Units required for Major: 78
Total units required for BS: 120
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, Inc., providing majors with a sound educational base in Computer Science.
Pre-Major Requirements
Students requesting to become Computer Science majors must first complete the lower-division (pre-major) courses listed in this section. If a student requests to become a Computer Science major but has not yet completed these courses, they should change their major to pre-Computer Science. Changing to the pre-Computer Science major requires either completion of or enrollment in MATH 30 and a Sacramento State and overall GPA of at least 2.5. Changing to the Computer Science major requires a GPA of at least 2.7 in the courses listed in this section.
To change to the Computer Science or pre-Computer Science major, students are required to complete and submit a Change of Major form to the Computer Science Department Office along with transcript copies.
Registration in Computer Science courses numbered 133 and above is restricted to Computer Science and Computer Engineering majors. Other students need to obtain approval from the CSC Department Chair.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 15 | Programming Concepts and Methodology I | 3 |
| CSC 20 | Programming Concepts and Methodology II | 3 |
| CSC 28 | Discrete Structures for Computer Science | 3 |
| CSC 35 | Introduction to Computer Architecture | 3 |
| MATH 30 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 31 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 11A | General Physics: Mechanics | 4 |
Minimum Grade Requirement
Grade of "C-" or better required in all courses applied to the Computer Science major.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Lower Division Courses (15 Units) | ||
| CSC 15 | Programming Concepts and Methodology I | 3 |
| CSC 20 | Programming Concepts and Methodology II | 3 |
| CSC 28 | Discrete Structures for Computer Science | 3 |
| CSC 35 | Introduction to Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CSC 60 | Introduction to Systems Programming in UNIX | 3 |
| Required Mathematics and Science Courses (21-24 Units) | ||
| MATH 30 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| MATH 31 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 11A | General Physics: Mechanics 1 | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 - 4 | |
| Introduction to Probability and Statistics | ||
| Statistics For Engineers | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Linear Algebra 2 | ||
| Applied Linear Algebra 2 | ||
| Combinatorics | ||
| Number Theory | ||
| Introduction to Numerical Analysis | ||
| Deductive Logic II | ||
| Intermediate Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Probability Theory | ||
| Introduction to Techniques of Operations Research | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 - 5 | |
| Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology 1 | ||
| Basic Biological Concepts 1 | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry for Engineering | ||
| General Physics: Heat, Light, Sound, Modern Physics | ||
| General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism | ||
| Required Upper Division Courses (33 Units) | ||
| CSC 130 | Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis | 3 |
| CSC 131 | Computer Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSC 133 | Object-Oriented Computer Graphics Programming | 3 |
| CSC 134 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CSC 135 | Computability and Formal Languages | 3 |
| CSC 137 | Computer Organization | 3 |
| CSC/CPE 138 | Computer Networking Fundamentals | 3 |
| CSC 139 | Operating System Principles | 3 |
| CSC 190 | Senior Project - Part I | 2 |
| CSC 191 | Senior Project - Part II | 2 |
| PHIL 103 | Business and Computer Ethics 1 | 3 |
| Select two units from the following: | 2 | |
| Career Planning | ||
CSC 193A Web Programming | ||
| Computer Science Seminar | ||
| Fieldwork in Computer Science | ||
| Professional Practice | ||
| Co-Curricular Activities in Computer Science | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Seminar in Peer-Assisted Learning | ||
| Electives (9 Units) | ||
| Select 9 units of CSC courses 140 or above excluding the following: 3 | 9 | |
| Career Planning | ||
CSC 193A Web Programming | ||
| Computer Science Seminar | ||
| Fieldwork in Computer Science | ||
| Professional Practice | ||
| Co-Curricular Activities in Computer Science | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Seminar in Peer-Assisted Learning | ||
| Total Units | 78-81 | |
- 1
Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement.
