Computer Science

Major: Computer Science
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) or Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (BACS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Total Credit Hours: 186.5
Co-op Options: Three Co-op (Five years); One Co-op (Four years)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 11.0701
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-3021; 15-1111; 15-1131; 15-1132; 11-1199

About the Program

The College of Computing & Informatics' Bachelor of Science/Arts in Computer Science offers extensive exposure and hands-on practice in the core areas of the field, including programming paradigms and languages, algorithms, systems, networking, and software engineering. Students also focus their upper level studies with specializations in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, security, graphics and vision, and game programming/development. The program's flexibility allows students to easily sample from areas in which they would like to apply their computing knowledge. This hands-on curriculum combined with co-op provides real-world experience that culminates in a full-year team capstone project involving in-depth study and application of computing and informatics.

The programs of study in computer science are designed with the versatility to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing profession and to allow strong preparation for graduate education in the field. In addition to the courses in the major, the programs emphasize foundation courses in the sciences and in applied mathematics. The programs also provide sufficient flexibility with electives to permit a student to pursue a minor in a technical or non-technical field. Computer Science graduates are in demand in any discipline where computing expertise is needed, from the computing industry to science and technical applications to the arts.

Students should contact their advisor at the College of Computing & Informatics for a current list of computer science track and elective courses.

Concentrations

  • Computer Security
  • Game Programming and Development

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please visit the BS/BA in Computer Science webpage on the College of Computing & Informatics website.

Degree Requirements (BS) 

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science program emphasizes foundation courses in the sciences and in applied mathematics, leading to careers involving applications in science and engineering.

Computer Science Requirements
CS 164Introduction to Computer Science3.0
CS 171Computer Programming I3.0
or CS 175 Advanced Computer Programming I
CS 172Computer Programming II3.0
or CS 176 Advanced Computer Programming II
CS 260Data Structures3.0
CS 265Advanced Programming Tools and Techniques3.0
CS 270Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science3.0
CS 277Algorithms and Analysis3.0
CS 281Systems Architecture4.0
CS 283Systems Programming3.0
CS 360Programming Language Concepts3.0
SE 181Introduction to Software Engineering and Development3.0
SE 310Software Architecture I3.0
Computer Science track courses (see below)18.0
Computer Science electives (see below)6.0
Computing & Informatics Requirements
CI 101Computing and Informatics Design I2.0
CI 102Computing and Informatics Design II2.0
CI 103Computing and Informatics Design III2.0
CI 491 [WI] Senior Project I3.0
CI 492 [WI] Senior Project II3.0
CI 493 [WI] Senior Project III3.0
Mathematics Requirements
MATH 121Calculus I4.0
MATH 122Calculus II4.0
MATH 123Calculus III4.0
MATH 200Multivariate Calculus4.0
MATH 201Linear Algebra4.0
MATH 221Discrete Mathematics3.0
MATH 311Probability and Statistics I4.0
Science Requirements19.0
Select one of the following lab science sequences:
Cells and Biomolecules
and Cells and Biomolecules Lab
and Genetics and Evolution
and Genetics and Evolution Lab
and Physiology and Ecology
and Anatomy and Ecology Lab
Or
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry III
Or
Fundamentals of Physics I
and Fundamentals of Physics II
and Fundamentals of Physics III
Additional science electives to have total 19 credits (see below)
Arts & Humanities Requirements
COM 230Techniques of Speaking3.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
PHIL 311Ethics and Information Technology3.0
Writing & Communication electives (see below)6.0
Arts & Humanities, Business, or Social Studies electives (see below) *18.0
University Requirements
UNIV CI101The Drexel Experience2.0
or CI 120 CCI Transfer Student Seminar
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development **1.0
Free electives21.5
Total Credits186.5

Program Electives

Independent study courses and special topics courses must be approved by the department prior to enrollment to satisfy a program elective requirement.

Computer Science Tracks

Students must complete two of the following Computer Science tracks for a total of 18.0 credits. The tracks may overlap by one course. Students should check with the College for any additional Special Topics courses being offered that may be appropriate for one of the tracks.  The student may propose a Student Defined Track with departmental approval.

