BA in Computer Science

Area of Study Overview

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The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in Computer Science prepares adults for career change, advancement, or graduate education, while providing personal enrichment. The program is designed for students interested in a strong liberal arts program that is blended with a solid foundation in computer science. Students develop a broad general knowledge of the traditional liberal arts disciplines while developing a greater depth of knowledge in computer science.

Degree Requirements

  • A minimum of 18 credits must be upper level (300 or 400) and within the area of study.

Credit Distribution

I. General Education Featured Courses (45 Credits)

TESU Featured Courses are listed as a guide. Other courses may satisfy the areas and can be viewed on our website under General Education Courses.  For more information see About Our General Education Program.  To plan your program please contact an academic advisor.

A. Intellectual and Practical Skills (15 Credits)

ENC-101English Composition I

3

ENC-102English Composition II

3

COM-209Public Speaking

3

MAT-121College Algebra

3

SOS-110Critical Information Literacy

3

For all TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Intellectual and Practical Skills.

B. Civic and Global Leadership (9 Credits)

SOC-101Introduction to Sociology

3

ETH-220Leading the Way: A Path Towards Ethical Leadership

3

POS-110American Government

3

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Civic and Global Leadership.

C. Knowledge of Human Cultures (15 Credits)

SOC-210Marriage and the Family

3

HIS-113American History I

3

FIL-110American Cinema

3

Select two featured courses from the list below
SOC-291Criminology

3

HIS-114American History II

3

HIS-121Introduction to World History I

3

HUM-103Introduction to the Humanities III: Music

3

PHI-130Introduction to Critical Reasoning

3

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Knowledge of Human Cultures.

D. Scientific Knowledge (6 Credits)

EAS-101General Earth Science

3

BIO-208The Science of Nutrition

3

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Scientific Knowledge.

II. Area of Study (45 Credits)

A. Required Courses (18 Credits)

COS-111Introduction to Programming

3

COS-241Data Structures

3

MAT-231Calculus I

4

MAT-270Discrete Mathematics

3

COS-240Operating Systems

3

COS-330Computer Architecture

3

B. Computer Science Electives (18 Credits)

COS-205Python Programming

3

COS-206R Programming

3

COS-451Artificial Intelligence

3

CIS-301Management Information Systems

3

CIS-351Software Engineering

3

Other computer science courses may be appropriate for this area of study. For additional course options, please contact an academic advisor.

C. Natural Sciences, Math, and Computer Science Electives (6 Credits)

-Natural Sciences Math and Computer Science Electives

6

Complete 6 credits in the Natural Sciences, Math, and Computer Science areas.

D. Capstone (3 Credits)

LIB-495Liberal Arts Capstone

3

III. Electives (30 Credits)

For TESU course options, go to Elective Courses.

TESU accepts credits in transfer from accredited institutions as well as non-collegiate providers. View information and resources on where you may find additional learning experiences.

Total Credit Hours: 120

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Science program will be able to:

  • design and implement computer-based solutions applying computer science theory;
  • apply critical-thinking skills to solve problems implemented in a computer programming language;
  • communicate effectively with a range of audiences about information in computer science;
  • apply the principles of software design to solve practical problems;
  • operate as a team member to plan tasks, manage risks, and produce deliverables on time;
  • demonstrate knowledge of emerging technologies and their ethical and societal impacts related to computing; and
  • analyze computer-based solutions at multiple levels of abstraction.