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 164 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3.0 |
CS 171 | Computer Programming I | 3.0 |
or CS 175 | Advanced Computer Programming I | |
CS 172 | Computer Programming II | 3.0 |
or CS 176 | Advanced Computer Programming II | |
CS 260 | Data Structures | 3.0 |
CS 265 | Advanced Programming Tools and Techniques | 3.0 |
CS 270 | Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science | 3.0 |
CS 277 | Algorithms and Analysis | 3.0 |
CS 281 | Systems Architecture | 4.0 |
CS 283 | Systems Programming | 3.0 |
CS 360 | Programming Language Concepts | 3.0 |
SE 181 | Introduction to Software Engineering and Development | 3.0 |
SE 310 | Software Architecture I | 3.0 |
Computer Science track courses (see below) | 18.0 | |
Computer Science electives (see below) | 6.0 | |
Computing & Informatics Requirements | ||
CI 101 | Computing and Informatics Design I | 2.0 |
CI 102 | Computing and Informatics Design II | 2.0 |
CI 103 | Computing and Informatics Design III | 2.0 |
CI 491 [WI] | Senior Project I | 3.0 |
CI 492 [WI] | Senior Project II | 3.0 |
CI 493 [WI] | Senior Project III | 3.0 |
Mathematics Requirements | ||
MATH 121 | Calculus I | 4.0 |
MATH 122 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
MATH 123 | Calculus III | 4.0 |
MATH 200 | Multivariate Calculus | 4.0 |
MATH 201 | Linear Algebra | 4.0 |
MATH 221 | Discrete Mathematics | 3.0 |
MATH 311 | Probability and Statistics I | 4.0 |
Science Requirements | 19.0 | |
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 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
or ENGL 111 | English Composition I | |
ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
or ENGL 112 | English Composition II | |
ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
or ENGL 113 | English Composition III | |
PHIL 311 | Ethics and Information Technology | 3.0 |
Writing & Communication electives (see below) | 6.0 | |
Arts & Humanities, Business, or Social Studies electives (see below) * | 18.0 | |
University Requirements | ||
UNIV CI101 | The Drexel Experience | 2.0 |
or CI 120 | CCI Transfer Student Seminar | |
CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
COOP 101 | Career Management and Professional Development ** | 1.0 |
Free electives | 21.5 | |
Total Credits | 186.5 |
* | At least 3.0 credit must be taken from a Business category course (see below) and at least 3.0 credits must be from a Social Studies category course (see below) |
** | Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101. |
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 electives: any CS course numbered 300 or higher
- Science electives: any CHEM (except CHEM 111, CHEM 112, CHEM 113, CHEM 114, CHEM 151), BIO (except BIO 161, BIO 162, BIO 163; can take only one of BIO 100, BIO 107; can take only one of BIO 101, BIO 109), PHYS (except PHYS 050, PHYS 100, PHYS 105, PHYS 151, PHYS 160, PHYS 305, PHYS 324,PHYS 405; cannot take both PHYS 131 & PHYS 181), ENVS, ENSS, PHEV
- Writing & Communications electives: any WRIT, COM, ENGL courses officially certified as Writing Intensive (WI), SCRP 270 [WI] and SCRP 275 [WI]
- Business electives: any ACCT, BLAW, BUSN, ECON, ENTP, FIN, HRMT, INTB, MGMT, MIS, MKTG, OPM, OPR, ORGB, STAT, TAX
- Social Studies electives: any AFAS, ANTH, GST, HIST, JWST, PSCI, PSY, SOC, WGST
- Arts & Humanities electives: any ARCH, ARTH, CMGT, CJS, COM, CULA, DANC, EDEX, EDUC, ENGL (except ENGL 101, ENGL 102, ENGL 103, ENGL 105, ENGL 111, ENGL 112, ENGL 113), ESTM, FASH, FMST, FMTV, GST, INTR, LING, MUSC, PHIL, PHTO, THTR, VSCM, VSST, WRIT, Foreign Language courses as defined by the College of Arts and Sciences, and GMAP 260, ANIM 140, ANIM 141, ANIM 211, ANIM 212