Algorithms and Data Structures
CS 440Theory of Computation3.0
CS 457Data Structures and Algorithms I4.0
CS 458Data Structures and Algorithms II3.0
Artificial Intelligence
Select three of the following:9.0
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Evolutionary Computing
Game AI Development
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Computer and Network Security
Select three of the following:9.0
Algorithmic Number Theory and Cryptography
Software Security
Computer Networks: Theory, Applications and Programming
Network Security
Computer Architecture
Select three of the following:9.0
Processor Architecture & Analysis
Software Defined Radio Laboratory
High Performance Computing
Design with Embedded Processors
Introduction to Parallel Computer Architecture
Computer Graphics and Vision
Select three of the following:9.0
Computer Graphics
Advanced Rendering Techniques
Interactive Computer Graphics
Computational Photography
Computing Systems
Select three of following:9.0
Computing in the Small
Processor Architecture & Analysis
Concurrent Programming
Operating Systems
Web Development
Software Defined Radio Laboratory
Compiler Implementation
Database Systems
Computer Networks: Theory, Applications and Programming
Game Development and Design
Select three of the following:9.0
Serious Game Development
Experimental Game Development
Computer Game Design and Development
Game AI Development
Game Development: Workshop I
Game Development: Workshop II
Graphics and Interaction
Select three of the following:9.0
Graphical User Interfaces
Serious Game Development
Experimental Game Development
Computer Game Design and Development
Game AI Development
Computer Graphics
Advanced Rendering Techniques
Interactive Computer Graphics
Computational Photography
Game Development: Workshop I
Game Development: Workshop II
Human-Centered Design Process & Methods
Human-Computer Interaction
Select three of the following:9.0
Graphical User Interfaces
Computer Game Design and Development
Interactive Computer Graphics
Human-Centered Design Process & Methods
Intelligent Systems
Select three courses from the following:9.0
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Evolutionary Computing
Game AI Development
Computer Graphics
Advanced Rendering Techniques
Interactive Computer Graphics
Computational Photography
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Numeric and Symbolic Computation
Select three of the following:9.0
Applied Symbolic Computation
Algorithmic Number Theory and Cryptography
Numerical Analysis I
Numerical Analysis II
Introduction to Optimization Theory
Programming Languages
Select three of the following:9.0
Concurrent Programming
Theory of Computation
Compiler Implementation
Software Verification and Validation
Software and Security
Select three of the following:9.0
Algorithmic Number Theory and Cryptography
Software Security
Computer Networks: Theory, Applications and Programming
Network Security
Software Architecture II
Software Verification and Validation
Software Evolution
Software Engineering
SE 311Software Architecture II3.0
SE 320Software Verification and Validation3.0
SE 410Software Evolution3.0
Systems and High-Performance Computing
Select three of the following:9.0
Computing in the Small
Processor Architecture & Analysis
Concurrent Programming
Operating Systems
Web Development
Software Defined Radio Laboratory
Theory of Computation
Compiler Implementation
Database Systems
Computer Networks: Theory, Applications and Programming
High Performance Computing
Design with Embedded Processors
Introduction to Parallel Computer Architecture
Theory and Computation
Select three of the following:9.0
Applied Symbolic Computation
Algorithmic Number Theory and Cryptography
Theory of Computation
Compiler Implementation
Data Structures and Algorithms I
Data Structures and Algorithms II
Numerical Analysis I
Numerical Analysis II
Introduction to Optimization Theory

Course Selections for Optional Concentrations

Computer Security Concentration

The Computer Science concentration in Computer Security is designed to supply graduates with the skills needed to prepare them for a wide range of opportunities. It gives students the ability to design and implement computing security and privacy processes, software, and systems. Students use mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of such systems.

Computer security specialists are needed who can work within cyberspace to help secure, defend against, respond to, and in some instances, even initiate preemptive attacks. These individuals must have detailed knowledge of the systems they protect, an understanding of the cyber-environment and physical environment in which they operate, and an understanding of the ethical expectations and legal surroundings of their field.

Students must take the following courses as part of a concentration in Computer Security; these courses require students to complete the major's Computer and Network Security track, Computing Systems track, and CS electives with specific courses, as well as specifying one business elective and one social studies elective.

