Computer Science, B.S. (Capital)

Program Code: COMP_BS

Program Description

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as computer scientists in engineering, scientific, industrial, and business environments as software developers, programmers, and systems analysts. While most students will enter the job market directly upon graduation, graduate school in computer science or related areas is also an option. Selection of electives can be tailored for students pursuing this path.

The Computer Science major provides a solid foundation in the areas of systems programming, algorithm design, artificial intelligence, and engineering large software systems using state-of-the-art methodologies and programming languages.

Students may expect to: develop a solid foundation in mathematical studies relevant to computer science; master skills in computer science; enjoy possibilities for internships and part-time employment with local companies; and become problem solvers. These goals are consistent with the goals outlined by the Association of Computing Machinery.

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is the study of computational methods, including their principles and foundations, their efficient implementation, their analyses, and their practical application in wide-ranging areas. It includes the foundations of software development, computational problem solving, the principles of system software, and the fundamental principles and limits of computing. It is much more than just programming. It includes the mathematical foundations that support analyzing, evaluating, and proving the correctness of computational solutions. It includes specializations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data mining, high-performance computing, computer networks, computer graphics, computer vision, quantum computing, and others. It is continually evolving with the development of new and faster forms of computation and with the identification of new problems that require computational solutions.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You have an interest or aptitude in math.
  • You enjoy solving problems and you are good at analytical thinking.
  • You are interested in finding more efficient solutions to problems. Remember, computer science is more than just programming.

Entrance to Major

Entry to the Computer Science General Option requires that the student has earned a C or better in the following courses:

A 2.00 or higher cumulative grade-point average is required.

Entry to the Computer Science Data Science Option requires that the student has earned a C or better in the following courses:

A 2.00 or higher cumulative grade-point average is required.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, a minimum of 120 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Requirements for the Major 88

13 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in Requirements for the Major. This includes: 3 credits of GWS courses, 6 credits of GQ courses, and 4 credits of GN courses.

First-Year Seminar: Incoming first-year students are required to complete a course with the suffix S, T, or X, or the PSU abbreviation.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options) 

Prescribed Courses
CMPSC 312Computer Organization and Architecture 13
CMPSC 430Database Design 13
CMPSC 460Principles of Programming Languages 13
CMPSC 462Data Structures 13
CMPSC 463Design and Analysis of Algorithms 13
CMPSC 469Formal Languages with Applications 13
CMPSC 472Operating System Concepts 13
CMPSC 487WSoftware Engineering and Design 13
CMPSC 488Computer Science Project 13
MATH 220Matrices Keystone/General Education Course2
PHYS 211General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course4
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CMPSC 330Advanced Programming in C++3
CMPSC 360Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science 13
ENGL 202CEffective Writing: Technical Writing Keystone/General Education Course3
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
Additional Courses
STAT/MATH 318Elementary Probability3
or STAT/MATH 414 Introduction to Probability Theory
Requirements for the Option
Select an option35
1

Students must earn a 2.5 or higher grade point average in the following courses:

Requirements for the Option

Data Science Option (35 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Harrisburg

Prescribed Courses
CMPSC 441Artificial Intelligence3
CMPSC 445Applied Machine Learning in Data Science 13
CMPSC 446Data Mining 13
DS 220Data Management for Data Sciences 13
STAT 401Experimental Methods3
STAT 462Applied Regression Analysis3
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CMPSC 131Programming and Computation I: Fundamentals3
CMPSC 132Programming and Computation II: Data Structures3
Additional Courses
Select at least 6 credits from the following:6
CMPSC 313
Assembly Language Programming
CMPSC 412
Data Structures Lab
CMPSC 413
Algorithms Lab
CMPSC 414
Contest Programming
CMPSC 421
Net-centric Computing
CMPSC 438
Computer Network Architecture and Programming
CMPSC 444
Secure Programming
CMPSC/MATH 455
Introduction to Numerical Analysis I
CMPSC 457
Computer Graphics Algorithms
CMPSC 470
Compiler Construction
CMPSC 475
Applications Programming
CMPSC 496
Independent Studies
CMPSC 497
Special Topics
MATH 401
Introduction to Analysis I
MATH 410
Complex Analysis for Mathematics and Engineering
MATH 411
Ordinary Differential Equations
MATH 412
Fourier Series and Partial Differential Equations
MATH 425
Introduction to Operations Research
MATH 430
Linear Algebra and Discrete Models I
MATH 435
Basic Abstract Algebra
MATH 448
Mathematics of Finance
MATH 465
Number Theory
MATH 468
Mathematical Coding Theory
MATH 485
Graph Theory
MATH 496
Independent Studies
MATH 497
Special Topics
STAT/MATH 415
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
STAT 463
Applied Time Series Analysis
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 5 credits of unrestricted electives at 100-400 level5
1

