Computer Science

Computer science deals with the theory, design, and application of computing systems and the study of the storing and manipulation of information. The program at Pacific Lutheran University provides a broad base core of fundamental material that stresses analysis and design experiences with substantial laboratory work, including software development. In addition, students are exposed to a variety of programming languages and systems. Students can choose from a number of upper-division courses, which ensure a depth of knowledge and an understanding of current developments in the field.

In keeping with the University’s mission “to educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care—for other people, for their communities, and for the earth,” there are four major objectives of the computer science program. Our objectives state what a PLU graduate with a major in computer science  is expected to achieve within a few years after graduation.

1. Graduates who choose to enter the workforce will become well-rounded, creative, productive, and valuable professionals in their field.
2. Graduates who choose to pursue advanced degrees will be accepted into a graduate program and make effective progress towards their degree.
3. Graduates will have an aptitude and desire to engage in lifelong learning, and will adapt to new technologies, tools, and methodologies.
4. Graduates will understand the societal, legal, and ethical implications of their work, and will share their knowledge skills and expertise with their colleagues and community.

For a complete description of the CSCI objectives and outcomes visit the department website at cs.plu.edu.

Beginning Classes in Computer Science (CSCI)

There are several beginning-level classes designed for students with various needs:

• CSCI 115: Solve it with the Computer: Especially for students with little or no background in computer science who wish an introduction to the use of the computer for problem solving. This course also satisfies the Mathematical Reasoning requirement.

• CSCI 120: Computerized Information Systems: Especially appropriate for business majors and other students wishing an introduction to the computer and applications of software packages.

• CSCI 144: Introduction to Computer Science: For students majoring in computer science, mathematics, and most science majors, as well as others wishing a strong experience in computer programming.

• CSCI 270: Data Structures: This is the second course in the major. With departmental approval, students with a strong programming background may receive advanced placement into this course.

Computer Science Majors

Students majoring in computer science may choose to earn either a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. The Bachelor of Arts program is the minimum preparation suitable for further professional study and is often combined with extensive study or a second major in an allied field. The Bachelor of Science degree is a strong, scientific degree that contains additional courses in computer science, mathematics, and science and serves both students going directly into employment on graduation and those going into graduate programs. Students should take CSCI 144, 270 and MATH 151, 152 early in their program.

Restrictions for both majors

• A minimum grade of C is required in all CSCI and MATH courses counted for a major and a minimum grade of a C- in all other supporting courses.
• Only one CSCI topics course (either 400, 410, x87, x88, or x89) can be used as an elective for a major.
• For the B.A. degree, at least 12 upper-division hours must be completed at PLU.
• For the B.S. degrees, at least 16 upper-division hours must be completed at PLU.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Major in Computer Science

28 semester hours in CSCI, plus 12 semester hours in mathematics

• CSCI 144, 270; 367 or 390; 499A, and 499B
• The remaining hours are from computer science courses numbered above CSCI 300 (except CSCI 331).
• Required supporting: MATH 151, 152, and 245

Bachelor of Science Degree

Major in Computer Science

44 semester hours in CSCI, plus 30 semester hours of supporting courses in mathematics and science

• CSCI 144, 270, 302, 343, 371, 390, 444,  499A, and 499B
• 12 additional hours selected from computer science courses numbered above CSCI 300 (except 331), or hours from MATH 356 not counted toward the 30 hours of required supporting courses.
• The 30 hours of supporting courses in mathematics and science must include:
  • MATH 151, 152, 242, 245
  • A minimum of 8 semester hours of approved science courses, which includes a year’s sequence of a laboratory science. PHYS 153, 154 with 163, 164 are preferred.
    • • Also acceptable are any of the following three options: CHEM 115, 116; BIOL 225, 226; or one of GEOS 102-105 and GEOS 201
  • Approved sciences courses are: any BIOL, except 111; any CHEM, except 104, 105; any geosciences; any physics.
  • The remaining hours may be chosen from any mathematics course numbered above 320 (except 446), CSCI 331, CSCI 131, or any approved science course.

Minor

Restrictions on Computer Science Minors

At least eight upper-division semester hours must be completed at PLU. A minimum grade of C is required in all CSCI and MATH courses for a minor and a minimum grade of a C- in all other supporting courses.

Minor in Computer Science

20 semester hours, including

• CSCI 144, 270
• Eight additional hours of upper-division computer science courses numbered above CSCI 300 (except CSCI 331, 499A, and 499B).
• Required supporting: MATH 128, 151, or equivalent

Course Offerings by Semester/Term

• Fall Semester: 120, 144, 270, 302, 343, 371, 386, 499A
• J-Term: 115
• Spring Semester: 115, 131, 133, 144, 270, 302, 367, 390, 444, 499B
• Alternate Years: 330, 331, 340, 412, 487, 488