Fulfill the Computer and Network Security Track
CS 303Algorithmic Number Theory and Cryptography3.0
CS 377Software Security3.0
CS 475Network Security3.0
Fulfill the Computing Systems Track
CS 361Concurrent Programming3.0
CS 370Operating Systems3.0
CS 472Computer Networks: Theory, Applications and Programming3.0
As General CS Electives
CS 465Privacy and Trust3.0
CS 479Advanced Network Security3.0
As a Business Elective
ECON 201Principles of Microeconomics4.0
As a Social Studies Elective
PSY 101General Psychology I3.0

Game Programming and Development Concentration

The concentration in Game Programming and Development provides conceptual understanding of game design and practical experience in the design and the development of games. The courses in this concentration include fundamentals of game design and development, large-scale game development, and special topics in educational and experimental game design.

Students must take the following courses as part of for a concentration in Game Programming and Development; these courses require students to complete the major's Graphics and Interaction track, Game Development and Design track, science sequence, and some electives in a specific way.

Fulfill the Game Development and Design Track
CS 341Serious Game Development3.0
or CS 342 Experimental Game Development
GMAP 378Game Development: Workshop II3.0
GMAP 377Game Development: Workshop I3.0
Fulfill the Graphics and Interaction Track (by sharing CS 341 or CS 342 with the other track)
CS 345Computer Game Design and Development3.0
CS 387Game AI Development3.0
Required Choices for Arts and Humanities Electives
ANIM 140Computer Graphics Imagery I3.0
ANIM 211Animation I3.0
GMAP 260Overview of Computer Gaming3.0
VSST 110Introductory Drawing3.0
Required Choice for Science Sequence
PHYS 101
& PHYS 102
& PHYS 201		Fundamentals of Physics I
and Fundamentals of Physics II
and Fundamentals of Physics III		12.0
Required Choice for Social Studies Elective
PSY 101General Psychology I3.0

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Degree Requirements (BA) 

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science program emphasizes foundation courses in the humanities and the social sciences, leading to careers involving applications in those areas.

Computer Science Requirements
CS 164Introduction to Computer Science3.0
CS 171Computer Programming I3.0
or CS 175 Advanced Computer Programming I
CS 172Computer Programming II3.0
or CS 176 Advanced Computer Programming II
CS 260Data Structures3.0
CS 265Advanced Programming Tools and Techniques3.0
CS 270Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science3.0
CS 277Algorithms and Analysis3.0
CS 281Systems Architecture4.0
CS 283Systems Programming3.0
CS 360Programming Language Concepts3.0
SE 181Introduction to Software Engineering and Development3.0
SE 310Software Architecture I3.0
Computer Science track courses (see below)18.0
Computer Science electives (see below)6.0
Computing & Informatics Requirements
CI 101Computing and Informatics Design I2.0
CI 102Computing and Informatics Design II2.0
CI 103Computing and Informatics Design III2.0
CI 491 [WI] Senior Project I3.0
CI 492 [WI] Senior Project II3.0
CI 493 [WI] Senior Project III3.0
Mathematics Requirements
MATH 121Calculus I4.0
MATH 122Calculus II4.0
MATH 123Calculus III4.0
MATH 200Multivariate Calculus4.0
MATH 201Linear Algebra4.0
MATH 221Discrete Mathematics3.0
MATH 311Probability and Statistics I4.0
Science Requirements18.0
Select one of the following lab science sequences plus science electives from below:
Cells and Biomolecules
and Cells and Biomolecules Lab
and Genetics and Evolution
and Genetics and Evolution Lab
and Physiology and Ecology
and Anatomy and Ecology Lab
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry III
Fundamentals of Physics I
and Fundamentals of Physics II
and Fundamentals of Physics III
Arts & Humanities Requirements
COM 230Techniques of Speaking3.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
PHIL 311Ethics and Information Technology3.0
Arts Humanities, Business, or Social Studies electives (see below)6.0
Disciplinary Minor24.0
University Requirements
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
UNIV CI101The Drexel Experience2.0
or CI 120 CCI Transfer Student Seminar
Free electives16.5
Total Credits186.5

Program Electives

Independent study courses and special topics courses must be approved by the department prior to enrollment to satisfy a program elective requirement.