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 440 | Theory of Computation | 3.0 |
CS 457 | Data Structures and Algorithms I | 4.0 |
CS 458 | Data Structures and Algorithms II | 3.0 |
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 | ||
or CS 342 | 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 | ||
or CS 342 | 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 311 | Software Architecture II | 3.0 |
SE 320 | Software Verification and Validation | 3.0 |
SE 410 | Software Evolution | 3.0 |
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 303 | Algorithmic Number Theory and Cryptography | 3.0 |
CS 377 | Software Security | 3.0 |
CS 475 | Network Security | 3.0 |
Fulfill the Computing Systems Track | ||
CS 361 | Concurrent Programming | 3.0 |
CS 370 | Operating Systems | 3.0 |
CS 472 | Computer Networks: Theory, Applications and Programming | 3.0 |
As General CS Electives | ||
CS 465 | Privacy and Trust | 3.0 |
CS 479 | Advanced Network Security | 3.0 |
As a Business Elective | ||
ECON 201 | Principles of Microeconomics | 4.0 |
As a Social Studies Elective | ||
PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
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 341 | Serious Game Development | 3.0 |
or CS 342 | Experimental Game Development | |
GMAP 378 | Game Development: Workshop II | 3.0 |
GMAP 377 | Game Development: Workshop I | 3.0 |
Fulfill the Graphics and Interaction Track (by sharing CS 341 or CS 342 with the other track) | ||
CS 345 | Computer Game Design and Development | 3.0 |
CS 387 | Game AI Development | 3.0 |
Required Choices for Arts and Humanities Electives | ||
ANIM 140 | Computer Graphics Imagery I | 3.0 |
ANIM 211 | Animation I | 3.0 |
GMAP 260 | Overview of Computer Gaming | 3.0 |
VSST 110 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
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 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
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 164 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3.0 |
CS 171 | Computer Programming I | 3.0 |
or CS 175 | Advanced Computer Programming I | |
CS 172 | Computer Programming II | 3.0 |
or CS 176 | Advanced Computer Programming II | |
CS 260 | Data Structures | 3.0 |
CS 265 | Advanced Programming Tools and Techniques | 3.0 |
CS 270 | Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science | 3.0 |
CS 277 | Algorithms and Analysis | 3.0 |
CS 281 | Systems Architecture | 4.0 |
CS 283 | Systems Programming | 3.0 |
CS 360 | Programming Language Concepts | 3.0 |
SE 181 | Introduction to Software Engineering and Development | 3.0 |
SE 310 | Software Architecture I | 3.0 |
Computer Science track courses (see below) | 18.0 | |
Computer Science electives (see below) | 6.0 | |
Computing & Informatics Requirements | ||
CI 101 | Computing and Informatics Design I | 2.0 |
CI 102 | Computing and Informatics Design II | 2.0 |
CI 103 | Computing and Informatics Design III | 2.0 |
CI 491 [WI] | Senior Project I | 3.0 |
CI 492 [WI] | Senior Project II | 3.0 |
CI 493 [WI] | Senior Project III | 3.0 |
Mathematics Requirements | ||
MATH 121 | Calculus I | 4.0 |
MATH 122 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
MATH 123 | Calculus III | 4.0 |
MATH 200 | Multivariate Calculus | 4.0 |
MATH 201 | Linear Algebra | 4.0 |
MATH 221 | Discrete Mathematics | 3.0 |
MATH 311 | Probability and Statistics I | 4.0 |
Science Requirements | 18.0 | |
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 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
