Return to: 3210 Department of Computer Science
Computer science is the systematic exploration of all aspects of computation. Computer science as a discipline seeks to build a scientific foundation for topics such as computer design, computer programming and software, information processing, algorithmic solutions to problems, and the algorithmic process itself. Computer science provides underpinnings for today’s applications in industry, science, government, and business and prepares the foundation for tomorrow’s applications in ubiquitous computing, medical cures for diseases, and instant access to information by everyone.
The B.S. degree program in computer science provides preparation in the fundamental principles and processes of computation and training in applying these principles in application areas in industry, science, government, and business. The student completes a basic group of required courses in the early stages and chooses courses from several concentrations in the later stages to provide for appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge in the discipline.
A B.S. degree in computer science provides a good foundation for advanced studies at the M.S. or Ph.D. level as well as for careers in industry, science, government, and business. To plan the major according to particular goals, students are encouraged to consult with an adviser in the department. Majors who are interested in having a paid work experience related to their area of study should contact the university’s Office of Cooperative Education, which coordinates the university’s cooperative education programs.
The courses are structured, and the department enforces the prerequisites for its courses. Students are urged to check and take the prerequisites for computer science courses and any computer science requirement as listed by their major department/school/institute. Refer any questions to that major department/school/institute or to the Department of Computer Science.
Program Academic Regulations
A minimum grade of C is required in all mathematics, physics, and computer science courses and all 3000-level or above courses that are used to fulfill the undergraduate programs of this department.
As part of the core curriculum, students must receive credit for the two calculus courses: MATH 2211 and MATH 2212. (When counting the number of semester hours in Areas A, D, and F, only 3 of the 4 credit hours of each calculus course will be counted in Area A and/or D. The fourth hour, or the “rollover hour,” will be counted in Area F.)
Prerequisites and co-requisites are strictly enforced in all computer science courses.
University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements
Georgia State University undergraduate students must achieve an overall institutional grade-point average of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0 in Areas G and H to receive a bachelor’s degree from the university. Grades of C- can be used to satisfy graduation requirements. However, some courses have prerequisites that require a grade of C or higher. (See section 1460 for additional information.)
Major Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and to enroll in major-level CSC courses (CSC 2720 Data Structures and all 3000- and 4000-level CSC courses), students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete the following courses with a grade of C or higher on the first attempt:
- CSC 1301 Principles of Computer Science I;
- Either CSC 2510 Theoretical Foundations of Computer Science or MATH 2420 Discrete Mathematics; and
- Either MATH 1113 , MATH 2211 , MATH 2212 , or MATH 2215 .
- Students must earn an average of 2.5 grade points across the three course areas (1, 2, and 3) above. The GPA will be calculated based on the first attempt at the courses designated above at Georgia State University.
- Where more than one course may be taken toward fulfilling the requirement (items a and b above), the first attempt at the first course taken from the list will be used to calculate the major eligibility grade-point average. For example, in item c, if a student takes MATH 1113 before taking MATH 2211, then the first attempt at MATH 1113 will be used for the major eligibility GPA.
- WFs counts as an attempt. Ws do not count as an attempt. Courses retaken using the university Repeat to Replace policy are not counted as first attempts.
- Transfer students who transfer these course(s) into Georgia State, may use the grades in the transferred course(s) to calculate the GPA or they may attempt them once at Georgia State. Courses taken at Georgia State’s Perimeter College count as first-attempts.
Once students are eligible to take major-level Computer Science courses (CSC 2720 and 3000- and 4000-level CSC courses), they remain eligible to take them as long as they are eligible to enroll at Georgia State University, and they satisfy other Computer Science program requirements. Students must meet any prerequisites for the specific 3000- or 4000-level course.
This requirement applies to students entering or re-entering the university in fall 2017 or thereafter, or to students who choose to follow the Computer Science program requirements in the undergraduate catalog for 2017-18 or thereafter. Students who have selected the Computer Science B.S. major but have not yet fulfilled the major eligibility requirement will be designated as Pre-Computer Science majors.
Students in majors other than Computer Science including those minoring in Computer Science, may enroll in major-level CSC courses as long as they meet any pre-requisites for the specific course.
