Computer Science (BS-CS)

Description

The Computer Science program helps students develop a robust understanding and knowledge of quality software programming, design, development, and implementation, while allowing for the flexibility to further explore areas of interest in hardware, software, web development, gaming, bioinformatics, security, or robotics to name a few. The Computer Science program will prepare students for a variety of career options in academic, corporate, and government areas.

There is great demand for graduates with computer science degrees. Even though there are growing opportunities overseas, the number of new Computer Science jobs created in the United States is growing at a rate greater than the number of graduates in this field. With a degree in Computer Science (CS), you can choose from a variety of career opportunities including: applications software, system software, embedded software, manufacturing software, electrical/electronic software computer science consultancy, internet software, game software, data mining, parallel and distributed software, bioinformatics intelligent systems, software engineering, and more!

Program Vision

Our Vision is the lifelong success of students as professionals and leaders in computing in a global and interdisciplinary context with commitment to faith, ethical and responsible practice, and professional development.

Program Mission

Our mission is to provide educational excellence in Computer Science to meet urban and industrial challenges, and prepare graduates that are intellectually, professionally, spiritually, ethically, and socially developed to pursue a graduate degree in Computer Science, or a career in industry, education, health, and government. To this extent, the program will focus on team-based projects and practical lab assignments, and disseminate the knowledge needed to allow students to efficiently define, plan, analyze, model, develop and implement high quality, reliable, and secure software systems under realistic constraints.

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    Computer Science Program Educational Objectives

    After completing the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BS-CS) at the University of Detroit Mercy, graduates are expected to be able to:

    1. Pursue professional practice of computing or a graduate degree based on the acquired technical skills and knowledge in mathematics, science, and computer science.
    2. Efficiently analyze, model, design, develop, and implement high quality components, processes, and systems using appropriate computer science principles, technique, and tools.
    3. Solve computing problems in teams and communicate effectively with stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
    4. Engage in continuing education and professional organizations to keep current with the new developments in the field of computer science, and understand the impact of computing solutions in a global and societal context.
    5. Express professionalism in their work, impact society in an ethical and responsible manner, and identify the legal, security, and social constraints on processes, components, and systems
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    Program Learning Outcomes

    Graduates of this program will be able to:

    1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

    2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.

    3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.

    4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.

    5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.

    6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

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    Degree Requirements—Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (126 credits)

    This program provides educational excellence in Computer Science while preparing graduates that are intellectually, spiritually, ethically, and socially developed to pursue a graduate degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering, or an exciting and rewarding computing career in industry, education, health, and government. The major requirements are as follows:

    Required Major Courses (87 credits)

    • CSSE 1710 Introduction to Programming I (3 credits)
    • CSSE 1711 Introduction to Programming I Lab (1 credit)
    • CSSE 1720 Introduction to Programming II (3 credits)
    • CSSE 1721 Introduction to Programming II Lab (1 credit)
    • CSSE 2130 Java (3 credits)
    • CSSE 3430 Data Structures & Algorithm Analysis (3 credits)
    • CSSE 3540 Database Systems and Programming (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4150 Introduction to Software Engineering (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4440 Web Technology (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4490 Operating Systems (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4540 Computer Security (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4550 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4570 Software Project Management (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4610 Introduction to Data Mining (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4951 Senior Design I (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4952 Senior Design II (3 credits)
    • MTH 1410 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (4 credits)
    • MTH 1420 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (4 credits)
    • MTH 4270 Applied Probability and Statistics (3 credits)
    • MTH 2760 Discrete Structures (3 credits)
    • MATH I Math Elective I (3 credits)
    • MATH II Math Elective II (4 credits)
    • MATH III Math Elective III (3 credits)
    • ELEE 2640 Digital Logic Circuits I (3 credits)
    • ELEE 4800 Computer Organization and Architecture (3 credits)
    • ELEE 4680 Computer Networking (3 credits)
    • ELEE 4690 Computer Networking Laboratory (1 credit)
    • ENL 3030 Technical Writing (3 credits)
    • ENGR 3000 Intro to Co-op (1 credit)
    • ENGR 1000 Engineering Ethics (2 credits)
    • CTA 3010 Co-op I (2 credits)
    • CTA 3020 Co-op II (2 credits)

    NOTE :

    MTH I: MTH 2410 or MTH 3720

    MTH II: MTH 3020 or any 3000/4000 Math course

    MTH III: Any 3000/4000 Math course

    Science Requirements (8-10 credits)

    BIO 1200+BIO 1210, CHM 1070+CHM 1100, or PHY 1600+PHY 1610 (4-5 cr.)

