OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120
Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0
Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: Must obtain a grade of “C” or better in COS 125, COS 140, COS 225, MAT 126, ENG 101 and ENG 317.
Other GPA requirements to graduate: Required GPA in Major: 2.0
Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: COS 397 and COS 497
Contact Information: Silvia Nittel and Carol Roberts, Undergraduate Coordinators, School of Computing and Information Science, 348 Boardman Hall, nittel@spatial.maine.edu, carolr@maine.edu
Computer science is the foundation of computing and information technology. Computer scientists study the theory, design, implementation, and performance of computers and computer software, including the study of computability and computation itself. Computer scientists bring their breadth and depth of knowledge to bear to efficiently solve computing problems. They design and implement software systems. They devise new uses for computers, both to solve new problems and to provide novel, innovative capabilities and services.
Core areas of computer science include databases, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, computer networks, computer graphics, software engineering, operating systems, programming languages, cybersecurity and computer organization and architecture. Computer science intersects other sciences to form such fields as computational biology and bioinformatics, medical informatics, computational chemistry, cognitive science, robotics, and computational linguistics. Knowledge of computer science, beyond simply what is needed to implement and use information systems, is increasingly important in medicine, business, law, and science, as well as being important for making informed decisions about technology.
The required course work in computer science provides the student with an understanding of the basic areas of computer science: structure of programming languages, operating systems, software engineering, algorithms and data structures, computer architecture, and the theory of computer science. Electives allow students to study additional topics such as database, high performance computing, networks, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. A capstone experience allows students to use their accumulated knowledge of the field either through field experience, independent study, or as an undergraduate researcher in one of our laboratories.
Minimum hours needed for graduation: 120 degree hours. Required GPA: 2.00. Required Major GPA: 2.00. All students must satisfy the general education requirements of both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and University. A University of Maine student who wishes to take a course elsewhere for the degree must have the course approved in advance by the department and the college.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is our traditional computer science undergraduate degree. It prepares students to work in the computer industry or to study computer science in graduate school. The B. S. degree is also appropriate for students who wish to contribute a strong computer science background to an interdisciplinary team, such as one in bioinformatics. The B.S. degree is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission (CSAC) of the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation (CORPA).
Program Educational Objectives
The Computer Science BS degree provides the foundation for students to pursue meaningful computer science careers in business, industry, and government, and to pursue graduate studies in the field. The specific program educational objectives of our curriculum are to enable our students to:
- Bring to bear a strong background in the basics of computer science, the theoretical underpinnings of the computing discipline, and the mathematics and science appropriate to the discipline, to solve the new problems that will arise throughout their careers.
- Be highly proficient in formulating and solving the myriad of computer science problems that they will address in the workforce, including the design, implementation, and evaluation of complex software systems.
- Function effectively in the workplace with the necessary technical and communication skills, whether working independently or in a team setting.
- Adapt to changes in technology and society through continued personal and professional growth.
- Understand the role of ethics in their professional behavior and the impact on society of their work as computer scientists.
By the time of graduation, our students will demonstrate the following student outcomes:
- An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
- An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
- An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
- An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
- An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
- Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, continuing professional development.
- An ability to use the current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practices.
- An ability to 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 trade offs involved in design choices.
- An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree gives the student a strong foundation in computer science while providing more flexibility in coursework outside the major. It also prepares the student for a rewarding career in computing or for graduate work.
The requirements listed on this page are specific to this particular major. Students are also responsible for meeting any graduation requirements set out by their college. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) should make sure to review those requirements as stated on the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences page of the catalog.
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