| College: | Arts and Sciences |
| Degree: | B.A. |
| Limited Access: | Yes |
| Contact: | Kimberly Pack |
| Betty Stanton (distance learning/online) | |
| Address: | 203 Love Building |
| 1017 Academic Way | |
| Tallahassee, FL 32306-4530 | |
| Phone: | (850) 644-8700 (Pack); (850) 645-0056 (Stanton) |
| Email: | advisor@cs.fsu.edu (Pack) |
| stanton@cs.fsu.edu (Stanton) |
Note to prospective transfer students. Prospective transfer students should contact as-admissions@fsu.edu (Arts & Sciences Admissions) with specific questions about admission and mapping requirements.
Description of Major
This major provides a broad-based background sufficient for entry to a career in computing. It provides a systems view of computing, emphasizing the interdependence of design, object orientation, and distributed systems and networks, from basic software through systems design. This major develops core competencies in programming, database structure, computer organization, and operating systems. It allows opportunities to study a range of other aspects of computer and information science, such as information security, data communication/ networks, computer and network systems administration, theoretical computer science, and software engineering. Every student can expect to become proficient at programming in C , C++, and Assembly Language. Additionally, students will be exposed to other languages such as Java, C#, Ada, Lisp, Scheme, Prolog, Perl, and HTML. This major is available on campus or through Distance Learning.
The CS/BA program is intended to allow students flexibility in combining computing with other interests. The BA program requires 9 hours of humanities/history beyond Liberal Studies. Students in this program should meet with an advisor to select a minor from an approved list. The CS/BA is not ABET/CAC accredited and is not intended to provide sufficient preparation in computer science theory for graduate work in computer science.
Internet Supported Distance Learning
The programs available through internet-supported distance learning are degree programs that enable students with an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree from a Florida public institution to earn an FSU bachelor’s degree without moving to Tallahassee. The programs are designed for part time study. Each student receives access to a course Web site and the e-mail addresses of everyone associated with the class. A unique feature of the distance learning programs is the support FSU provides through an assigned Mentor. Mentors serve as learning guides, helping to facilitate each individual student’s success. Students interact with each other, their Mentors, and their instructors via e-mail, Web-based discussion pages, and telephone calls. Students interested in Distance Learning should contact the Office of Distance Learning (ODL). For more information contact (877) FLSTATE or visit the web at https://distance.fsu.edu .
Prerequisite Coursework:
MAC X311 (4) Calculus 1
Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org .
Requirements for graduation in the College of Arts and Sciences include:
The College of Arts and Science requires proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate (2220 or equivalent) level or sign language through the advanced (2614 or equivalent) level. Foreign language courses are not available via distance learning at FSU.
Admissions/Continuation Requirements to the Major Program of Studies
Students should complete the prerequisite coursework with a grade of C- or higher to be considered for entrance to the major program of study. Students must also have completed a minimum of 52 hours of credit and at least half the required hours in Liberal Studies including required English and Math, or an A.A degree. Distance Learning students must complete the A.A. from a Florida public institution, required prerequisites, and a Supplemental Admissions Application prior to admission. Distance Learning students should also complete the oral competency requirement and the College of Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement prior to admissions. In accordance with the University residency rule, degree requirements not available online must be completed prior to the final 30 hours of the degree. The Computer Science major is limited access. The minimum GPA for acceptance is 2.65 and students in the program must maintain a 2.5 GPA. A student who has accumulated more than 5 grades below a C- (including grades of U) in Mathematics, Statistics, natural science or computer science courses taken for college credit at FSU or elsewhere, whether reated or not, will not be permitted to continue as a major in the department.
Mapping
Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors. You may view the map for this major at www.academic-guide.fsu.edu.
Major Program of Studies at FSU: 52 hours
Computer and math courses (43 hours)
COP 3014 (3) Programming I
COP 3353 (1) Introduction to UNIX
COP 3330 (3) Object-Oriented Programming
CEN 4020 (3) Software Engineering I
CEN 4021 (3) Software Engineering II
CDA 3100 (3) Computer Organization I
CDA 3101 (3) Computer Organization II
COP 4020 (3) Programming Languages
COP 4610 (3) Operating Systems & Concurrent Programming
COP 4530 (3) Data Structures, Algorithms, and Generic Programming
COP 4710 (3) Theory and Structure of Databases
9 hours of computer science electives, including 3 hours of an upper-division programming language elective for CS majors (not presented in the required course offerings) and at least 6 hours numbered above 4000 (not including CIS 4250 or CIS 4900).
MAD 2104 (3) Discrete Mathematics I
Additional courses required for the BA program in Computer Science (9 hours)
Nine (9) hours in the fields of humanities and/or history, in addition to the Liberal Studies and the Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement.
Minor. CS/BA majors must complete a minimum of 12 hours in an approved minor area.
Computer Skills Competency: 0 hours beyond major. COP 3014 (3)
Oral Communication Competency: : 0-3 hours. Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may also be met through appropriate high school speech training or another college-level approved course, such as SPC 1017 or SPC 2608 or CIS 4250(3).
Minimum Program Requirements Summary
Total Hrs. Required 120
Liberal Studies 36*
BA Prerequisite Coursework 9*
BA Major Coursework 52
Minor Coursework 0-12 or more
Foreign Language 0-12 (depending on placement)
Computer Skills 0 beyond major
Oral Communication Competency 0-3
Electives to bring total hours to 120
*Note: Some prerequisite coursework may also be applied to Liberal Studies requirements in math and science.
Remarks:
1. A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.
4. The B. A. degree requires 9 additional hours in the fields of history and humanities.
Employment Information
Salary Information: National Association of Colleges and Employers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Programmer (Scientific, Business, Systems), Technical Writer, Systems Analyst, Operations-Research analyst, Software Engineer, Webmaster, Teacher of High School, Technical support Representative, Manager, Data Processing System Manager, Network Administrator, Sales Representative for Computer or Software Manufacturers.
Representative Employers: Computer Firms, High Schools, Colleges and Universities, Financial Firms, Private Industry, Governmental Agencies.
Updated: Summer 2015