2025-2026 Catalog

Computer Science, BA, BS

Degree Requirements - 126 credits

Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree with this major

Computer Science Major Requirements: 16 courses and corresponding laboratories where applicable, 64 credits

Internship courses do not count as electives.

Computer Science Requirements (11 courses, 44 credits)

CMPSC-F107Ants, Rumors and Gridlocks

4

CMPSC-F131Computer Science I

4

CMPSC-F132Computer Science II

4

CMPSC-F265Data Structures and Algorithms

4

CMPSC-F331Object Oriented Programming

4

CMPSC-345Software Engineering

4

-
Or

CMPSC-501Software Development Internship

2-4

CMPSC-F353Architecture of Computer Systems

4

CMPSC-F355Operating Systems

4

CMPSC-F363Intro to Database Systems

4

CMPSC-F375Introduction to Computer Networks

4

-
Choose one additional 4-credit Computer Science course at the 200-level or higher with the exception of CMPSC-501

4

Students in the Honors Program have the option of completing the Honors version of a course.

If students take both CMPSC-345 and CMPSC-501 (4 credits), CMPSC-501 will count as a required course and CMPSC-345 will count as the additional 4-credit course 200-level or above.

Mathematics Requirements (5 courses, 20 credits)

MATH-165Calculus I

4

MATH-166Calculus II

4

MATH-185Discrete Mathematics I

4

MATH-255Probability and Statistics

4

MATH-285Discrete Mathematics II

4

 

Residency Requirement Policy: In the College of Arts and Sciences, a two-course (8 credit) residency requirement must be satisfied for completion of a minor and a four-course (16 credit) residency requirement must be satisfied for the completion of a major.

About the Computer Science Major

Learn more about the experiences and opportunities available within this major.

View the Program Page

Computer Science Major Learning Goals and Objectives

Learning goals and objectives reflect the educational outcomes achieved by students through the completion of this program. These transferable skills prepare Suffolk students for success in the workplace, in graduate school, and in their local and global communities.

Learning Goals Learning Objectives
Students will have... Students will be able to...
A mastery of fundamental computer system principles, demonstrate proficiency in theoretical and practical aspects on various computer science fields, and have built solid foundations to pursue advanced degrees - Write correct working programs in a variety of programming languages
- Recognize and be able to use in programs graphs, trees, and other advanced data structures
- Identify system components, their functions, interactions, and performance aspects
A deep understanding of designing and developing computing systems and applications, and have strong programming skills and software engineering knowledge. Graduates will be capable of problem analysis, identification and definition, and able to apply mathematical foundations in the modeling and designing of its solutions - Be able to analyze, design, and implement computer solutions
- Be able to interpret algorithm complexity
Critical thinking skills and be able to design, implement and evaluate computer applications independently and/or with the teams. Graduates will have strong communication skills and function effectively on multidisciplinary teams to achieve the goal - Determine and use appropriate methods to solve application problems
- Successfully complete design and implementation assignments in teams
The requisite foundation for lifelong learning and will possess the skills to adapt and thrive in the rapidly changing field of Computer Science - Be able to use modern software development techniques
- Be able to read documentation and technical articles and participate in related discussions
An understanding and appreciation for the professional, social, legal, security, and ethical implications of computing - Be competent in the appreciation for alternate points of view and broader perspectives as related to social, security, legal, and ethical concerns arising in the context of computing technology

About the Computer Science Major

Learn more about the experiences and opportunities available within this major.

View the Program Page

Honors in the Major

To become a candidate for honors in the major, a student must:

  1. Have an overall GPA of 3.3
  2. Have a major GPA of 3.5 in at least four major courses (CMPSC 131 or higher-level courses; or equivalent courses for transfer students)
  3. Receive an invitation to apply from the department/major. Application Deadline is November 15 (Fall Semester of Junior year). 

 

To complete requirements for honors in the major, a candidate must:

  1. Graduate with an overall GPA or 3.3
  2. Graduate with an major GPA of 3.5
  3. Complete:
    1. CMPSC-410 or CMPSC-501 with a minimum grade of A-
    2. CAS-H322
    3. CMPSC-H555 with a minimum grade of A- (To qualify to enroll in course, a student must meet with the supervising faculty member in advance to agree upon the study topic and the project's scope).
    4. A project, presentation, or thesis in CMPSC-H555 that the supervising faculty member approves.

       4. Present at the Honors Symposium in the Senior year

 

About the Computer Science Major

Learn more about the experiences and opportunities available within this major.

View the Program Page