Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2011-2012
Offering:
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (ABET Accredited)
The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
Why study Computer Science at SPSU?
What field of study has seen more technological developments that have become part of our daily lives in just a matter of the past few decades than any other? Developments such as the Internet and email, search engines, wi-fi, etc., virtually unknown a few decades ago, make computer science one of the strong contenders for this distinction!
Combining fundamental theory with hands-on lab work in current programming languages, the Computer Science degree gives students a breadth of knowledge -- of operating systems, architecture, networks, and databases -- in a high-tech environment. Our numerous labs are equipped with the latest technology, including a real-time lab with the most current commercial-grade software tools and an IT lab with its own server for management and IT courses. And in our classrooms, professors teach using networked computers and smart boards, and technologies that allow for interactive demonstrations of programs at work, and other innovative pedagogical techniques.
About the program
As preparation for diverse employment opportunities, the Computer Science program offers a wide range of Mathematics and Computer Science courses, such as Programming Language Concepts, Data Structures, and Algorithm Analysis. Students may elect to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, which offers a mix of rigor and exposure to current technologies, or the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, which offers flexibility, e.g., with a minor in one additional area of study. For student convenience, many classes are offered in the evenings, especially as students make progress toward graduation.
The Faculty
Each faculty member in Computer Science has his or her own specialty, from research to business applications. Our faculty members have completed research fellowships with the U.S. Air Force and other government labs, programmed business applications for Blue Cross Blue Shield, and developed and managed systems and software for IBM Corporation. They pass their expertise in the professional field along to their students, who go on to succeed professionally as well.
Patrick O. Bobbie, Professor
Venu G. Dasigi, Professor and Chair of Computer Science and Software Engineering
Thomas M. Eidson, Instructor
Bob Harbort, Professor
Chih-Cheng Hung, Professor
Edward Jung, Assistant Professor
Orlando A. Karam, Associate Professor
Chia-Tien (Dan) Lo, Associate Professor
Briana B. Morrison, Assistant Professor
Patricia R. Pierce, Senior Lecturer
Kai Qian, Professor
Are there learning opportunities outside the classroom?
Computer science students at SPSU can participate in the Aerial Robotics Club on campus, which placed second in the 2001 international competition sponsored by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems for an automatic pilot guiding program that was written for SPSU's aerial robotics machines. Students also compete in annual programming contests sponsored by the Association of Computer Machinery, a national professional organization with student chapters worldwide. Students have internship and co-op opportunities, as well.
What can I do with a Computer Science degree?
With a Computer Science degree, you are equipped to enter a variety of positions, from software development at a Fortune 500 company to game development, to just about anywhere your skills can take you – including winning an Oscar for animation technologies, as our alumni did in 2005! Graduates are often involved in software development, innovative applications and uses of computers, and new and improved solution techniques to hard problems. They gain many useful skills that are immediately applicable, but are well-founded in the fundamental concepts and are well on their way to lifelong learning in the rapidly changing technological workplace.
Will I find employment?
According to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top ten fastest jobs are either in health care or related to computing. Our close proximity to Atlanta opens up a world of internship, co-op, and full-time work opportunities to our students, as Atlanta is home to many major corporations that welcome SPSU students.
The Programs:
The baccalaureate programs in Computer Science emphasize the entire scope of computer science, ranging from basic hardware principles through the system and application software levels to the use and management of such systems.
The ABET-accredited (http://www.abet.org) Bachelor of Science degree is designed for students wanting a maximum technical preparation for their career.
The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students wanting to apply their knowledge of computer science to another area of study.
Both degrees have Core requirements, Major requirements, and Directed Electives. The Core provides basic coursework to ensure that the graduate is well-rounded as an educated individual.
The Major contains those CS and SWE courses considered fundamental to the field, regardless of any specialization. The Directed Electives provide depth beyond the Core to support the student's professional preparation.
Students in the BS degree program are required to have at least three science-related courses subject to the following rules:
There is also a five-year BSCS-MSSWE option for qualifying students.
This program is likely to be of great interest to those who pursue the BSCS program and are interested in entering the job market with a high degree of preparedness. On top of a strong CS foundation, graduates from this combined program will be trained in software project management, an in-depth understanding of requirements, design, testing, support, metrics, etc. and the processes of software development and management (if they choose MSSWE), or with advanced course work in the dynamic field of computer science (if they choose MSCS). Students can start taking MS core graduate classes right away, even before graduating with the BSCS. Specifically, while still working on the BSCS, students can take two graduate courses applicable to the target MS program as electives in their BSCS degree, and the courses also count towards the MS program. Students will be able to complete the MS program by taking only 10 more graduate courses in an additional year.
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