Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Academics — Undergraduate Programs
Computer Science - Bachelor of Science
Description
Computer science — the science of solving problems with the aid of a computer — is a young discipline. Positioned at the crossroads of many fields, computer science encompasses the methodology, tools, techniques, and theory of information derivation, storage, manipulation, and communication. Because of its importance to our world, computer science has become an extremely exciting field of study that continues to grow rapidly. Already, computer science has permeated the fields of mathematics, science, and engineering, infusing them with new computing devices, programs, and systems.
Accreditation
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the board which accredits engineering and computer science programs in the United States. ABET is responsible for “establishing standards, procedures and an environment that encourages the highest quality for engineering, engineering technology and engineering—related education through accreditation so that each graduate possesses the skills necessary for lifelong learning and productive contribution to society, the economy, employers and the profession.” By conducting periodic, comprehensive program evaluations, ABET determines which programs meet the established criteria and are awarded accreditation.
A degree from an ABET accredited program is an endorsement because the program has been “quality tested.” Graduates from ABET accredited programs have an assurance that their investment and achievement are recognized by the worldwide engineering community. The Computer Science program has been accredited by the Computer Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET. All requirements for faculty, curricular objectives, administration, institutional facilities, and institutional commitments have been met by the University of Nevada, Reno, College of Engineering, and Department of Computer Science & Engineering.
Program Objectives
Our graduates will have achieved:
- a broad general education assuring an adequate foundation in science and mathematics relevant to computing.
- a solid understanding of concepts fundamental to the discipline of computer science.
- good analytic, design, and implementation skills required to formulate and solve computing problems.
- the ability to function, communicate, and continue to learn effectively as ethically and socially responsible computer science professionals.
Prerequisites
In addition to the University of Nevada, Reno requirements for admission to undergraduate programs (see the Admission section of the UNR General Catalog), the Department of Computer Science & Engineering program imposes the following additional entrance requirements on its degree candidates:
- Mathematics - 4 units, including trigonometry or pre-calculus
- Science - 3 units, including physics and chemistry
Program Requirements
| I. University Core Curriculum Requirements | 33 - 36 |
| A. English | 3 - 6 |
| ENG 101 - Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 - Composition II | 3 |
| NOTE: Students who place in ENG 102 are not required to complete ENG 101, but must complete 3 additional credits of general electives. | |
| B. Mathematics | 4 |
| Calculus I (MATH 181)* | 4 |
| C. Natural Sciences | 8 |
| CHEM 201 - General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers I or CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I* | 4 |
| PHYS 180 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I* | 3 |
| PHYS 180L Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory I* | 1 |
| D. Social Sciences | 3 |
| Refer to the Social Sciences section of the Core Curriculum chapter in the course catalog. | 3 |
| E. Fine Arts | 3 |
|
Refer to the Fine Arts section of the Core Curriculum chapter in the course catalog. Note: Must not be a skills course. |
|
| F. Core Humanities | 9 |
| CH 201 - Ancient and Medieval Cultures | 3 |
| CH 202 - The Modern World | 3 |
| CH 203 - American Experience and Constitutional Change | 3 |
| G. Capstone Courses | |
| Included in major requirements. | |
| H. Diversity | 3 |
| Refer to the Diversity section of the Core Curriculum chapter of the course catalog. | |
| II. Additional College Requirements | 0 |
| III. Major Requirements | 77 |
| A. Communications | 3 |
| ENGR 301 - Engineering Communication | 3 |
| B. Computer Science | 41 |
| Computers in the Information Age (CS 105) | 3 |
| Computer Science I (CS 135)* | 3 |
| Introduction to Computer Engineering (CPE 201) | 4 |
| Computer Science II (CS 202)* | 3 |
| Microprocessor System Design (CPE 301) | 4 |
| Data Structures (CS 302)* | 3 |
| Challenges and Social Aspects of Computing (CS 311) | 3 |
| Programming Language Concepts & Implementations (CS 326R) | 3 |
| Mathematics of Computer Science (CS 365) | 3 |
| Software Engineering (CS 425) | 3 |
| Senior Projects (Capstone) (CS 426) | 3 |
| Principles of Operating Systems (CS 446) | 3 |
| Automata & Formal Languages (CS 456) | 3 |
| Analysis of Algorithms (CS 477R) | 3 |
| D. Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 181 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II* | 3 |
| PHYS 181L - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory II* | 3 |
| E. Mathematics | 14 |
| Calculus II (MATH 182) | 4 |
| Calculus III (MATH 283)* | 4 |
| Linear Algebra (MATH 330) | 3 |
| Probability & Statistics (MATH 352) | 3 |
| F. Technical Electives | 15 |
| Select these credits from 300- or 400-level Computer Science (CS), Computer Engineering (CPE), Mathematics (MATH), or Electrical Engineering (EE) courses that are not already required. At least 12 of the 15 credits must be in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. | |
| IV. Minor Requirements | 0 |
| V. Electives Electives must be chosen in such a way that they complete a minor in another field or have 9 credits of upper-division courses. |
12-15 |
| VI. Total Credits Note: Students must take 30 credit hours of coursework outside of math, science, and engineering. |
128 |
*Must complete these courses with at least a "C"