Dec 08, 2024  
2016-2017 Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, B.S.


Major Code: 7071 Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science
Delivery Mode(s): Classroom Age Restriction: No
Admission Status: Undergraduate Location(s): Main Campus - Melbourne

Computer scientists are deeply involved in activities that are essential in our modern civilization. These activities include basic research, design, development and testing of software and information systems that serve society and its many needs. Computer technology is found in every aspect of today’s world. Common uses include word processors, spreadsheets, computer games and entertainment, communications and information systems, transportation, education and training, medicine, criminology, factory automation, space exploration and assistive devices for the disabled. Computers have led to significant quality of life improvements, and yet their potential is still to be fully realized. Computing professionals design and develop computer systems that are, insofar as possible, free from defects and protected from misuse that would harm the health or welfare of society or the environment.

The educational objectives of the bachelor of science degree program are to prepare students so that within a few years after graduation they will be well-respected computational problem solvers and recognized as algorithmic specialists contributing to the development of new technology and software products; they will be actively engaged in continual professional development; and will be using their technical knowledge, interpersonal and personal skills and professional attitude to advance their careers, the careers of others and the organizations for which they work.

The curriculum for the computer science major at Florida Tech is a unique and well-rounded program that provides a solid technical background for careers in the computing profession or for graduate studies. Computer science majors study the structure of typical computer systems, the techniques and theories supporting software development and specialized areas such as computer graphics, artificial intelligence, networks and information management. After graduation, they are equipped to enter the work force as systems analysts, application and system developers, or software specialists and are provided with the background necessary for graduate study.

Because the subject matter of programming, algorithms and data structures forms a critically important foundation for all advanced computer science courses, the minimum grade for satisfying the prerequisite requirements is a grade of C for each of the following courses: CSE 1001 , CSE 1002 , CSE 2010  and CSE 2120 .

Students must complete the following minimum course requirements:

Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Junior Year


Spring (18 credit hours)


Senior Year


Fall (15 credit hours)


Spring (15 credit hours)


Total Credits Required: 127


*Students select one laboratory science sequence (BIO 1010 /BIO 1020 , CHM 1101 /CHM 1102 , or PHY 1001 /PHY 2091  and PHY 2002 /PHY 2092 ). Students who complete the physics sequence may apply two credits toward the Restricted Elective (Science) requirement.

**One additional 3-credit Restricted Elective (CSE) may be taken in place of either CSE 4081  or CSE 4083 .