Computer Science spans the range from theory through programming to cutting-edge development of computing solutions. Computer Science offers a foundation that permits graduates to adapt to new technologies and new ideas. The work of computer scientists falls into three categories:
- designing and building software
- developing effective ways to solve computing problems, such as storing information in databases, sending data over networks, or providing new approaches to security problems
- devising new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as robotics, computer vision, or digital forensics
Like most Computer Science programs, the YSU Computer Science major requires a significant mathematical background.
The Computer Science program leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science. The flexibility of the program allows the student many choices including a second minor.
This degree may be earned in eight semesters if students average 15 hours per semester.
The benefits of Computer Science bachelor's degree include:
- The median annual salary of $120,730 for software developers
- 25% projected job growth for software developers through 2031
The advantages of pursuing a Computer Science bachelor's degree at YSU include:
- Multiple terms throughout the year to help you start anytime to complete your degree.
- Full-time faculty access at any time
- Full-time faculty coverage of core courses
- One of the lowest tuition rates in the nation
- Intensive project-oriented courses
Computer Science spans the range from theory through programming to cutting-edge development of computing solutions. Computer Science offers a foundation that permits graduates to adapt to new technologies and new ideas. The work of computer scientists falls into three categories:
- designing and building software
- developing effective ways to solve computing problems, such as storing information in databases, sending data over networks, or providing new approaches to security problems
- devising new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as robotics, computer vision, or digital forensics
Like most Computer Science programs, the YSU Computer Science major requires significant mathematical background.
The Computer Science program leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science. The flexibility of the program allows the student many choices including a second minor.
This degree may be earned in eight semesters if students average 16 hours per semester.
In addition to completing all general University requirements, students wishing to receive the Bachelor of Science in computer science must complete the following:
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR REQUIREMENT -STUDENT SUCCESS | ||
| YSU 1500 | Success Seminar | 1-2 |
| or YSU 1500S | Youngstown State University Success Seminar | |
| or HONR 1500 | Intro to Honors | |
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENGL 1550 | Writing 1 | 3-4 |
| or ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 with Support | |
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 | 3 |
| Mathematics Requirement | ||
| MATH 1571 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| Arts and Humanities (1 course) | 3 | |
| PHIL 2625 | Introduction to Professional Ethics | 3 |
| Natural Sciences (2 courses; one course must include a lab) | 7 | |
| Social Science (2 courses) | 6 | |
| General Education Electives (9 s.h.) Any Gen Ed Courses | 9 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| CSIS 2610 & 2610L | Programming and Problem-Solving and Programming and Problem-Solving Lab | 4 |
| CSIS 3700 & 3700L | Data Structures and Objects and Data Structures and Objects Lab | 4 |
| CSIS 3701 | Advanced Object-oriented Programming | 3 |
| CSIS 3740 | Computer Organization | 4 |
| CSCI 3710 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CSCI 5806 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 5801 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSCI 5870 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| CSCI 4890 | Computer Projects At least 2 s.h. | 2-4 |
| ENGL 3743 | Introduction to Public, Professional and Technical Writing | 3 |
| or INFO 3704 | Business Communication | |
| Select at least 12 additional semester hours from CSCI or CSIS courses, or STEM 4890. This must include at least 9 s.h. from the following courses: | 12 | |
| Development of Databases | ||
| Networking Concepts and Administration | ||
| Information Assurance | ||
| Concepts of Programming Languages | ||
| Automata Theory | ||
| STEM Internship | ||
| Mathematics Minor | ||
| MATH 1572 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MATH 3720 | Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory | 3 |
| STAT 3743 | Probability and Statistics | 4 |
| Additional MATH course To meet 18 hour minor | 3 | |
| Free Electives Any courses to meet 120 total hours | 23 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 120-124 | |
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | S.H. | |
| YSU 1500 | Success Seminar or Youngstown State University Success Seminar or Intro to Honors | 1-2 |
| CSIS 2610 | Programming and Problem-Solving | 3 |
| CSIS 2610L | Programming and Problem-Solving Lab | 1 |
| MATH 1571 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| ENGL 1550 or ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 or Writing 1 with Support | 3-4 |
| Gen Ed Social Science | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 15-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSIS 3700 | Data Structures and Objects | 3 |
| CSIS 3700L | Data Structures and Objects Lab | 1 |
| MATH 1572 | Calculus 2 (minor) | 4 |
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 | 3 |
| Gen Ed Natural Science + Lab | 4 | |
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSIS 3701 | Advanced Object-oriented Programming | 3 |
| CSIS 3740 | Computer Organization | 4 |
| PHIL 2625 | Introduction to Professional Ethics (AH) | 3 |
| Gen Ed Arts & Humanities PHIL 2625 counts toward the remaining 3 cr AH Gen Ed req. | 3 | |
| Free Elective Any YSU course | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSCI 3710 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| MATH 3720 | Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory | 3 |
| ENGL 3743 or INFO 3704 | Introduction to Public, Professional and Technical Writing or Business Communication | 3 |
| Gen Ed Social Science | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Elective Any Gen Ed course in AH, NS, or SS | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSCI 5801 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSCI/CSIS Upper Division Elective or STEM 4890 | 3 | |
| STAT 3743 | Probability and Statistics | 4 |
| Free Elective Any YSU Course | 3 | |
| Free Elective Any YSU Course | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSCI/CSIS Upper Division Elective or STEM 4890 | 3 | |
| CSCI/CSIS Upper Division Elective or STEM 4890 | 3 | |
| Math Minor Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Natural Science | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Elective Any Gen Ed course in AH, NS, or SS | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSCI 5870 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| CSCI 4890 | Computer Projects | 2-4 |
| Free Elective Any YSU course | 3 | |
| Free Elective Any YSU course | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Elective Any Gen Ed course in AH, NS, or SS | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 14-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSCI 5806 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSCI/CSIS Upper Division Elective or STEM 4890 | 3 | |
| Free Elective Any YSU course | 3 | |
| Free Elective Any YSU course | 3 | |
| Free Elective Any course | 2 | |
| Semester Hours | 14 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 120-124 | |
Request a Graduation Evaluation after completing 80-85 s.h. from the STEM Advising Center, 2325 Moser Hall, (330) 941-2512.
Learning Outcomes
Computer science students in the BS degree program will:
- be able to analyze, design, implement and test computer programs by using the appropriate data structures and algorithms.
- obtain full-time employment as programmers, systems analysts, computer specialists and in other closely related fields or/and acceptance to graduate programs.
- communicate effectively with written reports and presentations.