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 analyze data? Central College offers a broad range of computer science courses where students gain experience working with programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and PHP, to become application developers, system administrators, data analysts, web programmers and software engineers. Students majoring in computer science choose either a traditional track or an emphasis in data science, depending on their interest.
No previous computing experience is required before beginning the computer science program. The major is designed to be flexible, facilitating study abroad, internships, and second majors, or minors. Introductory courses in Python and Java lay the foundation for a software design course in the second year. After taking these courses, students are prepared for a variety of upper-level courses and in their chosen track. 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 who declare a computer science major with a data science emphasis may not declare a mathematics major with a data science emphasis. Students seeking a teaching endorsement should consult the education department.
Computer Science Major Requirements (42- 46 credits)
- Complete all of the following:
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 420 Senior Project (4)
MATH 131 Calculus I (4)
MATH 220 Discrete Mathematics (3) - Complete all the requirements for one of the following tracks:
Traditional Computer Science Track (17 credits)
COSC 330 Algorithms (3)
COSC 345 Computer Systems
OR
COSC 346 Cybersecurity (4)
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.Data Science Track (21 credits)
MATH 215 Applied Statistics (4)
DATA 210 Introduction to Data Science (3)
DATA 310 Data Visualization (3)
DATA 440 Applied Machine Learning (3)
Complete 7 hours of elective COSC courses numbered 200 or above, may include one of MATH 132 or MATH 240.
Excludes internships or practicum.
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 or above, including MATH 220, but excluding service learning, internships and practica, with at least 3 credits at the 300 or 400 level.