A common misconception of students attracted to the discipline of computer science is that they will learn to be master Web page builders, or that they will learn how to use their computers for word processing, spreadsheets, Web browsing, photo processing, or drawing and CAD programs. Computer science goes far beyond computer use, and people who are adept users do not necessarily make the best computer scientists. Computer science in its essence is a study of the possibilities and limits of computation for problem solving. Computer science requires logical thinking, mathematical ability, problem solving skills, and analytical thought. For the student prepared for the challenges, it is an exciting and dynamic discipline that can lead to excellent job opportunities in business or industry. The areas of specialization include: databases, networking, operating systems, programming languages, computer architecture, multimedia, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. The program will also prepare the student for the study of computer science at the graduate level.
Computer Science Major (76 hours minimum)
An understanding of Computer Science 151, Introduction to Computer Science, is assumed for students majoring in computer science. Students lacking this background should include CS 151 as one of their directed electives in the program. However, a student may not enroll in CS 151 after completing a higher level computer science course.
Required Computer Science: (33 hours) 256-3 hrs.; 258-3 hrs.; 361 or 365-3 hrs.; 420-3 hrs.; 421-3 hrs.; 451-3 hrs.; 452-3 hrs.; 456 or 462 or 463 or 471-3 hrs.; 457-3 hrs.; 458-3 hrs.; 470-3 hrs.
Required Mathematics: (14 hours) 131-4 hrs.; 132-4 hrs.; 320-3 hrs.; 341-3 hrs. Students with a minor or major in Mathematics may take 441-4 hrs. and 442-4 hrs. instead of 341.
Electives in Computer Science: 15 hours of directed electives in computer science, at least 12 of which must be at the upper-division level.
Required Science: (14-16 hours) Chemistry 105-3 hrs.; 105L-1 hr.; 106-3 hrs.; 106L-1 hr.; or Physics 205-4 hrs.; 205L-1 hr.; 206-4 hrs.; 206L-1 hr.
Other Electives: (6 hours) Select from Chemistry 361-3 hrs.; 461-4 hrs.; 461L-2 hrs.; 462-4 hrs.; 461L-2 hrs.; Mathematics 231-4 hrs.; 333-3 hrs.; 380-3 hrs.; 410-3 hrs.; 413-3 hrs.; 416-3 hrs.; 431-3 hrs.; 435-3 hrs.; 436-3 hrs.; Physics 310-3 hrs.; 311-2 hrs.; 341-3 hrs.; 342-3 hrs.; 355-3 hrs.; 420-3 hrs.; 425-3 hrs.; 426-3 hrs.; 460-3 hrs.; 461-3 hrs.; 496-3 hrs.
Life science majors may satisfy the science requirement by life science courses selected in consultation with the advisor in computer science.
Other Requirements: At least 18 hours of computer science courses must be taken at Indiana State University. A grade of C or better must be achieved in any required computer science course.
Computer Science Minor (21 semester hours)
Required Courses: Computer Science 256-3 hrs.; 258-3 hrs.; 361 or 365-3 hrs.; 452 or 458-3 hrs.
Directed Electives in Computer Science: 9 hours. All electives must come from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, with at least 3 hours at the upper division level.
Note: Students who have not had the equivalent of CS 151 in high school are strongly encouraged to take CS 151 as an elective at the start of their program.
Requirements: A prerequisite course must be completed before enrollment can be approved for the course following. A grade of C or better must be achieved in any required computer science course.
Master of Science (32 semester hours minimum)
Coming in the fall of 2009.
Computer Science Concentration
Students seeking a computer science concentration must meet the requirements for admission to the graduate program in mathematics and in addition should have completed the equivalent of CS 256, 354, and 365. The concentration consists of 12 hours of computer science courses, at least 3 hours at the 600 level. The computer science concentration may be taken with either the Master of Arts or the Master of Science.