Computer Science Tracks

Students must complete two of the following Computer Science tracks for a total of 18.0 credits. The tracks may overlap by one course. Students should check with the College for any additional Special Topics courses being offered that may be appropriate for one of the tracks. The student may propose a Student Defined Track with departmental approval.

Algorithms and Data Structures
CS 440Theory of Computation3.0
CS 457Data Structures and Algorithms I4.0
CS 458Data Structures and Algorithms II3.0
Artificial Intelligence
Select three of the following:9.0
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Evolutionary Computing
Game AI Development
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Computer and Network Security
Select three of the following:9.0
Algorithmic Number Theory and Cryptography
Software Security
Computer Networks: Theory, Applications and Programming
Network Security
Computer Architecture
Select three of the following:9.0
Processor Architecture & Analysis
Software Defined Radio Laboratory
High Performance Computing
Design with Embedded Processors
Introduction to Parallel Computer Architecture
Computer Graphics and Vision
Select three of the following:9.0
Computer Graphics
Advanced Rendering Techniques
Interactive Computer Graphics
Computational Photography
Computing Systems
Select three of the following:9.0
Computing in the Small
Processor Architecture & Analysis
Concurrent Programming
Operating Systems
Web Development
Software Defined Radio Laboratory
Compiler Implementation
Database Systems
Computer Networks: Theory, Applications and Programming
Game Development and Design
Select three of the following:9.0
Serious Game Development
Experimental Game Development
Computer Game Design and Development
Game AI Development
Game Development: Workshop I
Game Development: Workshop II
Graphics and Interaction
Select three of the following:9.0
Graphical User Interfaces
Serious Game Development
Experimental Game Development
Computer Game Design and Development
Game AI Development
Computer Graphics
Advanced Rendering Techniques
Interactive Computer Graphics
Computational Photography
Game Development: Workshop I
Game Development: Workshop II
Human-Centered Design Process & Methods
Human-Computer Interaction
Select three of the following:9.0
Graphical User Interfaces
Computer Game Design and Development
Interactive Computer Graphics
Human-Centered Design Process & Methods
Intelligent Systems
Select three of the following:9.0
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Evolutionary Computing
Game AI Development
Computer Graphics
Advanced Rendering Techniques
Interactive Computer Graphics
Computational Photography
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Numeric and Symbolic Computation
Select three of the following:9.0
Applied Symbolic Computation
Algorithmic Number Theory and Cryptography
Numerical Analysis I
Numerical Analysis II
Introduction to Optimization Theory
Programming Languages
Select 3 of the following:9.0
Concurrent Programming
Theory of Computation
Compiler Implementation
Software Verification and Validation
Software and Security
Select three of the following:9.0
Algorithmic Number Theory and Cryptography
Software Security
Computer Networks: Theory, Applications and Programming
Network Security
Software Architecture II
Software Verification and Validation
Software Evolution
Software Engineering
SE 311Software Architecture II3.0
SE 320Software Verification and Validation3.0
SE 410Software Evolution3.0
Systems and High-Performance Computing
Select three of the following:9.0
Computing in the Small
Processor Architecture & Analysis
Concurrent Programming
Operating Systems
Web Development
Software Defined Radio Laboratory
Theory of Computation
Compiler Implementation
Database Systems
Computer Networks: Theory, Applications and Programming
High Performance Computing
Design with Embedded Processors
Introduction to Parallel Computer Architecture
Theory and Computation
Select three of the following9.0
Applied Symbolic Computation
Algorithmic Number Theory and Cryptography
Theory of Computation
Compiler Implementation
Data Structures and Algorithms I
Data Structures and Algorithms II
Numerical Analysis I
Numerical Analysis II
Introduction to Optimization Theory

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study (BS)

