Applied Computer Science, BS
Build understandable software through systematic problem-solving and collaboration.
Build software people can understand.
An application is more than a working screen. Applied Computer Science connects programming, data structures and software design with the documentation and collaboration that make a project maintainable.
You will move from small programs to a shared system, reviewing code and revising work in response to a defined user task. The capstone joins a working implementation with an account of how it was designed and evaluated.
The degree in view
The BS requires 120 semester credits. The shared core connects your specialized study with writing, evidence, interpretation and public life. An adviser helps you choose electives that fit your interests without losing sight of the degree requirements.
Required courses
COMP115Computational Thinking
Translate a problem into a sequence of operations and build small programs with readable structure and basic tests. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
MATH115Functions & Mathematical Models
Represent change with functions, interpret model assumptions and connect algebraic and graphical reasoning. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
STAT150Introduction to Statistics
Summarize samples, explore variation and use elementary statistical inference in a reproducible analysis. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
ACSC150Programming Studio
Build small interactive programs using decomposition, functions and readable data structures. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
ACSC220Software Structures
Study structured data, common algorithms and practical tradeoffs through implementation exercises. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ACSC150.
ACSC310Software Design
Develop a maintainable application with version control, testing and a clear interface between components. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ACSC220.
ACSC410Collaborative Systems
Deliver a team software increment through planning, review, documentation and user feedback. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ACSC310.
ACSC490Computing Capstone
Create and evaluate an applied computing project with a technical report and public demonstration. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ACSC410.
A related-study pathway
One approved related-study pathway; the sample plan uses these six courses. Alternatives require an adviser-approved sequence with the same credit value.
An eight-semester example
The plan below completes prerequisites before the next sequenced course. Breadth electives come from outside the major division; free electives can support exploration or a coherent additional interest. Consult your adviser before changing a sequence.
| Semester | Courses and elective spaces | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 · Fall | WRIT101, COMM105, COMP115, Breadth elective, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 1 · Spring | PHIL110, HIST120, MATH115, Breadth elective, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 2 · Fall | WRIT201, LIT130, STAT150, ACSC150, Breadth elective | 15 |
| Year 2 · Spring | ARTS105, QUAN105, ACSC220, DATA150, Breadth elective | 15 |
| Year 3 · Fall | SCIE105, CIVI120, ACSC310, DGMD150, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 3 · Spring | ETHI210, GLBL150, ACSC410, BUSI150, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 4 · Fall | DATA220, DGMD220, Free elective, Free elective, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 4 · Spring | ACSC490, BUSI220, Free elective, Free elective, Free elective | 15 |
Work toward a capstone
A working software project with source documentation, accessibility review and an evaluated user task.
Your proposal sets the scope, method and expected form of the final work. Scheduled reviews give you an opportunity to respond to feedback before a public presentation or exhibition.
A person to plan with
Nathan Cho
Chair, Technology & Design
Foundry Studios, Room 201
Human-centered computing and collaborative studio practice.
Start an advising conversationConsider your next direction
The degree can support junior technical or creative roles, project and portfolio-based work, graduate study in a related field. Career Studio can help you translate project work into a portfolio, a clear account of methods or the preparation for further study.
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