Computer Science

College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Department of Computer Science
(907) 474-2777
www.cs.uaf.edu

B.S., B.S./M.S., M.S. Degrees

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: B.S.: 120 credits; B.S./M.S.: 141 credits

Downloadable PDF (PDF 122K)

Computer science is the study of information handling and its application to the problems of the world. Computing is widely used in support of science, engineering, business, law, medicine, education and the social sciences. The employment potential for computer science graduates is one of the highest of all majors in the College of Natural Science and Mathematics.
The B.S. and M.S. degrees follow the recommendations of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). The B.S. degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

The computer science undergraduate program introduces the fundamentals of computer programming, hardware and theory. It emphasizes the application of general principles to real-world problems. Mathematics and engineering play critical roles in the core. A solid background in fundamentals enables graduates to understand the uses of today’s computers and to participate in future developments.

Major--B.S. Degree

1. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete: MATH 200X* and any approved ethics course.)
2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements. (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete: MATH 201X*, PHYS 211X and PHYS 212X.)
3. Complete the following:*
   MATH 307--Discrete Mathematics--3 credits
   STAT 300--Statistics--3 credits
4. Complete one of the following:*
   MATH 302--Differential Equations--3 credits
   MATH 308W--Abstract Algebra--3 credits
   MATH 310--Numerical Analysis--3 credits
   MATH 314--Linear Algebra--3 credits
   MATH 371--Probability--3 credits
   MATH 408--Mathematical Statistics--3 credits
   MATH 460--Mathematical Modeling--3 credits
5. Complete the following program (major) requirements:*
   CS 201--Computer Science I--3 credits
   CS 202--Computer Science II--3 credits
   CS 301--Assembly Language Programming--3 credits
   CS 311--Data Structures and Algorithms--3 credits
   CS 321--Operating System--3 credits
   CS 331--Programming Languages--3 credits
   CS 402W,O--Senior Project and Professional Practice--3 credits
   CS 411--Analysis of Algorithms (3)
        or CS 451--Automata and Formal Languages (3)--3 credits
   CS 441--Systems Architecture (3)
        or EE 443--Computer Engineering (4)--3 credits--4 credits
   CS 471W--Software Engineering--3 credits
   EE 341--Digital and Computer Analysis and Design--4 credits
   ENGL 314W,O/2--Technical Writing--3 credits
   Electives in computer science at the 300- or 400-level
        or approved electives (such as EE 443)--9 credits
6. Minimum credits required--120 credits

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each course.

Major--B.S./M.S. Degree

1. Complete the following admission requirements:
   
   1. CS major (junior preferred) or senior standing.
   2. GPA 3.25 or above based on a minimum of 24 credits. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in the program.
   3. Submit GRE (general) scores.
   4. Submit a study goal statement.
   5. Submit a UAF graduate application for admission.
2. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete: MATH 200X* and any approved ethics course.)
3. Complete the B.S. degree requirements. (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete: MATH 201X*, PHYS 211X and PHYS 212X.)
4. Complete the following program (major) requirements:*
   CS 201--Computer Science I--3 credits
   CS 202--Computer Science II--3 credits
   CS 301--Assembly Language Programming--3 credits
   CS 311--Data Structures and Algorithms--3 credits
   CS 321--Operating System--3 credits
   CS 331--Programming Languages--3 credits
   CS 402W,O--Senior Project and Professional Practice--3 credits
   CS 441--Systems Architecture--3 credits
   CS 471W--Software Engineering
   EE 341--Digital and Computer Analysis and Design--4 credits
   ENGL 314W,O/2--Technical Writing--3 credits
   MATH elective at 300/400-level--3 credits
   MATH 307--Discrete Mathematics--3 credits
   STAT 300--Statistics--3 credits
5. Complete the following master core courses:
   CS 611--Complexity of Algorithms--3 credits
   CS 631--Programming Language Implementation--3 credits
   CS 641--Advanced Systems Architecture--3 credits
   CS 671--Advanced Software Engineering--3 credits
   CS 690--Graduate Seminar and Project--3 credits
   CS 691--Graduate Seminar and Project--3 credits
   CS upper-division/graduate level electives--3 credits
   CS graduate level electives--6 credits
6. Pass a written comprehensive exam in the areas of computer algorithms/theory/complexity, computer architecture, computer language and software engineering.
7. Minimum credits required for both degrees--141 credits

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each course required for the B.S. degree.
Note: For the master’s degree, a student must earn an A or B grade in 400-level courses. The C grade will be accepted in 600-level courses provided a B grade point average is maintained.
Note: This degree program must be completed in seven years or the student will be disqualified from the program. If a student is disqualified, a B.S. in computer science will be awarded if: 1) completed in 10 years, and 2) student meets the B.S. degree requirements for computer science with the option of substituting CS 411/451 for CS 611/651.

Minor

1. Complete the following minor requirements:*
   CS 201--Computer Science I--3 credits
   CS 202--Computer Science II--3 credits
   Three electives at the 300- or 400-level from CS, EE 341, MATH 310, MATH 460; or electives approved by a computer science advisor--9 credits
2. Minimum credits required--15 credits

*Student must earn a grade of C or better in each course used to fulfill the minor requirements.
Note: Courses completed to satisfy this minor can be used to simultaneously satisfy other major or general distribution requirements.