5-Year Spring Summer Coop Cycle 

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CI 1012.0CI 1022.0CI 1032.0VACATION
CS 1643.0CIVC 1011.0CS 172 or 1763.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0COOP 101*1.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
MATH 1214.0CS 171 or 1753.0MATH 1234.0 
UNIV CI1011.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0UNIV CI1011.0 
Science Lab4.5MATH 1224.0Science Lab4.5 
 Science Lab4.5  
 17.5 18.5 17.5 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CS 2653.0CS 2603.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
CS 2703.0MATH 2004.0  
MATH 2014.0MATH 2213.0  
SE 1813.0Free Elective3.0  
Social Studies Elective3.0Science Elective3.0  
 16 16 0 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2303.0CS 2833.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
CS 2773.0CS 3603.0  
CS 2814.0Free Elective3.0  
SE 3103.0Science Elective3.0  
Free Elective3.0Writing & Communication Elective3.0  
 16 15 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MATH 3114.0Arts & Humanities3.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
PHIL 3113.0Business Elective4.0  
Arts & Humanities Elective3.0Computer Science Elective3.0  
Computer Science Electives6.0Free Elective3.0  
 Science Electitve3.0  
 16 16 0 0
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
CI 4913.0CI 4923.0CI 4933.0 
Arts & Humanities Elective3.0Arts & Humanities Elective3.0Computer Science Elective3.0 
Computer Science Electives6.0Computer Science Electives6.0Free Elective3.0 
Free Elective2.0 Writing & Communication Elective3.0 
 14 12 12 
Total Credits 186.5

4-Year Spring Summer Coop Cycle

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
CI 1012.0CI 1022.0CI 1032.0 
CS 1643.0CIVC 1011.0CS 172 or 1763.0 
MATH 1214.0CS 171 or 1753.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0MATH 1234.0 
UNIV CI1011.0MATH 1224.0UNIV CI1011.0 
Science Lab4.5Science Lab4.5Science Lab4.5 
 17.5 17.5 17.5 
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CS 2653.0CS 2603.0COM 2303.0CS 2833.0
CS 2703.0COOP 101*1.0CS 2773.0CS 3603.0
MATH 2014.0MATH 2004.0CS 2814.0Science Elective3.0
SE 1813.0MATH 2213.0SE 3103.0Writing & Communication Elective3.0
Social Studies Elective3.0Science Elective3.0Free Elective3.0Free Elective3.0
 Free Elective2.0  
 16 16 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MATH 3114.0Arts & Humanities Elective3.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
PHIL 3113.0Business Elective4.0  
Computer Science Electives6.0Computer Science Elective3.0  
Arts & Humanities Elective3.0Science Elective3.0  
 Free Elective3.0  
 16 16 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
CI 4913.0CI 4923.0CI 4933.0 
Arts & Humanities Elective3.0Arts & Humanities Elective3.0Computer Science Elective3.0 
Computer Science Electives6.0Computer Science Electives6.0Writing & Communications Elective3.0 
Free Elective3.0 Free Elective3.0 
 15 12 12 
Total Credits 186.5

Sample Plan of Study (BA) 

4 year, one co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CI 1012.0CI 1022.0CI 1032.0VACATION
CS 1643.0CIVC 1011.0CS 172 or 1763.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0COOP 101*1.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
MATH 1214.0CS 171 or 1753.0MATH 1234.0 
UNIV C1011.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0UNIV C1011.0 
Science lab4.5MATH 1224.0Science lab4.5 
 Science lab4.5  
 17.5 18.5 17.5 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CS 2653.0CS 2603.0COM 2303.0CS 2833.0
CS 2703.0MATH 2213.0CS 2773.0CS 3603.0
MATH 2014.0Disciplinary Minor elective3.0CS 2814.0MATH 2004.0
SE 1813.0Free elective3.0SE 3103.0Arts & Humaniries, Business, and Social Studies elective3.0
Disciplinary Minor elective3.0Science elective4.5Disciplinary Minor elective3.0Disciplinary Minor elective3.0
 16 16.5 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MATH 3114.0Arts & Humanities, Business, and Social Studies elective3.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
PHIL 3113.0Computer Science elective3.0  
Computer Science electives6.0Disciplinary Minor electives6.0  
Disciplinary Minor elective3.0Free elective3.0  
 16 15 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
CI 4913.0CI 4923.0CI 4933.0 
Computer Science electives6.0Computer Science electives6.0Computer Science elective3.0 
Disciplinary Minor elective3.0Free elective3.0Free electives6.0 
Free elective1.5   
 13.5 12 12 
Total Credits 186.5

