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.
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.
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.
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
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Credits |
| 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 | ||||
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| 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. | |||||
| G.Diversity | 3 | ||||
| Refer to the Diversity section of the Core Curriculum chapter of the course catalog. |
| II.Additional College Requirements | 0 |
| IV.Minor Requirements | 0 |
| V.Electives | 12 - 15 | |
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| VI.Total Credits | 128 |
| Note: Students must take 30 credit hours of coursework outside of math, science, and engineering. |
- Computers in the Information Age (CS 105)
- Computer Science I (CS 135)
- Composition I (ENG 101)
- Calculus I (MATH 181)
- Core Curriculum Fine Arts Elective
- Computer Science II (CS 202)
- Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 102) or other core social science elective
- Composition II (ENG 102)
- Calculus II (MATH 182)
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (PHYS 180)
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory I (PHYS 180L)
- Introduction to Computer Engineering (CPE 201)
- Ancient and Medieval Cultures (CH 201)
- Calculus III (MATH 283)
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (PHYS 181)
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory II (PHYS 181L)
- General elective
- General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers (CHEM 201) or General Chemistry I (CHEM 121)
- Data Structures (CS 302)
- The Modern World (CH 202)
- Linear Algebra (MATH 330)
- Probability & Statistics (MATH 352)
- Microprocessor System Design (CPE 301)
- Programming Language Concepts & Implementations (CS 326R)
- Mathematics of Computer Science (CS 365)
- American Experience and Constitutional Change (CH 203)
- General Elective
- Challenges and Social Aspects of Computing (CS 311)
- Principles of Operating Systems (CS 446)
- Automata & Formal Languages (CS 456)
- Engineering Communications (ENGR 301)
- Technical elective
- Software Engineering (CS 425)
- Analysis of Algorithms (CS 477R)
- Core curriculum diversity course
- Technical elective
- Technical elective
- Senior Projects (Capstone) (CS 426)
- General elective
- General elective
- Technical elective
- Technical elective
Students must meet the University of Nevada, Reno, College of Egineering, and Department of Computer Science & Engineering core curriculum requirements in order to graduate. Transfer students may apply coursework from other institutions toward these requirements, as determined by the department. Additionally, students must have a minimum "C" (2.0) average to be considered for graduation, as well as a "C" average in the core mathematics, science, and major courses. Technology courses may not be used to fulfill these grade requirements.
To satisfy degree requirements, students must earn at least 128 semester credits. Computer Science students may register for up to nine satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) credits in courses not specifically required by the program.
