Computer Science Major, B.S.

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The Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences offers coursework leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Computer Science. The Computer Science major provides students with broad-based preparation in Computer Science with the appropriate supporting Mathematics background. Graduates in Computer Science are positioned for employment in a wide variety of jobs in the computing field. The CS major also prepares students for continued study of Computer Science at the graduate level. Students are encouraged to contact the department for further details (303-615-0399). The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://abet.org

A grade of “C-” or better is required in all CS courses included in the major, all ancillary courses, all courses in the required mathematics minor, and all science courses for the science requirement. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

120 total credits are required for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Required Computer Science Courses: 54 credits

CS 1030 - Computer Science Principles Credits: 4
CS 1050 - Computer Science 1 Credits: 4
CS 1400 - Computer Organization 1 Credits: 4
CS 2050 - Computer Science 2 Credits: 4
CS 2400 - Computer Organization 2 Credits: 4
CS 3210 - Principles of Programming Languages Credits: 4
CS 3240 - Introduction to the Theory of Computation Credits: 2
CS 3250 - Software Development Methods and Tools Credits: 4
CS 3600 - Operating Systems Credits: 4
CS 4050 - Algorithms and Algorithm Analysis Credits: 4

Additional Semester Hours

A minimum of 12 additional semester hours selected from upper-division CS courses or MTH 4480 .

Senior Experience Course

CS 4260 - Software Engineering Practices Credits: 4
or
CS 4360 - Technical Software Project Credits: 4

Mathematics Minor (Required for the Computer Science Major): 18 credits

MTH 1410 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MTH 2140 - Computational Matrix Algebra Credits: 2 ^*
MTH 2410 - Calculus II Credits: 4
MTH 3170 - Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science Credits: 4 **
MTH 3210 - Probability and Statistics Credits: 4 (Calculus-based)

Notes

* MTH 3130 or MTH 3140 may be substituted for MTH 2140. Only one of MTH 2140, MTH 3130, or MTH 3140 may be counted.

** MTH 3100 may be substituted for MTH 3170 with prior departmental approval. (Substitution of the 3-credit MTH 3100 for the 4-credit MTH 3170 will require one additional credit of math coursework chosen from MTH 2420 or a 3000- or 4000-level math course, excluding MTH 3240. This course is needed to satisfy the 18-credit hour, Mathematics minor requirement).

Science Requirement: 6 credits

A total of at least 6 credits of departmentally approved science courses.

Must include one of the following science sequences. Additional science course(s) may be chosen from the courses listed below, or ENV 1200 .

BIO 1080 - General Biology I Credits: 3
BIO 1090 - General Biology Laboratory I Credits: 1
or
BIO 1081 - General Biology II Credits: 3
BIO 1091 - General Biology Laboratory II Credits: 1
or
CHE 1800 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHE 1801 - General Chemistry I Laboratory Credits: 1
or
CHE 1810 - General Chemistry II Credits: 4
CHE 1811 - General Chemistry II Laboratory Credits: 1
or
GEL 1010 - Physical Geology Credits: 4
or
MTR 1400 - Weather and Climate Credits: 3
MTR 2020 - Weather and Climate Lab for Scientists Credits: 1
or
PHY 2311 - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 2321 - General Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1
or
PHY 2331 - General Physics II Credits: 4
PHY 2341 - General Physics II Laboratory Credits: 1

Required Ancillary Courses: 9 credits

COMM 1010 - Presentational Speaking Credits: 3
JMP 2610 - Introduction to Technical Writing Credits: 3
PHI 3370 - Computers, Ethics, and Society Credits: 3

Additional Course Requirements

Students must complete the required MSU Denver General Studies course requirements. Some of the science, mathematics, or ancillary courses required for the CS major or Math minor may partially or fully satisfy specific General Studies requirements.

The Multicultural graduation requirement of 3 credit hours must also be satisfied. Some courses that satisfy the Multicultural requirement also satisfy a General Studies requirement.

Note

As an alternative to the B.S. degree program, the CS Department works with the Center for Individualized Learning to provide students with programs customized to their educational needs.

Phone number updated November 19, 2020.