Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin

Computer Science (B.A.)


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Program: B.A.
Department of Computer Science  
College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science

Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science Building 125 ~ 260-481-6803 ~ www.ipfw.edu/cs


The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows:

  • An ability to apply knowledge of computing in a discipline, such as, Biology, Business, Mathematics, Visual Communication and Design, or Professional Writing appropriate to the combined discipline.
  • An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solutions.
  • 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 trade-offs involved in design choices.
  • An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

The B.A. program in Computer Science (BA CS) is to provide a degree path to students who want to combine a solid degree in Computer Science with an in-depth focus on a second area of interest. Consequently, the BA CS degree reduces the number of credit hours of specific support in courses as required by the current BS CS degree in order to make these hours available for an approved Area of Discipline. Both BA CS and BS CS programs have the same CS core and concentration area requirements:  All but one of the Core courses of the BS CS degree (39 credits) together with completion of courses in the Computer Science Concentration Area courses (15 credits) is also required for the BA CS. As a consequence, the BA CS will offer interested students an interdisciplinary degree that will form a solid foundation for an attractive career path. This program would more efficiently serve our students in achieving their academic goals as well as in finding jobs after graduation.

Accreditation

  • The B.S. in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Program Delivery

  • The Computer Science program is mainly delivered through on-campus courses. However, limited number of courses are available as hybrid courses.

Declaring This Major

General Requirements

IPFW General Education Requirements Credits: 33-35


General Education Requirements    

Category A: Foundational Intellectual Skills


Category B: Interdisciplinary or Creative Ways of Knowing


4. Scientific Ways of Knowing Credits: 6-10


General Education Requirements  

  • See the approved list of Category B Competency 4 courses on the IPFW General Education Program web page. To avoid taking multiple courses, the Department recommends choosing a course that covers all learning outcomes.

5. Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing Credits: 3


General Education Requirements  

  • See the approved list of Category B Competency 5 courses on the IPFW General Education Program web page. To avoid taking multiple courses, the Department recommends choosing a course that covers all learning outcomes.

6. Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing Credits: 3


General Education Requirements  

  • See the approved list of Category B Competency 6 courses on the IPFW General Education Program web page. To avoid taking multiple courses, the Department recommends choosing a course that covers all learning outcomes.

7. Interdisciplinary or Creative Ways of Knowing Credits: 3


General Education Requirements  

  • See the approved list of Category B Competency 7 courses on the IPFW General Education Program web page. To avoid taking multiple courses, the Department recommends choosing a course that covers all learning outcomes. Some courses also satisfy the Advanced Communication requirement.

General Education Electives Credits: 0-3


General Education Requirements  

  • Any course listed in Category A or B on the IPFW General Education Program web page.

Category C: Capstone


8. Capstone Experience Credits: 3


General Education Requirements  

  • See the approved list of courses in Category C Competency 8 on the IPFW General Education Program web page. The Capstone requirement may be satisfied by taking an appropriate Computer Science course.

Supporting Courses Credits: 9


Advanced Communication Credits: 3


The Advanced Communication requirement may be satisfied by any COM or ENG course with a prerequisite of COM 114 or ENG W131. Any of ENG W233, COM 303, 318, 310, or 320 is recommended.

Area of Discipline: 24


  • Any minor program offered in any discipline other than CS. Must take additional approved 300/400 level courses of that selected Area of Discipline sufficient to bring total to at least 24 cr. hrs. Credits allocated to General Education Requirements may be replaced by any approved elective.

Areas of Concentrations: 15 Credit Hours


To satisfy the Concentration Area requirement, at least six credit hours must be chosen from one area. CS 46500  is required for all areas. The remaining credits may be distributed among the other Areas. With Departmental approval, up to six hours may be chosen from CS 49200  , CS 49400  or CS 49500  .

Minor in Computer Science


GPA Requirement


  • You must satisfy the IPFW and the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science Cumulative GPA requirement for graduation.

Academic Regulations Specific to Computer Science


  • Only Computer Science Courses in which you have earned a grade of C or better can be applied to the degree or used to satisfy prerequisites.
  • Only courses with a grade of C- or better count to satisfy the IPFW general education requirements.
  • A maximum of 10 credits with a grade of D will be accepted in non-CS courses.
  • No credit toward graduation will be given for courses or sequences with overlapping content.
  • Preparation courses ENGL W129/W130/R150/R190/P131 and MA 109/113/153/154 do not count for credit towards the CS degree.

Student Responsibilities


You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program. Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career. All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.

Total Credits: 120


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