Mar 28, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2017-18 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2017-18 [Archived Catalog]

Computer Science (B.S.C.S.)


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Major code BS7260

Russ College of Engineering and Technology  
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science   
329 Stocker Center
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.1568
Fax: 740.593.0007
http://www.ohio.edu/engineering/eecs/

David Juedes, contact person, juedes@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The computer science program is administered by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The School is the beneficiary of a major endowment from the late Dr. C. Paul Stocker, an electrical engineering alumnus. This endowment provides support for facilities and a level of excellence surpassed by few other electrical engineering and computer science departments in the nation. Its laboratories and offices are located in Stocker Center, and the Academic and Research Center. The program offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.C.S) degree through the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, which is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4014—telephone: 410.347.7000.

Computer science involves the design, development, analysis, and maintenance of the computer software that controls complex computer systems and networks. Computer scientists work with all aspects of computer software, including graphics, multimedia, the World Wide Web, email, compilers, software engineering, computer gaming, mobile computing, artificial intelligence, theory of computer algorithms, operating systems, database systems, and Internet applications.

While writing programs is an important function for computer scientists, they do much more than that. They analyze the needs of software users, develop algorithms and interfaces to meet those needs, and work in small groups to design software components. They must be proficient at problem solving, mathematical reasoning, logical thinking, and interpersonal communication. The computer science program at Ohio University, because of its strong ties with mathematics and engineering, emphasizes both the mathematical and the practical components of computer science.

The computer science program has three major objectives for its undergraduate students:

  • Depth and Breadth: Produce graduates that will have the theoretical, practical, and professional knowledge necessary to be productive upon entering the workforce or successful in advanced study;
  • Staying Current: Produce graduates that will maintain and develop the knowledge and skills needed to identify, formulate, and solve problems throughout their careers; and
  • Professionalism: Produce graduates that exhibit an understanding of the necessity for professional integrity, ethical behavior, and multicultural awareness.

Program educational objectives are statements that describe the expected accomplishments of graduates during the first few years after graduation.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

ACT and grade requirements are the same as the general University guidelines. Students should take four years of mathematics and a year of chemistry and physics if possible.

Change of Program Policy

Students who wish to transfer into an engineering or computer science program must have earned a C or better in a math course and a science course. The math course must be equivalent to MATH 1200 or higher. The science course must be required for the program or preparatory for a required course such as CHEM 1210, 1500, 1510, PHYS  2001, 2051 or BIOS 1700. Students must have an overall GPA greater than 2.0 at Ohio University, for all courses in Russ College, and for all courses in Chemical Engineering. Students must have succeeded in all required courses taken previously in three or fewer attempts. For some courses, success means a grade of at least a C or C-.

External Transfer Admission

In addition to University guidelines, students should have earned a C (2.0) or better grade in a college math course equivalent to MATH 1200 or higher and a C (2.0) or better grade in a chemistry course equivalent to CHEM 1210 or higher or a physics course equivalent to PHYS 2001 or higher.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Graduates of the bachelor of science degree program in computer science have pursued numerous opportunities in business, industry, government, and higher education. Several recent graduates have started their own software, networking, or consulting related businesses. Other recent graduates have taken jobs in the computer and software industries in Ohio and elsewhere. Past graduates have taken jobs at Verisign, Amazon.com, Expedia.com, Google, Microsoft, the National Security Agency, Verizon, Nortel, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and other well-known industrial and governmental organizations. Other graduates have pursued graduate degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) in Computer Science at Ohio University and elsewhere (Ohio State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana, North Carolina, etc.)

Undergraduate research in computer science is encouraged. The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science receives 6 to 10 million dollars annually in research support from industrial and governmental agencies. A number of undergraduate students participate in these sponsored research projects.

Requirements

Universitywide Graduation Requirements


To complete this program, students must meet all Universitywide graduation requirements .

College-Level Requirements for the Russ College of Engineering and Technology


View the College-Level Requirements for the Russ College of Engineering and Technology .

Core Curriculum


Complete the following course:

Mathematics and Basic Science


Complete a minimum of 33 hours in mathematics and basic science.

Mathematics


Complete the following courses:

Linear Algebra


Complete one of the following courses:

Laboratory Science Sequence


Complete one of the following laboratory science sequences:

Chemistry Sequence


Complete the following courses:

Physics Sequence


Complete the following courses:

Plant Biology Sequence


Complete the following courses:

Additional Laboratory Science Course


Complete one of the following courses or course group not in the same science area completed in the laboratory sequence listed above:

Course Options


Complete one of the following courses:

Course Group Option


Or complete the following courses:

Mathematics and Science Electives


Complete at least one of the following courses not previously used to satisfy a requirement:

Computer Science Technical Electives


Complete at least 9 hours from the following courses. Other computer science related courses may be used with departmental approval.

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