Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Computer Science (B.S.)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Program Descriptions

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

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


Computer Science is a growing field with a high demand for capable individuals who possess skills in programming, development of software systems, computing, and the flexibility to adapt as technology changes.  The Computer Science program provides students a durable technical foundation in an environment of rapid technical change, promotes their professional growth through contact with the best professional practice, and enables them to play a role in resource and technical leadership in the global society.  Students of the program gain the skills and knowledge in Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Data Science, Security, Intelligence Systems, Web Technology, Computer Graphics & Visualization, Computer Systems & Networks, Database Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, Cloud Computing, and Algorithm & Complexity.  Earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science will prepare you for a career as a computer professional, which is highly sought after and constantly evolving. It will also equip you with the knowledge and skills needed in order to pursue advanced studies in a graduate program.


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. program in Computer Science 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.S. 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 supporting courses to fulfill general education requirements. See an advisor to select courses for Lab Science I and II and advanced communication.  Elective credits will be required to bring total credit hours to 120. 
  • 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: 3-5


General Education Requirements  

  • The Scientific Ways requirement may be satisfied by taking an appropriate course for the Lab Science I.

  • 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. CS 11200 is recommended.  To avoid taking multiple courses, the Department recommends choosing a course that covers all learning outcomes.  

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.

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.

Approved Science Courses Credits: 8-10


A total of 8 credit hours in approved Lab Science sequence are required.

  • Laboratory Science I Cr. 4-5.
  • Laboratory Science II Cr. 4-5.

The following Lab Science sequences may be used to satisfy the Lab Science I and II requirements:

Lab Science I Lab Science II
 BIOL 11700   - Principles of Ecology & Evolution - Cr. 4  BIOL 11900   - Principles of Structure and Function - Cr. 4
 CHM 11500    - General Chemistry - Cr. 4  CHM 11600    - General Chemistry - Cr. 4
 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 15200   - Mechanics - Cr. 5  PHYS 25100    - Heat, Electricity, and Optics - Cr. 5

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.

Approved Electives


Courses selected with approval of advisor to meet 120 credit hour requirement, if necessary.

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, not limited to the following:     
    • BIOL:  10000,   10001,   11700
    • CHM :  10400,   11100,   11500
    • CHM :  10200,   11200,   11600
    • PHYS:  13100,   15200,   20100,   21800,   22000
    • PHYS:  13200,   25100,   20200,   21900,   22100      

Total Credits Required: 120


Student Responsibility


You are responsible for ensuring that you satisfy all graduation requirements specified for each selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career.  If you cannot complete all program requirements by your stated graduation date but fail to remove those from your plan of study, the Registrar’s Office in consultation with your academic advisor will remove unmet pursuits from your plan of study. Changing curricular records during the graduation term of application may affect state or federal financial aid awards. 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. 

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Program Descriptions