    BIO 1220+BIO 1230, CHM 1080+CHM 1120, or PHY 1620+PHY 1630 (4-5 cr.)

    Electives - Flexibility and Focus (6 credits)

    To allow flexibility to address personal interests and to focus on career-oriented objectives, students choose two courses from software engineering, computer science or computer engineering. Some of these courses include:

    • CSSE 3270 User Interface Engineering (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4160 Software Testing (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4340 Software Systems Verification (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4400 Software Requirements Engineering (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4500 Software Quality Engineering (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4590 Computer Simulation and Modeling (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4620 Introduction to Bioinformatics (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4640 Parallel Programming (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4670 Distributed Computation (3 credits)
    • CSSE 4900 Special Topics (3 credits)
    • ELEE 4640 Hardware Description Languages: VHDL (3 credits)
    • ELEE 4780 Embedded Systems (3 credits)
    • ELEE 4920 Digital Image Processing and Computer Vision (3 credits)

    Students must earn at least a “C” grade in each CSSE course and a C average for the 87 credit hours required for the major.

    University Core Curriculum Courses

    In addition to the courses required for this program listed above, the student must also fulfill the requirements of the University Core Curriculum for this program.

    Some of these courses may be satisfied by courses in your program.  Please review your Degree Evaluation or consult your academic advisor for more information.

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    Cooperative Education

    Students are required to participate in the University’s Cooperative Education Program. In this program, at the end of the sophomore and junior year, students are assisted in finding employment to gain experience (and pay) in a computing field. Students must register for the 1 credit online course ENGR 3000 prior to their first co-op. Four credits of co-op will be counted toward graduation. Students are encouraged to complete additional co-op assignments.

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    Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Track

    Students interested in a medical or dental professional school can earn any major as an undergraduate. Given the increasingly technical nature of these fields, Computer Science is a very attractive major for those with medical/dental career aspirations. A year of Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics with accompanying labs should be taken by students interested in applying for medical or dental school. A course in Biochemistry and Physiology is also highly recommended.

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    Combined Bachelor/Master Program

    New freshmen with high GPA and ACT/SAT test scores, or Computer Science students entering their senior year who have achieved a grade point average of 3.25 and are on-track to finish their bachelor degree in four years can apply for the Five-Year Bachelor-Master Program to complete both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in five years. This is an exceptional opportunity for outstanding students to begin their professional careers with a great academic advantage. For additional information, see the catalog page on 5-year Bachelor Masters in Computer Science.

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    Computer Science Minor

    Computer Science deals with the application of various algorithms and techniques to solve computing problems in virtually every discipline. There is a constantly increasing demand for computing skills in all businesses and industry. A minor in Computer Science will complement any field of study with computing knowledge, and promote computational thinking among students enabling them to apply computing skills to their prospective fields. Many non-computer professionals are using and applying computers to solve critical problems in their fields. With a minor in computer science, students will be transformed from mere users to professionals who can integrate software design and programming with other disciplines.

    The Computer Science minor is not available for students majoring in Computer Science, click here.

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    Bioinformatics Minor

    Bioinformatics is a new and rapidly evolving discipline that has emerged from the fields of Molecular Biology and Computer Science. Bioinformatics is being used in many different areas such as molecular medicine, preventative medicine, gene therapy, drug development, waste cleanup, climate change, alternative energy sources, biotechnology, antibiotic resistance, forensic analysis of microbes, bio-weapon prevention, evolutionary studies, crop improvement, insect resistance, nutritional quality, and more. For more information, click here.

Program Contact Information

Program Director: Shadi Bani Taan, Ph.D.
Engineering 321
McNichols Campus
Telephone: (313) 993-1163
Fax: (313) 993-1187
Email: banitash@udmercy.edu