COMPUTING SCIENCES

Otto Miller Hall
206-281-2140
www.spu.edu/depts/csc

FACULTY:  Phil Prins, Mike Tindall, Elaine Weltz

The Department of Computing Sciences prepares students in these ways:

• Employ critical thinking skills and efficient computer-based methods to analyze and solve challenging problems.
• Utilize computing technologies in a socially responsible manner.
• Apply their expertise wherever they serve in the world. 

We seek to provide a well-focused program of studies in the theoretical and applied aspects of modern computing-related disciplines, informed by a Christian worldview and graduating students who are equipped for continued professional development and service.

The computing sciences encompass a broad and evolving group of related disciplines. Our programs include computer science and information systems; the department also maintains strong collaborations with programs in computer engineering and computational mathematics. 

Computer science is the discipline that studies the representation, storage, and transformation of information utilizing computers. The computer scientist develops software and hardware to analyze data and solve problems.

Our graduates often begin their careers in software design, implementation and testing. Computer scientists also devise new ways of using computers and work to develop effective ways to solve difficult problems using computing technology.   

The information systems discipline focuses on integrating technology solutions and organizational processes to meet the information needs of both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. IS professionals play a key role in determining the requirements for an organization’s information systems and are active in their specification, design, implementation and support.

The Department of Computing Sciences offers both bachelor of science (B.S.) and bachelor of arts (B.A.) degrees:

• The B.S. in computer science is the traditional degree that combines full coverage of the core areas of computer science with an emphasis on scientific and engineering foundations.
• The B.A. in computer science emphasizes problem solving, organizing and synthesizing ideas, and applications of computing theory. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of the core areas of computer science and to provide flexibility for students to pursue additional specializations in other academic areas. It is a particularly good degree path for students wishing to double major or minor in another field; and graduates are well prepared for projects that apply computing to other disciplines.
• The B.S. in information systems is designed to provide students with an understanding of the core areas of computer science as well as both the technical and organizational factors surrounding information systems.

The department maintains dedicated computing facilities and equipment to support instructional coursework and undergraduate-student research activities. In addition to general purpose PC laboratories, this includes web and database servers and a CSC projects laboratory containing a configurable 8-node network cluster for student projects involving high-performance concurrent and distributed computing networks.

Software used for course and lab work is available as open source download or with educational pricing through Computer and Information Systems or the SPU Bookstore.

Preliminary Prerequisites

High school pre-calculus or math analysis is required.

Admission and GPA Requirement

Admission to a major in computer science or information systems requires:

• A minimum SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C).
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the first three CSC-labeled courses taken at SPU that apply to the chosen major. In addition, a minimum grade of C is required in each of these three courses.

Students are encouraged to apply for their major as soon as they are eligible. An application form is available at www.spu.edu/depts/csc. 

A student must complete the major requirements in effect when the student is admitted to the major.

Recommended for All Degree Options

Because writing and communication skills are important for computer scientists, ENG 3205 Writing in the Professions and COM 1101 Introduction to Interpersonal Communications are recommended for all students majoring or minoring in computer science.

Requirements for the B.S. in Computer Science Major

106 credits; 48 upper-division.
The B.S. in computer science includes coursework in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, and physics. 

Requirements for the B.A. in Computer Science Major

71 credits; 41 upper-division.
The B.A. in computer science is a liberal arts oriented major. Students are encouraged to combine their studies in computer science and mathematics with additional specializations in and applications to other academic areas. 

Requirements for the B.S. in Information Systems Major

81 credits; 51 upper-division.
The B.S. in information systems includes coursework in computer science, mathematics, business and communication.

Requirements for the Minor in Computer Science

33 credits; 15 upper-division.
Click the link above for a complete listing of requirements for the minor.

Policy on Multiple Computing Sciences Majors

A student cannot double-major in any combination of Department of Computing Sciences Degrees. However, a student who has graduated with either computer science degree may pursue an information systems degree as a second baccalaureate degree.

Similarly, a student who has graduated with a degree in information systems may pursue either Computer Science option as a second baccalaureate degree. All SPU rules governing additional baccalaureate degrees apply.

Related Degree Programs

B.S. in Computational Mathematics. Combines computational and applied mathematics with a strong base in computer science. For more information, refer to the information under mathematics.

B.S. in Computer Engineering. Combines strong bases in computer science, digital electronics, and engineering. For more information, refer to the information in engineering.

Print Degree Requirements | Print this Page