Program Requirements:


Computer Science B.A. 4-Yr Plan:  

In addition to satisfying the requirements of Purdue Fort Wayne (Regulations ) and the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science (Colleges ), you must complete the following courses.

General Education Requirements Credits: 33+


General Education Requirements    

  • Only courses with a grade of C- or better used to satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne general education requirements.
  • A student must also have a GPA of 2.0 or higher in general education courses.
  • Additional General Education courses may be needed to reach 33 credit hours.
  • Students may use the Advanced Communication course to fulfill general education requirements.
  • Contact the Department of Computer Science for more information.

Category A: Foundational Intellectual Skills


Category B: Ways of Knowing


4. Scientific Ways of Knowing Credits: 6-10


General Education Requirements  

  • See the approved list of Category B Competency 4 courses on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Program web page. To avoid taking multiple courses, the Department recommends choosing a course that covers all learning outcomes.

5. Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing Credits: 3


General Education Requirements  

  • See the approved list of Category B Competency 5 courses on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Program web page. To avoid taking multiple courses, the Department recommends choosing a course that covers all learning outcomes.

6. Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing Credits: 3


General Education Requirements  

  • See the approved list of Category B Competency 6 courses on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Program web page. To avoid taking multiple courses, the Department recommends choosing a course that covers all learning outcomes.

7. Interdisciplinary or Creative Ways of Knowing Credits: 3


General Education Requirements  

  • See the approved list of Category B Competency 7 courses on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Program web page. To avoid taking multiple courses, the Department recommends choosing a course that covers all learning outcomes. CS11200 - Survey of Computer Science, is recommended. 

General Education Electives Credits: 0-3


General Education Requirements  

  • The Statewide Transfer General Education Core for bachelor degree programs at Purdue Fort Wayne shall consist of 30 credits. Any course listed in Category A or B on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Program web page.

Category C: Capstone


8. Capstone Experience Credits: 3


General Education Requirements  

  • See the approved list of courses in Category C Competency 8 on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Program web page. The Capstone requirement may be satisfied by taking an appropriate Computer Science course. CS 30600 is recommended.

Supporting Courses Credits: 9


Advanced Communication Credits: 3


  • The Advanced Communication requirement may be satisfied by any COM or ENGL course with a prerequisite of COM 11400 or ENGL 13100. Any of ENGL 23301, COM 32300, 30300, 31000, 31800, or 32000 is recommended.  Students may want to select a course that also meets general education requirements.

Second Discipline: 21


  • Approved elective courses from a discipline other than CS. It is recommended that these courses are from a minor in the discipline. These courses cannot be already counted in other BA CS requirements. At least 12 credit hours courses must be at 20000 level or above.

Areas of Concentrations: 12 Credit Hours


  • To satisfy the Concentration Area requirement, at least six credit hours must be chosen from one area. The remaining credits may be distributed among the other areas. With departmental approval, up to six hours may be chosen from CS 49200  , CS 49400  or CS 49500  .

Minor in Computer Science


GPA Requirement


  • You must satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne and the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science Cumulative GPA requirement for graduation.

Academic Regulations Specific to the Program


  • 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.
  • No credit toward graduation will be given for courses or sequences with overlapping content.

Total Credits Required: 120


Student Responsibilities


You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program. Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career. All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.

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