- 2
Computer science students choosing between MATH 35 and MATH 100 should normally choose MATH 100 because it is more applied. MATH 35 at Sacramento State is designed for math majors.
- 3
In addition to the required lower-division and upper-division Computer Science courses, Computer Science majors must take additional elective courses, totaling at least nine (9) units, from undergraduate Computer Science courses numbered CSC 140 or above (excluding the listed courses).
Course choices should be made with advisor consultation. With advance written approval from their advisor, the course instructor, and the Department Chair, students with a GPA of 3.0 or greater may take graduate courses as electives. In any case students must meet any course prerequisite stated in the catalog prior to taking any elective course.
General Education Requirements4
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Area A: Basic Subjects (9 Units) | ||
| A1 - Oral Communication | 3 | |
| A2 - Written Communication | 3 | |
| A3 - Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (3-6 Units) | ||
| B1 - Physical Science 5 | 0 | |
| B2 - Life Forms 6 | 0 - 3 | |
| B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5 5 | 0 | |
| B4 - Math Concepts 5 | 0 | |
| B5 - Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. | 3 | |
| Area C: Arts and Humanities (12 Units) | ||
| C1 - Arts | 3 | |
| C2 - Humanities | 3 | |
| C1/C2 - Area Course C | 3 | |
| C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. | 3 | |
| Area D: The Individual and Society (6 Units) | ||
| Area D Course | 3 | |
| Area D Course | 3 | |
| Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. 5 | 0 | |
| Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units) | ||
| Area E Course | 3 | |
| Area F: Ethnic Studies (3 Units) | ||
| Area F Course | 3 | |
| Total Units | 36-39 | |
Graduation Requirements4
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (9 Units) | ||
| American Institutions: U.S. History | 3 | |
| American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive (WI) | 3 | |
| Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (6 Units) | ||
| English Composition II | 3 | |
| Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE) | 3 | |
| Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 7 | 0 | |
- 4
To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.
Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.
- 5
A required course in the major satisfies this GE area.
- 6
Choosing BIO 1 or BIO 10 as the Computer Science science elective satisfies GE Area B2.
- 7
Students with a declared major of BS in Computer Science are exempt from the Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.
The following roadmaps are sample planning resources. Please consult your academic advisor and Academic Catalog for graduation requirements as you develop your individualized academic plan.
Computer Science, BS: 4-Year Roadmap
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Units | |
| CSC 15 | Programming Concepts and Methodology I | 3 |
| MATH 30 | Calculus I | 4 |
| GE Area 1B - Critical Thinking 2 | 3 | |
| GE Area 6 - Ethnic Studies 2 | 3 | |
| Elective of Choice | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSC 20 | Programming Concepts and Methodology II | 3 |
| MATH 31 | Calculus II | 4 |
| GE Area 1A - English Composition 2 | 3 | |
| GE Area 1C - Oral Communication 2 | 3 | |
| GE Area 5B - Biological Science 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CSC 28 | Discrete Structures for Computer Science | 3 |
| CSC 35 | Introduction to Computer Architecture | 3 |
| ENGL 20 | College Composition II | 3 |
| PHYS 11A | General Physics: Mechanics | 4 |
| GE Area 3A - Arts 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSC 130 | Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis | 3 |
| CSC 131 | Computer Software Engineering | 3 |
| STAT 50 or ENGR 115 |
Introduction to Probability and Statistics 3 or Statistics For Engineers |
3 - 4 |
| MATH 35 |
Introduction to Linear Algebra 3 or Applied Linear Algebra or Combinatorics or Number Theory or Introduction to Numerical Analysis or Deductive Logic II or Intermediate Statistics or Introduction to Probability Theory or Introduction to Techniques of Operations Research |
3 |
| GE Area 4 - Social & Behavioral Sciences 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 15-16 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CSC 60 | Introduction to Systems Programming in UNIX | 3 |
| CSC 133 | Object-Oriented Computer Graphics Programming | 3 |
| CSC 134 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CSC 192 |
