Computer Science Degree (B.S.)

Overview

The Computer Science (CS) major has as its focus core CS areas of software design, data representation, data management, and transmission of data via files and networks. Application areas engaging CS majors are web development, computer hardware organization, networking, security, graphics, simulation and artificial intelligence. Generally, graduates of this program of study are recruited as systems programmers/administrators (with responsibilities in the areas of compiler, operating system or utility program design), network, database or security administrators, web programmers, scientific or application software engineers, designers, or analysts.

The CS program of study is based on the curricular recommendations of the ACM. The CS program has undergone curricular revision recently, and is kept up-to-date through not only its required courses, but also the choice of electives within it. The CS program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Computer Science Program Card
Computer Science Program's Educational Objectives
Computer Science Program's Student Outcomes
Computer Science Enrollment and Graduation Data

  • Internships

    ON & OFF CAMPUS

  • ABET Accredited

    Computing Accreditation Commission
    of the Accreditation Board for
    Engineering and Technology

Requirements

Program Description

Program Educational Objectives

Computer Science Program of Study

"Program Educational Objectives" are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. These Program Educational Objectives were developed, refined, and finalized with input and feedback from various constituencies involved in and concerned with the Computer Science program of study, including the DCIS faculty, the DCIS Advisory Board, representatives of local employers, computer science faculty from schools with graduate programs, and both graduates and current students of the Westfield State University computer science program.

Our graduates will be gainfully employed in a computer-related field, engaged in graduate study, or successfully involved in activities or careers that make use of the knowledge and abilities acquired in their computer science program of study. Our graduates will contribute to their workplaces and society in a manner that is meaningful, professional, and ethically responsible. Our graduates will have the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the workplace by acquiring, whether via graduate work, professional improvement opportunities, professional societies, or self-study, the knowledge and skills that will allow them to be successful. Our graduates will communicate effectively, so as to enable them to perform both collaborative work within teams and effective interaction with a broad range of audiences.

The members of the DCIS Advisory Board (i.e., the constituents of the Westfield State University Computer Science program) are local business leaders, industry employers, computer science faculty from schools with graduate programs, and both graduates and current students of the Westfield State University computer science program - all of whom have a direct stake in the quality of the educational program that we provide.

Computer Science Student Outcomes

Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgemnts in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

The CS program student outcomes are the student outcomes proposed by the ABET Computing Accreditation Board.

For information about the Mathematics and Computer Science Double Major, B.S. degree please click here.

Requirements for the Computer Science Major

The COMS program of study requires 79 credits in the major, to include 54 credits of direct CAIS study, and 25 credits in the supporting areas of mathematics, science, and technical writing (of which, 16 credits simultaneously fulfill four core course requirements). The requirements are as follow:

Direct CAIS Study - 54 Credits

Two of the following (CAIS Electives) - 6 Credits:

Non-CAIS Background and/or Core Courses - 25 credits

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in the Common Core.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
Westfield State Computer Science students in computer lab