The Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers courses covering the major areas of computer science. These courses constitute the basis for an undergraduate major that prepares students for a variety of professional and technical careers in business; industry; and government, or for graduate work leading to advanced degrees. In addition, the department offers courses for students from other fields that will use computer science as a tool in their own areas.

The department offers two degrees in computer science: the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, and the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The BA degree gives the student the opportunity to obtain a liberal arts background while the BS program gives the student the opportunity to pursue a sciences background. The BS degree is recommended for those seeking to pursue a graduate degree in computer science.

Both degrees prepare the student to pursue a professional career in the computing field and are based on computing curriculum guidelines developed by ABET, Inc. The core of both degrees emphasizes broad fundamental principles of computer science and teaches the student the necessary skills to develop solutions using current or future technology. The core topics include computer programming, systems organization,software engineering, databases, and theory. Upon completion of the core topics, the student may select electives that explore specific areas of computer science, such as computer graphics, architecture, or intelligent systems.

Program Objectives

The Computer Science program has adopted the following educational program objectives. Within five years of graduation with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science:

1. Graduates will make contributions to the computing profession and apply computational solutions to solve real-world problems.
2. Graduates will successfully adapt to changes in the field of computer science.
3. Graduates will meet or exceed the expectations of their employers and professional mentors as computer science professionals and advance in their career.
4. Graduates who choose to pursue advanced degrees will be admitted and successfully complete their degree program.
5.  Graduates will contribute to the Alaska economy through their professional accomplishments in computing.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science program in Computer Science, graduates will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
2. Analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
3. Design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
4. Function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
5. Demostrate an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
6. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including technical and non-technical audiences for business, end-user, client, and computing contexts.
7. Analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
8. Recognize the need for annd an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
9. Use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
10. Apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
11. Apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

Bachelor of Arts

Degree Requirements (2012/2013 Catalog)

Recommended Course Flowchart with Prerequisites (2012/2013)

Bachelor of Science

Degree Requirements (2012/2013 Catalog)

Recommended Course Flowchart with Prerequisites (2012/2013)

Students majoring in another subject who wish to minor in Computer
Science must complete the following requirements:

1. Complete the five required courses (15 credits):
CS A201 Programming Concepts I (3)
CS A202 Programming Concepts II (3)
CS A221 Computer Organization and Assembly Programming (3)
CS A330 Algorithms and Data Structures (3)
MATH A231 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics (3)

2. Complete 9 credits of additional Computer Science courses, 3 of which may be lower division.

3. A total of 24 credits is required for the minor.

(Catalog 2012-2013)