Computer Science Major
Students who choose the Computer Science major have the option to add on the Systems and Theory emphasis in their junior and senior years. As a freshman or sophomore Computer Science major, your focus is on a basic core of courses. Both the major and the emphasis focus on software development, with the differences between them determined by the types of software development skills that you learn.
The following is a brief summary describing the courses required for the major and emphasis. For more detail on course descriptions and course rotations, see the advisement bulletin.
Core Courses
| Course | Credits |
| CS 212 Discrete Structures | 3 cr. |
| CS 221 Object Oriented Design and Programming I | 3 cr. |
| CS 251 Computer Architecture and Assembly Language | 3 cr. |
| CS 262 Object Oriented Design and Programming II | 4 cr. |
| CS 271 Data Structures | 4 cr. |
| CS321 Algorithms | 3 cr. |
| CS 331 Programming Languages | 3 cr. |
| CS 341 Software Engineering I | 3 cr. |
| PHIL 350 Computing Ethics | 3 cr. |
| IS 208 Professional Career Skills in Math and Natural Science | 1 cr. |
| One of the following: | |
| CS 399 Internship in Computer Science | 3 cr. |
| CS 490 Practicum in Computer Science | 3 cr. |
Total: |
33 cr. |
Computer Science Major
The major focuses on knowledge and skills for the design, development, maintenance, and management of software, including software for the operation of instrumentation. It is appropriate for students preparing for careers as systems programmers, systems analysts, software engineers, or computer-based instrumentation specialists.
Requirements in addition to the computer science core:
|
Course |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Either Math 171 Calculus I or Math 206 Mathematics for Business Analysis II |
4-5 cr. |
|
Either Math 201 Applied Statistics, Math 301 Introduction to Probability and Statistics, or Econ 210 Economic and Business Statistics |
3 cr. |
|
Electives: 12 credits from the electives courses list. |
12 cr. |
|
Total |
19-20 cr. |
Systems and Theory Emphasis
This emphasis focuses on the fundamental practical and theoretical foundations of computer science, providing an in-depth understanding of both the software and hardware components of computer systems. It is appropriate for students preparing for careers in scientific computing or research, and for students planning to pursue graduate degrees.
The emphasis is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Requirements in addition to the computer science core:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| CS 310 Computer Organization and Design | 3 cr. |
| CS 381 Theory of Computing | 3 cr. |
| CS 421 Operating Systems | 3 cr. |
| CS 431 Compilers | 3 cr. |
| CS 499 Computer Science Assessment | 0 cr. |
| Math 171 Calculus I | 5 cr. |
| Math 172 Calculus II OR Math 256 Linear Mathematics | 3-4 cr. |
| Math 201 Applied Statistics OR Math 301 Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 3 cr. |
| Electives: 6 credits from the elective courses list. The chosen electives must not appear above as requirements for the Systems and Theory emphasis. | 6 cr. |
| Total | 29-30 cr. |
Important Notes:
- The Systems and Theory (ST) Emphasis is open only to students pursuing the B.S. degree.
- The math and science requirements of the ST emphasis necessitate completion of Mathematics 171, 172 or 256, 201 or 301, CS 212, CS 381; plus an additional 15 units (credits) from other math and science courses. In selecting courses for these additional 15 units (credits), science courses must be chosen to insure the student meets the general university natural science requirement for a B.S. degree, and math courses must be numbered 222 or above.
- CS 499 is open only to ST emphasis students who are in their final semester. Enrolled students must take the Major Field Test in Computer Science.
The UW Oshkosh Computer Science Systems and Theory Emphasis is accredited by ABET. Accreditation is a process by which an organization, conducts a review of the program to determine whether the program meets the standards set by the profession. In accordance with ABET, all graduates must meet certain specific distribution requirements.