BS in Computer Science

The computer science major prepares students for careers in computer programming, software engineering, and systems analysis.

79-81 units

Computer science, like engineering disciplines, is an “applied science” that deals with how things ought to be. This is different from mathematics and other natural sciences that are concerned with how things are. Computer science is concerned with design and synthesis more than analysis and deduction (as with physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology).

The BS in Computer Science equips students to:

  • Understand the computational process and the design of software systems.
  • Analyze and design data structures and algorithms.
  • Understand programming concepts in order to acquire computer language proficiency independently.
  • Program computers with knowledge of at least two programming languages.
  • Understand and apply software development principles.

With dedicated faculty, small classes, excellent computer labs, and up-to-date software, computer science at Azusa Pacific University is challenging, professional, intellectually stimulating, and directly applicable to current problems in society and industry.

The computer science major covers the following topics:

  1. Artificial Intelligence
  2. Machine Learning
  3. Cybersecurity
  4. Social Media
  5. Mobile Apps
  6. All functional levels of computing, from applications to microcode
  7. Programming theory and practice (in multiple languages)
  8. Software engineering: principles, procedures, techniques, and applications

Upper-level electives are available in advanced topics such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, software engineering, Internet of Things (IoT), and computer security. Students who plan to pursue an advanced degree in computer science should review their program of studies with their advisor as early as possible.

Career Opportunities

The BS in Computer Science prepares graduates for advanced studies and careers in fields such as computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, telecommunications, and systems analysis. 

The computer science program requires an internship. Students gain hands-on experience at several local and national businesses and organizations that continue to turn to APU to seek our students for internships and employment. Employment opportunities include careers as systems programmers, software engineers, scientific programmers, high school computer science and mathematics teachers, and other computing fields. Missionary and other Christian organizations need computer science graduates for their increasingly complex applications, such as Bible translation work, as well as administrative, financial, fundraising, and technical support activities. Job opportunities are available globally.

Requirements

Academic advising is required each semester; consult with the department for each semester’s offerings, since courses are not necessarily offered every semester.

BS in Computer Science students are required to have a laptop for classroom work.

Computer Science Core Courses 1
CS 115Impact of Social Media 23
CS/ENGR 120Introduction to Computer Science I 34
CS/ENGR 125Introduction to Computer Science II4
CS 230Systems Programming and Operating Systems3
CS/ENGR 260Algorithms and Data Structures3
CS 290Database Management Systems 33
CS 360Computer Architecture and Organization3
CS 470Software Engineering 43
CS 480Senior Capstone Project 33
CS 491Computer Science Internship 43
ENGR 101Introduction to Engineering and Computing 53
ENGR 110STEM as Vocation 63
WRIT 242Writing 2: Entrepreneurial Tech Start-ups 73
Select at least one of the following (if both are selected, one will count as an elective):3
Web Programming
Mobile App Development
Math Courses15
Calculus I
Calculus II
Discrete Structures
Choose two of the following:
Applied Linear Algebra
Introduction to Modeling with Probability
Numerical Analysis
Natural Sciences Courses8-10
Choose two of the following:
Physics for Science and Engineering I 8
Physics for Science and Engineering II
General Chemistry I 8
General Chemistry II
General Biology I 8
General Biology II
Select 12 units from the list of electives below.12
Total Units79-81

Computer Science Elective Courses 

CS 242/ENGR 240Digital Logic Systems 34
CS 315Fundamentals of Network Administration3
CS 325Telecommunications and Interfacing3
CS 363Web Programming3
CS 370Compiler Construction3
CS 430Artificial Intelligence3
CS 432Machine Learning3
CS 435Advanced Database Application Programming3
CS 440Mobile App Development3
CS/ENGR 452Internet of Things3
CS 460Software Project3
CS 465Team Software Project1-3
CS 484Cyber Security3
CS 495Topics in Computer Science3
CS 496Writing 3: Ethics in Computing and Engineering 13
CS 497Readings1-4
CS 498Directed Research1-4
CS 499Thesis/Project1-4
ENGR 335Embedded Systems4
ENGR 340Digital Signal Processing3
ENGR 350Computer Networks3
1

The Writing 3 course recommended by the Department of Engineering and Computer Science is CS 496

2

Meets the General Education Social Sciences requirement.

3

Meets 1 unit of the General Education Oral Communication requirement (taking CS 120, CS 290, and CS 480—or CS 120, ENGR 240, and ENGR 480—satisfies the General Education Oral Communication requirement).

4

Meets the General Education Integrative and Applied Learning requirement.

5

Meets the General Education Civic Knowledge and Engagement Requirement.

6

Meets the General Education Intercultural Competence requirement.

7

Meets the General Education Writing 2 requirement. 

8

Meets the General Education Natural Sciences requirement.

Students must start with CS 120 Introduction to Computer Science I during their first semester at Azusa Pacific University. Math is also extremely important for students within our major. It is imperative that students determine which math course they qualify for and enroll in that course their first semester, continuing with all math courses until they have completed math requirements for the computer science major. If the student does not know which math course they qualify for, they should contact the Academic Success Center at (626) 815-3849 to make an appointment for placement testing.

See the Student Services Center and/or the Academic Success Center for all General Education advising. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program shall be able to:
  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
  7. Apply scientific knowledge of computation comprising computer architecture, algorithm analysis, programming principles, and software design.