Students must earn a 2.5 or higher grade point average in the following courses:

General Option (35 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Harrisburg

Prescribed Courses
CMPSC 221Object Oriented Programming with Web-Based Applications 13
CMPSC 470Compiler Construction 13
Additional Courses
Select 9 credits from the following:9
CMPSC 313
Assembly Language Programming
CMPSC 412
Data Structures Lab
CMPSC 413
Algorithms Lab
CMPSC 414
Contest Programming
CMPSC 421
Net-centric Computing
CMPSC 438
Computer Network Architecture and Programming
CMPSC 441
Artificial Intelligence
CMPSC 444
Secure Programming
CMPSC 445
Applied Machine Learning in Data Science
CMPSC 446
Data Mining
CMPSC/MATH 455
Introduction to Numerical Analysis I
CMPSC 457
Computer Graphics Algorithms
CMPSC 475
Applications Programming
CMPSC 496
Independent Studies
CMPSC 497
Special Topics
MATH 425
Introduction to Operations Research
MATH 485
Graph Theory
Select 6 credits from the following:6
CMPSC 313
Assembly Language Programming
CMPSC 412
Data Structures Lab
CMPSC 413
Algorithms Lab
CMPSC 414
Contest Programming
CMPSC 421
Net-centric Computing
CMPSC 438
Computer Network Architecture and Programming
CMPSC 441
Artificial Intelligence
CMPSC 444
Secure Programming
CMPSC 445
Applied Machine Learning in Data Science
CMPSC 446
Data Mining
CMPSC/MATH 455
Introduction to Numerical Analysis I
CMPSC 457
Computer Graphics Algorithms
CMPSC 475
Applications Programming
CMPSC 496
Independent Studies
CMPSC 497
Special Topics
MATH 401
Introduction to Analysis I
MATH 410
Complex Analysis for Mathematics and Engineering
MATH 411
Ordinary Differential Equations
MATH 412
Fourier Series and Partial Differential Equations
MATH 425
Introduction to Operations Research
MATH 430
Linear Algebra and Discrete Models I
MATH 435
Basic Abstract Algebra
MATH 448
Mathematics of Finance
MATH 465
Number Theory
MATH 468
Mathematical Coding Theory
MATH 485
Graph Theory
MATH 496
Independent Studies
MATH 497
Special Topics
STAT 401
Experimental Methods
STAT/MATH 415
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
STAT 462
Applied Regression Analysis
STAT 463
Applied Time Series Analysis
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CMPSC 121Introduction to Programming Techniques3
or CMPSC 131 Programming and Computation I: Fundamentals
CMPSC 122Intermediate Programming3
or CMPSC 132 Programming and Computation II: Data Structures
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 3 credits of unrestricted electives at 300-400 level3
Select 5 credits of unrestricted electives at 100-400 level5
1

Students must earn a 2.5 or higher grade point average in the following courses:

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Integrated B.S. in Computer Science and M.S. in Computer Science

Available at the following campuses: Harrisburg

Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Computer Science and M.S. in Computer Science can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Know Algorithmic Problem Solving and Analysis: Formulate and solve problems using appropriate data structures and algorithmic techniques; analyze the efficiency and correctness of the algorithms.
  • Know Computer Hardware and Operating Systems: Analyze the effects of computer hardware and operating systems design on the efficiency and correctness of software systems.
  • Know Programming Language Paradigms: Express algorithms clearly and correctly in a variety of programming languages
  • Know Theoretical Foundations of Computer Science: Explain and use the theoretical foundations of computer science effectively
  • Use Software Engineering Skills: Design and implement large software systems through a strong foundation in the software development lifecycle, effective communication, and team work

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Harrisburg

Jeremy Blum
Program Chair
Olmsted Building, W255
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6686
jjb24@psu.edu

Abington

Vinayak Elangovan
Assistant Professor
Rydal Executive Plaza, 320
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7852
vue9@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

General Option: Computer Science, B.S. at Harrisburg Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPSC 121 or 131*#3CMPSC 122 or 132*#3
MATH 140*#†4MATH 141*#†4
ENGL 15S, 30T, or ESL 15‡3PHYS 211†4
General Education Course3CAS 100A or 100S‡3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16 15.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPSC 2213CMPSC 330*3
CMPSC 3123CMPSC 360*3
MATH 2202ENGL 202C‡3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 15.5 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH/STAT 318 or STAT 4143CMPSC 4303
CMPSC/MATH/STAT elective chosen from department list13CMPSC 4623
General Education Course3CMPSC 4693
100-400 Level Elective3CMPSC/MATH/STAT elective chosen from department list13
300-400 Level Elective3General Education Course2
 15 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPSC 4633CMPSC 4603
CMPSC 4723CMPSC 4703
CMPSC 487W3CMPSC 4883
CMPSC/MATH/STAT electives chosen from department list13CMPSC/MATH/STAT elective chosen from department list13
CMPSC/MATH/STAT electives chosen from department list13100-400 Level Elective2
 15 14
Total Credits 120
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

9 credits should be in CMPSC.