5 year, 3 co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CI 1012.0CI 1022.0CI 1032.0VACATION
CS 1643.0CIVC 1011.0CS 172 or 1763.0 
ENGL 1013.0COOP 101*1.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
MATH 1214.0CS 171 or 1753.0MATH 1234.0 
UNIV C1011.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0UNIV C1011.0 
Science lab4.5MATH 1224.0Science lab4.5 
 Science lab4.5  
 17.5 18.5 17.5 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CS 2653.0CS 2603.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
CS 2703.0MATH 2213.0  
MATH 2014.0Disciplinary Minor elective3.0  
SE 1813.0Free elective3.0  
Disciplinary Minor elective3.0Science elective4.5  
 16 16.5 0 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2303.0CS 2833.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
CS 2773.0CS 3603.0  
CS 2814.0MATH 2004.0  
SE 3103.0Arts & Humaniries, Business, and Social Studies elective3.0  
Disciplinary Minor elective3.0Disciplinary Minor elective3.0  
 16 16 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MATH 3114.0Arts & Humanities, Business, and Social Studies elective3.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
PHIL 3113.0Computer Science elective3.0  
Computer Science electives6.0Disciplinary Minor electives6.0  
Disciplinary Minor elective3.0Free elective3.0  
 16 15 0 0
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
CI 4913.0CI 4923.0CI 4933.0 
Computer Science electives6.0Computer Science electives6.0Computer Science elective3.0 
Disciplinary Minor elective3.0Free elective3.0Free electives6.0 
Free elective1.5   
 13.5 12 12 
Total Credits 186.5

Co-op/Career Opportunities

Co-Op Options

Two co-op options are available for this program:

  • five-year/three co-op
  • four-year/one co-op

Career Opportunities

The demand for computing skills is tremendous and growing with highly paid jobs. Most professionals in the field focus on the design and development of software and software-based applications. Typical jobs include software engineer, programmer, web designer, multimedia or software developer, systems analyst or consultant, manager of technical staff, client-server architect, network designer, and database specialist. Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Relevant work experience, such as that provided by co-operative education, is also very important, as cited by the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job titles of recent computer science graduates include:

  • Web Developer
  • Software Systems Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Network Engineer
  • Application Analyst

Additional Information

Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center page for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.

3675 Market Street

In March 2019, the College of Computing & Informatics relocated to 3675 Market. For the first time in the College's history, all CCI faculty, students and professional staff are housed under one roof. Occupying two floors in the brand new uCity Square building, CCI's new home offers state-of-the-art technology in our classrooms, labs, meeting areas and collaboration spaces. 3675 Market offers Class A laboratory, office, coworking, and convening spaces. In fall 2019, the College opened a third floor which will include additional offices, classrooms, innovative research labs, and a maker space. Located at the intersection of Market Street and 37th Street, 3675 Market will act as a physical nexus, bridging academic campuses and medical centers to the east and south, the commercial corridors along Market Street and Chestnut Street, and the residential communities to the north and west.

The uCity Square building offers:

  • Speculative lab/office space
  • World-class facilities operated by CIC
  • Café/restaurant on-site
  • Quorum, a two-story, 15K SF convening space and conference center
  • Adjacent to future public square
  • Access to Science Center’s nationally renowned business acceleration and technology commercialization programs

Drexel University Libraries

Drexel University Libraries is a learning enterprise, advancing the University’s academic mission through serving as educators, supporting education and research, collaborating with researchers, and fostering intentional learning outside of the classroom. Drexel University Libraries engages with Drexel communities through three physical locations, including W. W. Hagerty Library,  Queen Lane Library, and the Library Learning Terrace, as well as a vibrant online presence which sees, on average, over 8,000 visits per day. In the W.W. Hagerty Library location, College of Computing & Informatics students have access to private study rooms and nearly half a million books, periodicals, DVDs, videos and University Archives. All fields of inquiry are covered, including: library and information science, computer science, software engineering, health informatics, information systems, and computing technology. Resources are available online at library.drexel.edu or in-person at W. W. Hagerty Library.

The Libraries also make available laptop and desktop PC and Mac computers, printers and scanners, spaces for quiet work or group projects and designated 24/7 spaces. Librarians and library staff—including a liaison librarian for computing and informatics—are available for individual research consultations and to answer questions about materials or services.