or ENGL 111 | English Composition I | |
ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
or ENGL 112 | English Composition II | |
ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
or ENGL 113 | English Composition III | |
PHIL 311 | Ethics and Information Technology | 3.0 |
Arts Humanities, Business, or Social Studies electives (see below) | 6.0 | |
Disciplinary Minor | 24.0 | |
University Requirements | ||
CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
COOP 101 | Career Management and Professional Development * | 1.0 |
UNIV CI101 | The Drexel Experience | 2.0 |
or CI 120 | CCI Transfer Student Seminar | |
Free electives | 16.5 | |
Total Credits | 186.5 |
* | Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101. |
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 electives: any CS course numbered 300 or higher
- Science electives: any CHEM (except CHEM 111, CHEM 112, CHEM 113, CHEM 114, CHEM 151), BIO (except BIO 161, BIO 162, BIO 163; can take only one of BIO 100, BIO 107; can take only one of BIO 101, BIO 109). PHYS (except PHYS 050, PHYS 100, PHYS 105,PHYS 151, PHYS 160, PHYS 305, PHYS 324, PHYS 405; cannot take both PHYS 131 & PHYS 181); ENVS, ENSS, PHEV
- Social Studies electives: any AFAS, ANTH, GST, HIST, JWST, PSCI, PSY, SOC, WGST
- Arts & Humanities electives: any ARCH, ARTH, CMGT, CJS, COM, CULA, DANC, EDEX, EDUC, ENGL (except ENGL 101, ENGL 102, ENGL 103, ENGL 111,ENGL 112,ENGL 113), ESTM, FASH, FMST, FMTV, GST, INTR, LING, MUSC, PHIL, PHTO, THTR, VSCM, VSST, WRIT, Foreign Language courses as defined by the College of Arts and Sciences, and GMAP 260, ANIM 140, ANIM 141, ANIM 211, ANIM 212
- Business electives: any ACCT, BLAW, BUSN, ECON, ENTP, FIN, HRMT, INTB, MGMT, MIS, MKTG, OPM, OPR, ORGB, STAT, TAX
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 440 | Theory of Computation | 3.0 |
CS 457 | Data Structures and Algorithms I | 4.0 |
CS 458 | Data Structures and Algorithms II | 3.0 |
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 | ||
or CS 342 | 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 | ||
or CS 342 | 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 311 | Software Architecture II | 3.0 |
SE 320 | Software Verification and Validation | 3.0 |
SE 410 | Software Evolution | 3.0 |
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 |
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 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
CI 101 | 2.0 | CI 102 | 2.0 | CI 103 | 2.0 | VACATION | |
CS 164 | 3.0 | CIVC 101 | 1.0 | CS 172 or 176 | 3.0 | ||
ENGL 101 or 111 | 3.0 | COOP 101* | 1.0 | ENGL 103 or 113 | 3.0 | ||
MATH 121 | 4.0 | CS 171 or 175 | 3.0 | MATH 123 | 4.0 | ||
UNIV CI101 | 1.0 | ENGL 102 or 112 | 3.0 | UNIV CI101 | 1.0 | ||
Science Lab | 4.5 | MATH 122 | 4.0 | Science Lab | 4.5 | ||
Science Lab | 4.5 | ||||||
17.5 | 18.5 | 17.5 | 0 | ||||
Second Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
CS 265 | 3.0 | CS 260 | 3.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
CS 270 | 3.0 | MATH 200 | 4.0 | ||||
MATH 201 | 4.0 | MATH 221 | 3.0 | ||||
SE 181 | 3.0 | Free Elective | 3.0 | ||||
Social Studies Elective | 3.0 | Science Elective | 3.0 | ||||
16 | 16 | 0 | 0 | ||||
Third Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
COM 230 | 3.0 | CS 283 | 3.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
CS 277 | 3.0 | CS 360 | 3.0 | ||||
CS 281 | 4.0 | Free Elective | 3.0 | ||||
SE 310 | 3.0 | Science Elective | 3.0 | ||||
Free Elective | 3.0 | Writing & Communication Elective | 3.0 | ||||
16 | 15 | 0 | 0 | ||||
