May 26, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Computer Science, B.S.

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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

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 Core IMPACTS and Field of Study areas, only 3 of the 4 credit hours of each calculus course will be counted in the Mathematics & Quantitative Skills Area and/or Technology, Mathematics & Sciences Area. The fourth hour, or the “rollover hour,” will be counted in the Field of Study Area.)

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 the Major Area and the Minor and Additional Courses Area 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.)

Degree Requirements

Core IMPACTS Areas

Students may select any of the course options listed in each Core IMPACTS  area. However, specific recommendations for certain areas are listed below. These recommended courses are not required in the Core IMPACTS areas, but are required for the major. If not taken in the core, then they must be taken in the Field of Study or Additional Courses area.  

Mathematics & Quantitative Skills

Recommended course
  • 3 Credit Hours or higher level MATH must be taken in the Mathematics & Quantitative Skills Area. A section of MATH 1113  Precalculus that is designated specifically for this major is recommended (see PAWS listing to identify appropriate sections).

Technology, Mathematics & Sciences

Recommended course
  • 4 Credit Hours (or a higher level mathematics course) (One credit hour counts in the Field of Study Area or as an elective.)
  • CSC students may select a lab sequence from any of the options available to science majors.

Field of Study Area (18 Hours)

Carry over from Core IMPACTS areas (1-2 Hours)

  • Students will carry one additional credit hour over to the Field Electives Area for each 4-credit-hour mathematics course taken in the Mathematics & Quantitative Skills or Technology, Mathematics & Sciences areas.

MATH 2212 Calculus II

Required courses

Field Electives

Select additional elective courses from the following to complete 18 hours in the Field of Study Area:

Courses ending in K

  • All courses above ending in K are commonly offered as separate lecture and lab (L) courses as well. The combined (K) courses and separate lecture and lab (L) courses cover the same subject matter and are considered equivalent courses.
  • Any credit hours exceeding 18 earned to complete the Field of Study Area requirements will count toward elective hours.

Major Area (48 Hours)

CTW Requirement (4 Hours)

Computer Science Requirements (22 Hours)

CSC Elective Courses

For a total of sixteen (16) hours, select at least four courses from the CSC elective courses at the 3000- or 4000-level (excluding CSC 4940, CSC 4990, CSC 4995, CSC 4998) or CSC 2920. A CS student can also count up to two 3000- or 4000-level courses here from the B.S. in Data Science (DS) program or the Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) program if these courses belong to DS or BIT’s Major Area and have not been used to serve other purposes (e.g., minor).

Additional Courses Area (12 Hours)

  1. Twelve hours of additional courses taken at the 2000-4000 level (12).
  2. Students earning a B.S. in the Department of Computer Science are not required to complete a minor.
  3. Additional courses must be taken as electives to complete a minimum of 120 semester hours. 

Students completing CSC 3900  must count it in the Additional Courses area. The course does not count in the Major Area.

Additional Opportunities

Certificate in Cyber Security

See Cyber Security, Undergraduate Certificate  section.

Certificate in Data Science

See Data Science, Undergraduate Certificate  section.

Cooperative Education and Internship Programs

The department participates in the University’s Cooperative Education program, in which students rotate between being a full-time student and working in paid, full-time professional positions. Details are available on the department’s website. The department also encourages students to seek out relevant internships to enhance their preparation for careers related to Computer Science. We offer elective credit, to count towards the Minor and Additional Courses Area requirements, subject to department approval.

Graduation with Distinction in the Major

This unit offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn the designation of graduation with distinction in the major. Please contact the undergraduate director for the specific criteria for this honor.

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