CCI Commons

Located on the 10th floor of 3675 Market Street, the CCI Commons is an open lab and collaborative work environment for students. It features desktop computers, a wireless/laptop area, free black and white printing, and more collaborative space for its students. Students have access to 3675 Market's fully equipped conference room with 42” displays and videoconferencing capabilities. The CCI Commons provides technical support to students, faculty, and professional staff. In addition, the staff provides audio-visual support for all presentation classrooms within 3675 Market. Use of the CCI Commons is reserved for all students taking CCI courses.

The computers for general use are Microsoft Windows and Macintosh OSX machines with appropriate applications which include the Microsoft Office suite, various database management systems, modeling tools, and statistical analysis software. Library related resources may be accessed at the CCI Commons and through the W.W. Hagerty Library. The College is a member of the Rational SEED Program which provides cutting-edge software development and project management software for usage in the CCI Commons and CCI classrooms. The College is also a member of the Microsoft Academic Alliance known also as “DreamSpark” that allows students free access to a wide array of Microsoft software titles and operating systems.

The CCI Commons, student labs, and classrooms have access to networked databases, print and file resources within the College, and the Internet via the University’s network. Email accounts, Internet and BannerWeb access are available through the Office of Information Resources and Technology.

CCI Learning Center

The CCI Learning Center (CLC), located in 3675 Market Street's CCI Commons student computer lab, provides consulting and other learning resources for students taking computer science classes. The CLC is staffed by graduate and undergraduate computer science students from the College of Computing & Informatics.

The CLC and CCI Commons serve as a central hub for small group work, student meetings, and TA assistance. 

Research Laboratories

The College houses multiple research labs, led by CCI faculty, in 3675 Market Street including: the Drexel Health and Risk Communication Lab, Interactive Systems for Healthcare, Socio-Technical Studies Group, Intelligent Information & Knowledge Computing Research Lab, Evidence-based Decision Making Lab, Applied Symbolic Computation Laboratory (ASYM), High Performance Computing Laboratory (SPIRAL), Drexel Research on Play (RePlay) Laboratory, Software Engineering Research Group (SERG), Social Computing Research Group, Vision and Cognition Laboratory (VisCog) and the Vision and Graphics Laboratory. For more information on these laboratories, please visit the College’s research web page.

Evaluations

The College of Computing & Informatics works continually to improve its degree programs. As part of this effort, the Computer Science degree is evaluated relative to the following Objectives and Outcomes.

Computer Science Program Educational Objectives

Drexel Computer Science alumni will:

  • Be valued employees in a wide variety of occupations in industry, government and academia, in particular as computer scientists and software engineers
  • Succeed in graduate and professional studies, such as engineering, science, law, medicine, and business
  • Pursue life-long learning and professional development to remain current in an ever-changing technological world
  • Provide leadership in their profession, in their communities, and society
  • Function as responsible members of society with an awareness of the social and ethical ramifications of their work

Computer Science Student Outcomes (for Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts)

The Drexel Computer Science program enables students to attain by the time of graduation:

  • An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
  • An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
  • An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
  • An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
  • An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities
  • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
  • Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
  • An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
  • An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices
  • An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity

