Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Academic Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, BS


This degree, offered by the Department of Computer Science , provides a solid background for a variety of careers in the computing profession. Entry level positions include jobs in programming, systems analysis, software engineering and customer support. Such positions are required by nearly every institution whether it is public or private. The Computer Science Program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD, 21202-4012, 410.347.7700. The program not only prepares students for graduate work in computer science, but also for advanced work in the related fields of management science and operations research.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 35
Major Preparation 33
Major Requirements 38
Major Electives 14
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

Major-Specific Graduation Requirements

A grade of “C-” or better is required for courses being used to meet any requirement in any minor or major offered by the Department of Computer Science , including Major Preparation courses. The Major Preparation and Major Requirements must include at least 37 units of upper division mathematics and computer science course work, excluding CS 100W .

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Exceptions for University Graduation Requirements  apply to this major. 

Core Lower Division General Education (21 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 18 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below and approved exceptions . Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3 or B4 must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Of the 39 units, the following 21 units are not satisfied in the major:

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements and should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or specific questions.

Upper Division General Education (3 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 6 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details. Of the 9 units, the following 3 units are not satisfied in the major:

American Institutions (6 units)


Complete one 6 unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement  with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ; 24 units) sequences satisfy the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see the course description for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

Physical Education (2 units)


All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 units)


At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a 100W course. Exceptions to the GWAR may be found at Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) .

A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirement.

Major Preparation (33 units)


Additional Mathematics Course (3 units)


Complete one course:

Approved Science Electives (14 units)


Students must complete a total of 14 units of science electives. Six of those units must be fulfilled by the courses listed below. The remaining eight units may be satisfied by GE Areas B1, B2, B3  and SJSU Studies Area R 

Major Requirements (52 units)


Major Electives (14 units)


Lower Division Electives


Students must secure prior department consent to use the following courses to satisfy the major elective requirement.

Total Units Required (120 units)