Computer Science
Computer Science is the study of the methods and techniques to make computers faster, easier to use, and more capable of solving today's problems and anticipating solutions to tomorrow's challenges.
B.S. Degree in Computer Science with a Concentration in Computer Engineering
The Computer Science major studies the art and the science of computing. The art of computer science includes web design, graphics, multimedia, software engineering, and many other creative courses. The science of computing includes the theory of computing, database, artificial intelligence, robotics,digital logic design, algorithms, operating systems, architecture, and of course programming. The Computer Science Department is committed to preparing students for either a career in a computing field or for graduate study.
Xavier also has a Dual-Degree Engineering Program that has a Computer Engineering concentration. This 3+2 program requires students to complete the core Computer Science and Engineering courses then transfer to an engineering school to complete their engineering degree requirements. Upon completion of the degree requirements, students will earn a B.S. in Computer Science from Xavier and a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from their engineering school.
Differences between Computer Science, Engineering and Information Systems
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering includes designing and assembling hardware and software components into cost-effective systems.
Computer Info Systems
Computer Information Systems is the integration of business intelligence and computational principles to find feasible solutions to business-related problems.
To earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, a student must earn a total of
128 semester hours; earn a "C" or better in all Computer Science Department courses accepted for credit; earn a "C" or better in all Mathematics and Physics Department courses accepted for credit; and earn a "C" or better in Philosophy Logic (PHIL 2040).
Honors in Computer Science
To earn the graduation distinction "Honors in Computer Science", majors will have to meet the following criteria:
(1) Have a 3.5 grade point average in all computer science and mathematics courses accepted for credit.
(2) Have a cumulative 3.3 grade point average overall.
Students must meet the academic requirements throughout their tenure in the Computer Science Department.
In addition to all University policies, the Computer Science major can earn no more than 25% of their computer science (CPSC) courses from another institution. No more than 10% of their earned 3000-level or above CPSC courses can be transferred from another institution.
Download the Curriculum
2010-12 pdf
2012-14 pdf
FREE Elective & EXPANSIVE course list (MS Excel): .xlsx
Computer Engineering Curriculum
| Computer Engineering Curriculum 2012-14 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman Year | ||||
| First Semester | Second Semester | |||
| Hours | Course | Course | Hours | |
| 3 | CPSC 1710 - Computer Science I | CPSC 1720 - Computer Science II | 3 | |
| 1 | ENGR 1000 - Intro to Engr | ENGR 1100 - Engineering Design | 2 | |
| 3 | ENGL 1000/1010 - English Composition | ENGL 1020 - English Composition | 3 | |
| 1 | FRSM 1000 - First Year Experience | FRSM 1100 - First Year Experience | 1 | |
| 4 | MATH 1070 - Intro Calculus | MATH 2070 - Calculus II | 4 | |
| 4 | PHYS 1121 - General Physics I | PHYS 2111- General Physics II | 4 | |
| 1 | PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Activity Based) | |||
| 17 | 17 | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||
| 3 | CPSC 2730 - Data Structures | CPSC 2120 - Computer Org/Architecture | 3 | |
| 3 | AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES | CPSC 2740 - Software Development | 3 | |
| 4 | MATH 2080 - Calculus III | COMMUNICATION STUDIES | 3 | |
| 4 | PHYS 2121 - General Physics III | EXPANSIVE | 3 | |
| 3 | THEOLOGY I | MATH 2030 - Elementary Linear Algebra | 3 | |
| THEOLOGY II | 3 | |||
| 17 | 18 | |||
| Junior Year | ||||
| 3 | CPSC 3140 - Operating Systems | CPSC 3060 - Algorithms | 3 | |
| 3 | ENGL 2010 - World Literature | SOCIAL SCIENCE | 3 | |
| 3 | WORLD LANGUAGE I | FINE ARTS | 3 | |
| 3 | HISTORY | WORLD LANGUAGE II | 3 | |
| 3 | MATH 2550 - Discrete Struct for Comp Sci | MATH 2530 - Differential Equations | 3 | |
| 3 | PHILOSOPHY | PHIL 2040 - Philosophy Logic | 3 | |
| CPSC 3999 - Jnr Level Qualifying Exam | 0 | |||
| 18 | 18 | |||
| Engineering School | ||||
| 12 | ENGR ELECTIVES | CAPSTONE COURSE | 0 | |
| SENIOR COMPREHENSIVES | 0 | |||
| ENGR ELECTIVES | 11 | |||
| 12 | 11 | |||
SUMMARY: B.S. in Computer Science with Dual Degree in Computer Engineering
Fundamental Core - 18 Hours
English Composition (6, ENGL 1000/1010 and ENGL 1020), Language (6 of same),
Mathematics (4*, MATH 1070), and Natural Science with Lab (4*,PHYS 1121)
Essential Core - 36 Hours
African American Studies (3), Communication Studies (3), Fine Arts (3),
First Year Experience (2, FRSM 1000 and FRSM 1100), History (3),
Natural Science (3, PHYS 2111), Philosophy (6, including PHIL 2040),
Physical Education (1, Activity-based), Social Science (3), Theology (6),
World Literature (3, ENGL 2010)
Expansive Core Including ENGR 1000-1100 - 6 Hours
Required Computer Science (CPSC) Courses - 21 Hours
1710 (3), 1720 (3), 2120 (3), 2730 (3), 2740 (3), 3060 (3), 3140 (3), 3999
Required Engineering (ENGR) Courses
ENGR 1000 (1), ENGR 1100 (2), and an additional twenty-three (23) hours
which must include an Engineering School Capstone course and completion of a
Senior Comprehensive examination
Required Mathematics (MATH) Courses
1070 (4*), 2030 (3), 2070 (4), 2080 (4), 2530 (3)
Required Physics (PHYS) Courses
1121 (4*), 2111 (4), 2121 (4)
TOTAL HOURS 128
*Some of these course hours are credited to the Fundamental Core, some to the Essential Core, and others to the Minor.