Computer Science
COSC – Computer Science course descriptions
Faculty
Wendy Weber (chair), Stephen Fyfe, Erik Insko, Michael Thompson
Statement of philosophy
Are you interested in learning to write software to solve problems or administer computer systems for an organization? Central College offers a broad range of computer science courses where students gain experience working with programming languages such as Python, Java, SQL and PHP, to become application developers, system administrators, web programmers and software engineers. No previous computing experience is required before beginning the computer science program. The major is designed to be flexible, facilitating study abroad, internships, minors, and second majors. Introductory courses in Python and Java lay the foundation for a software design course. After taking these courses, students are prepared for a variety of upper-level courses on a range of computer science topics from databases to cybersecurity. The senior year culminates in a project of the student’s choice.
Major Communication Skills
Students majoring in computer science will develop their ability to speak, listen, read, and write technical material throughout the major curriculum. If a student’s progress is insufficient, additional coursework in writing or speaking may be recommended by the academic advisor. Final development and evaluation of communication skills will occur in the capstone senior project course, COSC-420.
Major/minor restrictions
Students who declare computer science as their major or minor may not declare an information systems major with an emphasis in computer information systems. Students seeking a teaching endorsement should consult the education department.
Computer Science Major Requirements (42 credits)
- Complete all of the following (25 credits):
COSC 110 Introduction to Computer Science (3)
COSC 130 Data Structures (3)
COSC 220 Software Design (4)
COSC 245 Computer Organization and Architecture (4)
COSC 330 Algorithms (3)
COSC 345 Computer Systems (4)
OR COSC 346 Cybersecurity (4)
COSC 420 Senior Project (4)
MATH 220 Discrete Mathematics (3)
MATH 131 Calculus I (4)
Or MATH 160 Introductory Investigations in Mathematics (3)
- Complete 7 hours of elective COSC courses numbered 200 or above, may include DATA 440.
Excludes internships or practicum.
At least 3 additional credits of MATH courses at the 132-level or above.
Note: Students who also major in data science or mathematics may consider, with department approval, taking MATH 420 or DATA 420 in lieu of COSC 420.
Computer Science Minor Requirements (20 credits)
- Complete all of the following:
COSC 110 Introduction to Computer Science (3)
COSC 130 Data Structures (3)
COSC 220 Software Design (4)
- Complete 10 credits of additional COSC courses numbered 120 and above, including MATH 220, but excluding service learning, internships, and practica, with at least 3 credits at the 300 or 400 level.