Computer Science Faculty

David Augenblick, MS (University of Pennsylvania). Associate Teaching Professor. Introductory and object-oriented programming, data structures and database systems, computer application project management, application of computer programming principles and solutions to engineering problems.
Mark Boady, PhD (Drexel University). Assistant Teaching Professor. Computer Algebra, complex symbolic calculations, automation of computation problems
David E. Breen, PhD (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) Associate Department Head for Graduate Affairs, Computer Science. Professor. Computer-aided design, biomedical image informatics, geometric modeling and self-organization algorithms.
Matthew Burlick, PhD (Stevens Institute of Technology). Associate Teaching Professor. Image processing, machine learning, real-time video tracking, object detection and classification, statistics/probability, and acoustics
Yuanfang Cai, PhD (University of Virginia). Professor. Formal software design modeling and analysis, software economics, software evolution and modularity.
Preetha Chatterjee, PhD (University of Delaware). Assistant Professor. Software engineering, data mining, natural language processing, and machine learning
Vasilis Gkatzelis, PhD (New York University). Assistant Professor. Algorithmic mechanism design, multiagent resource allocation, approximation algorithms .
Colin Gordon, PhD (University of Washington). Associate Professor. Software reliability, program behavior, concurrent and systems-level code, formal assurance, programming models, distributed computing, even testing
Shahin Jabbari Assistant Professor. Algorithmic fairness, game theory, and artificial intelligence for social good.
Jeremy R. Johnson, PhD (Ohio State University) Department Head, Computer Science. Professor. Computer algebra; parallel computations; algebraic algorithms; scientific computing.
Constantine Katsinis, PhD (University of Rhode Island). Teaching Professor. High-performance computer networks, parallel computer architectures with sustained teraflops performance, computer security, image processing.
Ehasn B. Khosroshahi, PhD (Drexel University). Assistant Teaching Professor. Computational cognitive modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analysis.
Edward Kim, PhD (Lehigh University). Associate Professor. Computer Vision, Sparse Coding, Neuromorphic Computing, Medical Image Processing, Computer Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Game Development
Galen Long, MS (Drexel University ). Assistant Teaching Professor.
Geoffrey Mainland, PhD (Harvard University). Associate Professor. High-level programming languages and runtime support for non-general purpose computation.
Spiros Mancoridis, PhD (University of Toronto) The Auerbach Berger Chair in Cybersecurity Distinguished Professor of Computer Science. Professor. Software engineering; software security; code analysis; evolutionary computation.
Adelaida Alban Medlock, MS (Drexel University) Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Affairs, Computer Science. Teaching Professor. Introductory programming; computer science education.
Krzysztof Nowak, PhD (Washington University). Associate Teaching Professor. Fourier analysis, partial differential equations, image processing, wavelets, asymptotic distribution of eigenvalues, numerical methods and algorithms, computer science education.
Santiago Ontañón, PhD (University of Barcelona). Associate Professor. Game AI, computer games, artificial intelligence, machine learning, case-based reasoning
Yusuf Osmanlioglu, PhD (Drexel University ). Assistant Teaching Professor. Graph theory and algorithms, brain network analysis, optimization, computer vision, natural language processing
Tammy Pirmann, Ed D (Gwynedd Mercy University). Teaching Professor. Introductory programming, object-oriented programming, game design, mobile computing, computer science education, computer science educator pipeline
Jeffrey L. Popyack, PhD (University of Virginia). Professor. Operations research, stochastic optimization, computational methods of Markov decision processes; artificial intelligence, computer science education.
Emmanouil Pountourakis, PhD (Northwestern University). Assistant Professor. Algorithmic game theory, algorithmic mechanism design, algorithmic aspects of behavioral economics, game theory and learning, computational and game theoretic aspects of energy grids
Jeffrey Salvage, MS (Drexel University). Teaching Professor. Object-oriented programming, multi-agent systems, software engineering, database theory, introductory programming, data structures.
Dario Salvucci, PhD (Carnegie Mellon University). Professor. Human computer interaction, cognitive science, machine learning, applications for driving.
Kurt Schmidt, MS (Drexel University). Associate Teaching Professor. Data structures, math foundations for computer science, programming tools, programming languages.
Ali Shokoufandeh, PhD (Rutgers University) Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Operations. Professor. Theory of algorithms, graph theory, combinational optimization, computer vision.
Brian Stuart, PhD (Purdue University). Associate Teaching Professor. Machine learning, networking, robotics, image processing, simulation, interpreters, data storage, operating systems, computer science, data communications, distributed/operating systems, accelerated computer programming, computer graphics.
Boris Valerstein, MS (Pennsylvania State University). Assistant Teaching Professor.
Dimitra Vista Teaching Professor. Database systems
Filippos Vokolos, PhD (Polytechnic University). Associate Teaching Professor. System architecture, principles of software design and construction, verification and validation methods for the development of large software systems, foundations of software engineering, software verification & validation, software design, programming languages, dependable software systems.
Kaidi Xu, PhD (Northeastern University). Assistant Professor. AI security, explainable artificial intelligence, optimization.

Emeritus Faculty

Bruce W. Char, PhD (University of California-Berkeley). Professor Emeritus. Symbolic mathematical computation, algorithms and systems for computer algebra, problem-solving environments parallel and distributed computation.
Valerie Ann Yonker, PhD (Drexel University). Associate Teaching Professor Emerita. Human service information systems, systems analysis and design, measurement in software evaluation, knowledge engineering.
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