Jun 26, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Computer Science Major (BS)


The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science degree program is a mathematically rigorous, scientifically oriented curriculum that prepares students to become proficient in all fundamental areas and techniques of computer science. Students learn how to develop efficient algorithms to solve problems in a variety of application areas and implement their solutions using appropriate programming languages and computer systems. This degree program will also prepare students to pursue research opportunities and postgraduate studies in Computer Science.

Please see the UNLV Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, Department of  Computer Science web page at www.cs.unlv.edu  for information about department programs, faculty and facilities. Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available at www.unlv.edu/degree/bs-computer-science.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Career Possibilities

Computer Science graduates are in high demand and are prepared for a wide variety of well-paid professional careers. Our graduates may pursue opportunities in many areas including:

  • Database Administration
  • Software Engineering
  • Web Development
  • Network Administration
  • Systems Administration
  • Information Assurance and Security

Advising


Please see advising information at the UNLV Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering Student Advising Center www.unlv.edu/engineering/advising.

Accreditation


For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please visit the following webpage:

  • Institution - Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities www.nwccu.org.
  • Program - Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology www.abet.org.

University Graduation Requirements


Please see Graduation Policies for complete information.

Computer Science (BS) Degree Requirements - Total 120 Credits


General Education Requirements - Subtotal 36-40 Credits


First-Year Seminar - Credits: 2-3


EGG 101  in combination with EGG 202 , preferred for First-Year Seminar.

English Composition - Credits: 6


Second-Year Seminar - Credits: 3


Constitutions - Credits: 3-6


Mathematics - Credits: 4


Distribution Requirements - Credits: 18


 Please see Distribution Requirements  for more information.

  • Humanities and Fine Arts:9 credits
  • Social Science: 9 credits 
    • One course each from three different fields
  • Life and Physical Sciences and Analytical Thinking:
    • Automatically satisfied by Major requirements

Multicultural and International


Multicultural, one 3 credit course required
International, one 3 credit course required

These courses may overlap with general education and major requirements.  A single course may not meet the multicultural and international requirements simultaneously. For the list of approved multicultural and international courses, go to: www.unlv.edu/provost/multicultural-requirements.

Milestone Experience


Culminating Experience


Major Requirements - BS in Computer Science - Subtotal: 79 Credits


General Electives - Credits: 0-5


 Free electives to ensure that minimum total credits are 120.

Total Credits: 120


Optional Concentration Areas


 Students who complete either the BS or the BA program in Computer Science may also pursue one of the following concentration areas by completing the listed courses with grades of B- or better:

Information Assurance Concentration


Information Assurance - Total Credits: 12

and one of the following:

Completion of one of these concentration area will result in the awarding of a certificate to the student by the Department of Computer Science.

Notes


1. EGG 101  in combination with EGG 202 , preferred for First-Year Seminar.

2. CS 302  is a Milestone Experience course for Computer Science B.S.

 , CS 472   is a Culminating Experience courses for Computer Science B.S.