2

Courses listed as "General Education" total 23 credits and should include 3 credits of GA, 3 credits of GH, 2 credits of GN, 3 credits of GS, 6 credits of Inter-Domain, and 6 credits of Exploration. PHYS 212 is recommended to satisfy the 2 credits of GN. The remaining 2 credits can be applied to the Exploration category or the 100-400 level general electives.

3

Students must earn a 2.5 or higher grade point average in the following courses: CMPSC 221, CMPSC 312, CMPSC 330, CMPSC 360, CMPSC 430, CMPSC 460,   CMPSC 462, CMPSC 463, CMPSC 469, CMPSC 470, CMPSC 472, CMPSC 487W, and CMPSC 488.

4

Students in the Computer Science (COMP_BS) major are required to complete 21 of the 27 credits of 400-level prescribed courses for the major, including the senior capstone course, at Penn State Harrisburg. This is in compliance with Faculty Senate Policy 83-80.5.

5

CMPSC/MATH/STAT electives should be chosen from the following lists:

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Data science Option: Computer Science, B.S. at Harrisburg Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPSC 131*#3CMPSC 132*#3
MATH 140*#†4MATH 141*#†4
ENGL 15S, 30T, or ESL 15‡3PHYS 211†4
General Education Course3CAS 100A or 100S‡3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16 15.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPSC 3123CMPSC 330*3
DS 2203CMPSC 360*3
MATH 2202ENGL 202C‡3
General Education Course3STAT 4013
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 15.5 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPSC 4413CMPSC 4303
MATH/STAT 318 or STAT 4143CMPSC 4453
General Education Course3CMPSC 4623
General Education Course3CMPSC 4693
100-400 Level Elective3General Education Course2
 15 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPSC 4633CMPSC 4463
CMPSC 4723CMPSC 4603
CMPSC 487W3CMPSC 4883
STAT 4623CMPSC/MATH/STAT elective chosen from department list3
CMPSC/MATH/STAT elective chosen from department list3100-400 Level Elective2
 15 14
Total Credits 120
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Courses listed as "General Education" total 23 credits and should include 3 credits of GA, 3 credits of GH, 2 credits of GN, 3 credits of GS, 6 credits of Inter-Domain, and 6 credits of Exploration. PHYS 212 is recommended to satisfy the 2 credits of GN. The remaining 2 credits can be applied to the Exploration category or the 100-400 level general electives.

2

Students must earn a 2.5 or higher grade point average in the following courses: DS 220, CMPSC 312, CMPSC 330, CMPSC 360, CMPSC 430, CMPSC 441, CMPSC 460, CMPSC 445, CMPSC 446, CMPSC 462, CMPSC 463, CMPSC 469, CMPSC 472, CMPSC 487W, and CMPSC 488.

3

Students in the Computer Science (COMP_BS) major are required to complete 27 of the 33 credits of 400-level prescribed courses for the major, including the senior capstone course, at Penn State Harrisburg. This is in compliance with Faculty Senate Policy 83-80.5.

4

CMPSC/MATH/STAT electives should be chosen from the following lists:

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Career Paths

Computer Science jobs are expected to be among the top three fastest growing occupations and one of the top 20 in the number of new jobs created. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for Computer Science graduates are projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Computer Science students are encouraged to incorporate internships into their academic program. Internships can provide valuable hands-on experience that will benefit graduates during their job search. Previous students have completed successful internships with state government, Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, IBM, UNISYS, and other businesses.

Careers

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as computer scientists in engineering, scientific, industrial, and business environments as software developers, programmers, and systems analysts. Over the last few years, Penn State Harrisburg Computer Science graduates have obtained positions with companies such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Google, Boeing, Microsoft, Intel, IBM, Oracle, General Dynamics, Northrop and Grumman, GEOS, Hershey Medical Center, Woolworth, Rite Aid, and EDS.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

The program provides a sound background for students who plan to pursue graduate studies in computer science, including Penn State's Master of Science in Computer Science program. Selection of electives can be tailored for students pursuing this path.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Contact

Harrisburg

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY
Olmsted Building, W255
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6081
jmb84@psu.edu

https://harrisburg.psu.edu/science-engineering-technology/computer-science-bs

Abington

DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7852
vue9@psu.edu

https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/majors-at-abington/computer-science