Program Description
The Department offers three separate programs in computing. Two of these programs provide a foundation in the discipline of computer science, one leading to a B.A. and the other to a B.S. The remaining program leads to a B.S. in Information Technology.
The primary goal of these programs is the preparation of graduates for direct entry into the computing profession with sufficient background to make continuing contributions in the field. The B.S. in Computer Science program provides the foundation for remaining current in computer science. It requires courses in related fields and provides breadth and depth in the discipline. The B.A. program is applications-oriented and has fewer required courses to provide greater flexibility. The Information Technology major is designed for those students interested in the study of networks and client support systems.
Mission Statement
With student learning having the highest priority, goals for the Computer Science Program are in accord with those of the University. Our mission is to help our students to think logically, to analyze problems and develop algorithmic and computer-based solutions to these problems, to communicate effectively, and to work collaboratively as part of a team. With the ultimate goal of developing all of our students as self-learners, members of our faculty strive to research and implement teaching strategies that effectively serve all of our students.
Ultimately, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers in computer science. In addition, students who demonstrate the ability and determination to continue academically in computer science will be prepared for graduate studies. We expect that participants in our program, both students and faculty, will expand their thirst for learning and develop a deeper appreciation and respect for related disciplines. To these ends, we work to provide a classical foundation in the core of the discipline, introduce current theories, research areas, and technologies, and demonstrate the links between theory and its embodiment in the world of applications.
4+1 Graduate Program Option
During their senior year, students with a GPA of at least 3.0 may apply for the 4+1 BA/MS Computer Science option. Students who are accepted into this program will receive their bachelor's degree once they complete its requirements and will then begin the master's program immediately upon graduation. Up to three courses from the undergraduate program will then count towards the completion of the masters degree. Students must earn a grade of B or higher in any course that is being transferred to the graduate program. Eligible masters programs are as follows:
- Computer Information Science (CIS) - a total of 7 additional classes (21 credits) are required to complete the M.S. in CIS; this degree can be completed in as few as four semesters after graduation (approximately 15 months)
- Cybersecurity (CYB) - a total of 7 additional classes (21 credits) are required to complete the M.S. in CYB; this degree can be completed in as few as four semesters after graduation (approximately 15 months)
Why Take This Major?
Students who pursue Computer Science as a major enjoy programming (writing code) and the software side of computing. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, computer analysts, systems engineers, and web developers.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- demonstrate the use of computer science in solving problems
- critically evaluate problems to determine project requirements
- plan, develop and create solutions to problems incorporating current and emerging computer technologies
- critically evaluate results and impact of their problem solving
- demonstrate the use of various programming languages and computing environments
- incorporate oral and written presentation skills as well as teamwork and collaboration tools into their problem-solving methodology
- explain the computer science theory underlying the solutions to practical problems
Progress Chart
Level One - Core Courses
12 courses and 2 modules required.
Major Requirements
Major requirements include 4 Level Two ILO requirements, fulfilled through the major.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| |
| |
| ENG 110 | College Writing I: Persuasion | 3 |
| |
| ENG 210 | College Writing II: Research | 3 |
| |
| FYS 130 | First-Year Academic Seminar 1 | 3 |
| |
| REL 100 | Religion Matters | 3 |
| |
| |
| PHY 201 | Computer Electronics | 3 |
| |
| MTH 260 | Discrete Structures I | 3 |
| |
| CSC 280 | Object Programming | 4 |
| |
| 4 |
| |
| |
| 3 |
| |
| 3 |
| |
| 3 |
| |
| 3 |
| 2 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| CSC 481 | Project Implementation (ILO 2.2) | 3 |
| |
| CSC 301 | Computer Architecture (ILO 6.2) | 3 |
| |
| CSC 290 | Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms (ILO 8.2b) | 4 |
| |
| CSC 381 | Software Engineering (ILO 10.2) | 3 |
| CSIT 220 | Data Communication | 3 |
| CSC 230 | Programming Concepts and User Interfaces | 4 |
| CSC 240 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CSC 280 | Object Programming | 4 |
| CSC 290 | Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms | 4 |
| CSC 301 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CSC 340 | .Net Programming | 3 |
| CSC 381 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSC 481 | Project Implementation | 3 |
| 3 |
| Language Theory and Design | |
| Operating Systems | |
| Theory of Algorithms | |
| 3 |
| Open-Source Application Development | |
| Client-Side Scripting | |
| Mobile Computing | |
| Language Theory and Design | |
| Artificial Intelligence | |
| Operating Systems | |
| Theory of Algorithms | |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| MTH 260 | Discrete Structures I | 3 |
| MTH 261 | Discrete Structures II | 3 |
| PHY 201 | Computer Electronics | 3 |
| BUS 101 | Introduction to Financial Accounting | 3 |
| or BUS 203 | Organizational Behavior and Skill Development |
| 3-4 |
| Introduction to Financial Accounting | |
| Organizational Behavior and Skill Development | |
| Financial Markets and Institutions: Principles and Applications | |
| Legal and Ethical Environment of Business | |
| Intermediate Financial Accounting I | |
| Designing Organizations for Competitive Advantage | |
| Influence in Organizations: A Skills-Based Approach | |
| Managing Human Resources: A Skills-Based Approach | |
| Dispute Resolution | |
| Growing A Business: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management | |
| Leadership: Theories and Real-World Challenges | |
| Managing in The Global Economy | |
| Managing Cultural Diversity in The Workplace | |
| |
Recommended Course Sequence
The following is a sample course sequence for the required major-level courses. It is possible that the order in which you take the courses will vary due to when certain courses are offered. The typical student should take five courses each semester, filling out the remaining slots with Core courses and/or free electives.
Plan of Study Grid
| First Year |
|---|
| First Semester |
|---|
| CSC 230 |
Programming Concepts and User Interfaces |
4 |
| CSC 240 |
Database Management Systems |
3 |
| | Credits | 7 |
| Second Semester |
|---|
| CSC 280 |
Object Programming |
4 |
| CSIT 220 |
Data Communication |
3 |
| | Credits | 7 |
| Second Year |
|---|
| First Semester |
|---|
| CSC 290 |
Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms |
4 |
| MTH 260 |
Discrete Structures I |
3 |
BUS 101
|
Introduction to Financial Accounting
or Organizational Behavior and Skill Development |
3 |
| | Credits | 10 |
| Second Semester |
|---|
| PHY 201 |
Computer Electronics |
3 |
| MTH 261 |
Discrete Structures II |
3 |
| 1 |
3 |
| | Credits | 9 |
| Third Year |
|---|
| First Semester |
|---|
| CSC 340 |
.Net Programming |
3 |
| 2 |
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| Second Semester |
|---|
| CSC 301 |
Computer Architecture |
3 |
| 3 |
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| Fourth Year |
|---|
| First Semester |
|---|
| CSC 381 |
Software Engineering |
3 |
| 4 |
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| Second Semester |
|---|
| CSC 481 |
Project Implementation |
3 |
| 5 |
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| | Total Credits | 57 |
Dual Major Requirements
Students in the Computer Science BA program will often double major or minor in Information Technology. Please see the Department Chair for more information on our double major offerings.
Program Contact Information
Timothy Highley, Chair
highley@lasalle.edu
Holroyd Hall 123
(215) 951-1130
Kelley Tuman
Administrative Assistant I
tuman@lasalle.edu