Fourth Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
MATH 311 | 4.0 | Arts & Humanities | 3.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
PHIL 311 | 3.0 | Business Elective | 4.0 | ||||
Arts & Humanities Elective | 3.0 | Computer Science Elective | 3.0 | ||||
Computer Science Electives | 6.0 | Free Elective | 3.0 | ||||
Science Electitve | 3.0 | ||||||
16 | 16 | 0 | 0 | ||||
Fifth Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
CI 491 | 3.0 | CI 492 | 3.0 | CI 493 | 3.0 | ||
Arts & Humanities Elective | 3.0 | Arts & Humanities Elective | 3.0 | Computer Science Elective | 3.0 | ||
Computer Science Electives | 6.0 | Computer Science Electives | 6.0 | Free Elective | 3.0 | ||
Free Elective | 2.0 | Writing & Communication Elective | 3.0 | ||||
14 | 12 | 12 | |||||
Total Credits 186.5 |
* | Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4 year, 5-year) and major. COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101. |
4-Year Spring Summer Coop Cycle
First Year | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
CI 101 | 2.0 | CI 102 | 2.0 | CI 103 | 2.0 | ||
CS 164 | 3.0 | CIVC 101 | 1.0 | CS 172 or 176 | 3.0 | ||
MATH 121 | 4.0 | CS 171 or 175 | 3.0 | ENGL 103 or 113 | 3.0 | ||
ENGL 101 or 111 | 3.0 | ENGL 102 or 112 | 3.0 | MATH 123 | 4.0 | ||
UNIV CI101 | 1.0 | MATH 122 | 4.0 | UNIV CI101 | 1.0 | ||
Science Lab | 4.5 | Science Lab | 4.5 | Science Lab | 4.5 | ||
17.5 | 17.5 | 17.5 | |||||
Second Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
CS 265 | 3.0 | CS 260 | 3.0 | COM 230 | 3.0 | CS 283 | 3.0 |
CS 270 | 3.0 | COOP 101* | 1.0 | CS 277 | 3.0 | CS 360 | 3.0 |
MATH 201 | 4.0 | MATH 200 | 4.0 | CS 281 | 4.0 | Science Elective | 3.0 |
SE 181 | 3.0 | MATH 221 | 3.0 | SE 310 | 3.0 | Writing & Communication Elective | 3.0 |
Social Studies Elective | 3.0 | Science Elective | 3.0 | Free Elective | 3.0 | Free Elective | 3.0 |
Free Elective | 2.0 | ||||||
16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | ||||
Third Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
MATH 311 | 4.0 | Arts & Humanities Elective | 3.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
PHIL 311 | 3.0 | Business Elective | 4.0 | ||||
Computer Science Electives | 6.0 | Computer Science Elective | 3.0 | ||||
Arts & Humanities Elective | 3.0 | Science Elective | 3.0 | ||||
Free Elective | 3.0 | ||||||
16 | 16 | 0 | 0 | ||||
Fourth Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
CI 491 | 3.0 | CI 492 | 3.0 | CI 493 | 3.0 | ||
Arts & Humanities Elective | 3.0 | Arts & Humanities Elective | 3.0 | Computer Science Elective | 3.0 | ||
Computer Science Electives | 6.0 | Computer Science Electives | 6.0 | Writing & Communications Elective | 3.0 | ||
Free Elective | 3.0 | Free Elective | 3.0 | ||||
15 | 12 | 12 | |||||
Total Credits 186.5 |
* | Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer only) based on their co-op program (5-year or 4-year) and major. COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101. |
Sample Plan of Study (BA)
4 year, one co-op
First Year | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
CI 101 | 2.0 | CI 102 | 2.0 | CI 103 | 2.0 | VACATION | |
CS 164 | 3.0 | CIVC 101 | 1.0 | CS 172 or 176 | 3.0 | ||
ENGL 101 or 111 | 3.0 | COOP 101* | 1.0 | ENGL 103 or 113 | 3.0 | ||
MATH 121 | 4.0 | CS 171 or 175 | 3.0 | MATH 123 | 4.0 | ||
UNIV C101 | 1.0 | ENGL 102 or 112 | 3.0 | UNIV C101 | 1.0 | ||
Science lab | 4.5 | MATH 122 | 4.0 | Science lab | 4.5 | ||
Science lab | 4.5 | ||||||
17.5 | 18.5 | 17.5 | 0 | ||||
Second Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
CS 265 | 3.0 | CS 260 | 3.0 | COM 230 | 3.0 | CS 283 | 3.0 |
