BS in Computer Science
72-75 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:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Social Media
- Mobile Apps
- All functional levels of computing, from applications to microcode
- Programming theory and practice (in multiple languages)
- 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 they are not necessarily the same every semester.
BS in Computer Science students are required to have a laptop for classroom work.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Core Courses | ||
| CS 120 | Introduction to Computer Science I 1 | 4 |
| CS 125 | Introduction to Computer Science II | 4 |
| CS 230 | Systems Programming and Operating Systems | 3 |
| CS 260 | Algorithms and Data Structures | 3 |
| CS 290 | Database Management Systems 1 | 3 |
| CS 315 | Computer Networks and Distributed Systems | 3 |
| CS 360 | Computer Architecture and Organization | 3 |
| CS 470 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS 480 | Senior Capstone Project 1 | 3 |
| CS 342 | STEM Writing and Communication | 3 |
| Select at least one of the following (if both are selected, one will count as an elective): | 3 | |
| Web Programming | ||
| Mobile App Development | ||
| Math Courses | ||
| MATH 165 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 166 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CS 160 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| MATH 361 | Introduction to Modeling with Probability | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Multivariable Calculus | ||
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Natural Sciences Courses 2 | 8-10 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Physics Laboratory I and Physics Laboratory II and Physics for Science and Engineering: Mechanics and Physics for Science and Engineering: Electricity and Magnetism | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| General Biology I and General Biology II | ||
| Select 12 units from the list of electives below. | 12 | |
| Total Units | 72-75 | |
Computer Science Elective Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CS 363 | Web Programming | 3 |
| CS 432 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| CS 440 | Mobile App Development | 3 |
| CS/ENGR 452 | Internet of Things | 3 |
| CS 484 | Cyber Security | 3 |
| CS 491 | Computer Science Internship | 1-3 |
- 1
Meets 1 unit of the APU Core: Oral Communication general education requirement (taking CS 120, CS 290, and CS 480—or ENGR 120, ENGR 240, and ENGR 480—satisfies the Oral Communication requirement).
- 2
Meets the APU Core: Natural Science general education 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 APU Core general education advising.