Career Planning 3 or Web Programming or Computer Science Seminar or Fieldwork in Computer Science or Professional Practice or Co-Curricular Activities in Computer Science or Special Problems or Seminar in Peer-Assisted Learning |
1 - 12 |
| GR American Institutions (US History) 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 13-24 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSC 135 | Computability and Formal Languages | 3 |
| CSC 137 | Computer Organization | 3 |
| PHIL 103 | Business and Computer Ethics | 3 |
| CSC 193A |
Web Programming 3 or Career Planning or Computer Science Seminar or Fieldwork in Computer Science or Professional Practice or Co-Curricular Activities in Computer Science or Special Problems or Seminar in Peer-Assisted Learning |
1 - 12 |
| BIO 10 |
Basic Biological Concepts 3 or Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology or General Chemistry I or General Chemistry for Engineering or General Physics: Heat, Light, Sound, Modern Physics or General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism |
3 - 5 |
| GE Area 3B - Humanities 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 16-29 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CSC 138 | Computer Networking Fundamentals | 3 |
| CSC 139 | Operating System Principles | 3 |
| CSC 190 | Senior Project - Part I | 2 |
| CSC Elective 3 | 3 | |
| GR American Institutions (GOVT) 2 | 3 | |
| Elective of Choice | 3 | |
| Units | 17 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSC 191 | Senior Project - Part II | 2 |
| CSC Elective 3 | 3 | |
| CSC Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division GE Area 3 - Arts or Humanities + Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Upper Division GE Area 5 or 2 - Science or Mathematical Concepts/Quantitative Reasoning 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 14 | |
| Total Units | 123-148 | |
Computer Science, BS: 2-Year Roadmap
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Units | |
| CSC 130 | Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis | 3 |
| CSC 131 | Computer Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSC 133 | Object-Oriented Computer Graphics Programming | 3 |
| CSC 134 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CSC 192 |
Career Planning 3 or Web Programming or Computer Science Seminar or Fieldwork in Computer Science or Professional Practice or Co-Curricular Activities in Computer Science or Special Problems or Seminar in Peer-Assisted Learning |
1 - 12 |
| Units | 13-24 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSC 135 | Computability and Formal Languages | 3 |
| CSC 137 | Computer Organization | 3 |
| PHIL 103 | Business and Computer Ethics | 3 |
| CSC 193A |
Web Programming 3 or Career Planning or Computer Science Seminar or Fieldwork in Computer Science or Professional Practice or Co-Curricular Activities in Computer Science or Special Problems or Seminar in Peer-Assisted Learning |
1 - 12 |
| GR American Institutions (US History) 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 13-24 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CSC 138 | Computer Networking Fundamentals | 3 |
| CSC 139 | Operating System Principles | 3 |
| CSC 190 | Senior Project - Part I | 2 |
| MATH 35 |
Introduction to Linear Algebra 3 or Applied Linear Algebra or Combinatorics or Number Theory or Introduction to Numerical Analysis or Deductive Logic II or Intermediate Statistics or Introduction to Probability Theory or Introduction to Techniques of Operations Research |
3 |
| CSC Elective 2 | 3 | |
| GR American Institutions (GOVT) 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 17 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSC 191 | Senior Project - Part II | 2 |
| BIO 10 |
Basic Biological Concepts 3 or Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology or General Chemistry I or General Chemistry for Engineering or General Physics: Heat, Light, Sound, Modern Physics or General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism |
3 - 5 |
| CSC Elective 3 | 3 | |
| CSC Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division GE Area 3 - Arts or Humanities + Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Upper Division GE Area 5 or 2 - Science or Mathematical Concepts/Quantitative Reasoning 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 17-19 | |
| Total Units | 60-84 | |
- 1.
Any course not completed in the first semester should be taken in the second or a later semester.
- 2.
Please see General Education/Graduation Requirement course options.
- 3.
Please see an academic advisor for elective options.