CS 270 | 3.0 | MATH 221 | 3.0 | CS 277 | 3.0 | CS 360 | 3.0 |
MATH 201 | 4.0 | Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 | CS 281 | 4.0 | MATH 200 | 4.0 |
SE 181 | 3.0 | Free elective | 3.0 | SE 310 | 3.0 | Arts & Humaniries, Business, and Social Studies elective | 3.0 |
Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 | Science elective | 4.5 | Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 | Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 |
16 | 16.5 | 16 | 16 | ||||
Third Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
MATH 311 | 4.0 | Arts & Humanities, Business, and Social Studies elective | 3.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
PHIL 311 | 3.0 | Computer Science elective | 3.0 | ||||
Computer Science electives | 6.0 | Disciplinary Minor electives | 6.0 | ||||
Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 | Free elective | 3.0 | ||||
16 | 15 | 0 | 0 | ||||
Fourth Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
CI 491 | 3.0 | CI 492 | 3.0 | CI 493 | 3.0 | ||
Computer Science electives | 6.0 | Computer Science electives | 6.0 | Computer Science elective | 3.0 | ||
Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 | Free elective | 3.0 | Free electives | 6.0 | ||
Free elective | 1.5 | ||||||
13.5 | 12 | 12 | |||||
Total Credits 186.5 |
* | Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101. |
5 year, 3 co-op
First Year | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
CI 101 | 2.0 | CI 102 | 2.0 | CI 103 | 2.0 | VACATION | |
CS 164 | 3.0 | CIVC 101 | 1.0 | CS 172 or 176 | 3.0 | ||
ENGL 101 | 3.0 | COOP 101* | 1.0 | ENGL 103 or 113 | 3.0 | ||
MATH 121 | 4.0 | CS 171 or 175 | 3.0 | MATH 123 | 4.0 | ||
UNIV C101 | 1.0 | ENGL 102 or 112 | 3.0 | UNIV C101 | 1.0 | ||
Science lab | 4.5 | MATH 122 | 4.0 | Science lab | 4.5 | ||
Science lab | 4.5 | ||||||
17.5 | 18.5 | 17.5 | 0 | ||||
Second Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
CS 265 | 3.0 | CS 260 | 3.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
CS 270 | 3.0 | MATH 221 | 3.0 | ||||
MATH 201 | 4.0 | Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 | ||||
SE 181 | 3.0 | Free elective | 3.0 | ||||
Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 | Science elective | 4.5 | ||||
16 | 16.5 | 0 | 0 | ||||
Third Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
COM 230 | 3.0 | CS 283 | 3.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
CS 277 | 3.0 | CS 360 | 3.0 | ||||
CS 281 | 4.0 | MATH 200 | 4.0 | ||||
SE 310 | 3.0 | Arts & Humaniries, Business, and Social Studies elective | 3.0 | ||||
Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 | Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 | ||||
16 | 16 | 0 | 0 | ||||
Fourth Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
MATH 311 | 4.0 | Arts & Humanities, Business, and Social Studies elective | 3.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
PHIL 311 | 3.0 | Computer Science elective | 3.0 | ||||
Computer Science electives | 6.0 | Disciplinary Minor electives | 6.0 | ||||
Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 | Free elective | 3.0 | ||||
16 | 15 | 0 | 0 | ||||
Fifth Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
CI 491 | 3.0 | CI 492 | 3.0 | CI 493 | 3.0 | ||
Computer Science electives | 6.0 | Computer Science electives | 6.0 | Computer Science elective | 3.0 | ||
Disciplinary Minor elective | 3.0 | Free elective | 3.0 | Free electives | 6.0 | ||
Free elective | 1.5 | ||||||
13.5 | 12 | 12 | |||||
Total Credits 186.5 |
* | Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101. |
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