Academic Catalog

Computer Science | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Computer Science is an area of study that involves programming, human-computer interaction, and information security.

Graduates from Fort Hays State University are prepared to enter the workforce as capable programmers and problem solvers. Possessing the knowledge and skills necessary to advance steadily in their careers.

Earning a degree in computer science will place you in high demand at a variety of federal agencies and private software and technology companies. With both online and in-person degree options, you will have the flexibility to suit your needs.

Program Summary

General Education 34
Major Courses34-36
Required Networking Courses12
Cognates17
Open Electives 121-23
Total Hours120
1

Open electives are the credit hours required to reach a minimum of 120 total hours and 45 upper-level hours.  The number listed assumes all courses are completed at FHSU as listed.  This number may vary if students transfer courses, or have individual substitutions allowed.  Students should speak with their advisor if either situation applies to determine if the number will vary, and to ensure they enroll in a minimum of 45 upper-level hours.   

Students entering within 1 year of high school graduation will take UNIV 101 Freshman Seminar and may apply that hour in the open elective category.

Program Requirements

General Education

All undergraduate degrees require completion of the Kansas Systemwide General Education

Courses identified with GE on this page may satisfy a general education requirement in addition to the identified degree requirement.  Students who apply a degree requirement to satisfy a general education requirement will typically add an equal number of hours to the university elective category.  This flexibility may allow you to complete a minor or certificate within the 120 hour degree.  Transfer students and students majoring in programs with approved exceptions are especially encouraged to select these courses in completing General Education requirements to maximize the likelihood of completing the degree with 120 credit hours.  

General Education34-35
Major Core Courses
CSCI 111Survey of Computer Science3
CSCI 121Computer Science I3
CSCI 221Computer Science II3
CSCI 231Object-Oriented Programming3
CSCI 241Foundations of Computing3
CSCI 251Data Structures3
CSCI 321Assembly Language3
CSCI 331Operating Systems3
CSCI 421Programming Languages3
CSCI 431Computer Graphics3
CSCI 441Software Engineering3
CSCI 675Seminar in Software Engineering1-3
Required Networking Courses
INF 250Introduction to Web Development3
INF 651Front End Web Development I3
INF 652Database Design and Programming3
INF 653Back-End Web Development I3
Cognates
INF 101Introduction to Computer Information Systems GE, 13
MATH 110College Algebra GE, 13
MATH 122Plane Trigonometry GE3
MATH 234Analytic Geometry and Calculus I GE5
MATH 250Elements of Statistics GE3
Total Hours63-65
1

Clep exam available.

Degree Requirements

All bachelor degrees require:
GPA of 2.0 on FHSU courses & 2.0 on all coursework (Higher program requirements prevail over the 2.0 when set)
A minimum of 30 hours earned from FHSU with a grade of D, C, B, or A
Successful completion of an upper division Writing and Information Literacy course (Most majors contain a course designated)
A minimum of 45 hours of recognized upper division credit
A minimum of 120 hours of recognized college credit
Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
MATH 110 College Algebra 3
ENG 101 English Composition I 3
COMM 100 Fundamentals of Oral Communication 3
UNIV 101 Freshman Seminar 1
CSCI 111 Survey of Computer Science 3
 Hours13
Spring
INF 101 Introduction to Computer Information Systems 3
SGE040 - Natural Physical Science Discipline Area 4
ENG 102 English Composition II 3
CSCI 121 Computer Science I 3
MATH 122 Plane Trigonometry 3
 Hours16
Second Year
Fall
SGE060 - Arts Humanities Discipline Area 3
CSCI 221 Computer Science II 3
INF 250 Introduction to Web Development 3
MATH 234 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I 5
 Hours14
Spring
SGE060 - Arts Humanities Discipline Area 3
CSCI 231 Object-Oriented Programming 3
CSCI 241 Foundations of Computing 3
INF 652 Database Design and Programming 3
MATH 250 Elements of Statistics 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall
SGE050 - Social Behavioral Sciences Discipline Area 3
CSCI 251 Data Structures 3
CSCI 321 Assembly Language 3
INF 651 Front End Web Development I 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 2
 Hours17
Spring
SGE050 - Social Behavioral Sciences Discipline Area 3
CSCI 331 Operating Systems 3
CSCI 421 Programming Languages 3
INF 653 Back-End Web Development I 3
Open Electives 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
CSCI 441 Software Engineering 3
CSCI 431 Computer Graphics 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 3
PHIL 100 Critical Thinking 3
 Hours15
Spring
CSCI 675 Seminar in Software Engineering 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours120

Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.

To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.

The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.