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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Computer Science (B.S.)
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 Return to: Program Descriptions
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:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- 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:
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On their application when they first apply to Purdue University Fort Wayne
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After meeting with a CS faculty advisor, a change of major can be declared.
General Requirements:
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College Scorecard
The U.S. Department of Education has created a scorecard for each university and its programs. The scorecard shows data for the university such as graduation rate, average annual cost, and median earnings. Then, when certain minimum standards have been met, data are available for a specific program. That data could include median earnings, median total debt, and number of graduates. The link below will help you learn more: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?151102-Purdue-University-Fort-Wayne&fos_code=1107&fos_credential=3 General Education: Credits 30
Effective Fall 2025, the General Education program at PFW requires 30 credits to be completed, such that students pass each course listed below with a grade of C- or better: - Category A. Foundational Intellectual Skills (Foundational Intellectual Skills Course Lists)
- One course in A1. Written Communication Cr. 3.
- One course in A2. Speaking and Listening Cr. 3.
- One course in A3. Quantitative Reasoning Cr. 3.
- Category B. Ways of Knowing (Ways of Knowing Course Lists)
- One course in B4. Scientific Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B5. Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B6. Humanistic Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B7. Artistic Ways or Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B8. Interdisciplinary Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- Six additional credits from any Foundational Skills (A1-A3) or Ways of Knowing (B4-B8) categories
- At least one Ways of Knowing course that is designated as having a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or global awareness
Some programs recommend courses and/or require a specific course as part of the major that may also be used to fulfill General Education requirements. Please see below or your Academic Advisor for courses that fulfill both purposes. You can familiarize yourself with other program regulations at General Education Requirements . General Education Recommendation
It is recommended that you complete the following general education course, CS 11200 , to fulfill Category B.8. Supporting Courses: Credits 37-39
Advanced Communication: Credits 3
The Advanced Communication credits 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. 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: Computer Science Core Courses: Credits 45
Areas of Concentrations: Credits 12
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. Intelligent Systems and Security
May also take CS 38300 Cr. 3 Data Science and Visual Computing
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: Program Descriptions
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