The Computer Science program at Youngstown State University equips students with the technical expertise, analytical skills, and ethical grounding required to excel in the dynamic field of computing. With a comprehensive curriculum encompassing computing systems, programming languages, software engineering, artificial intelligence, operating systems, and algorithms, students gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to design, develop, implement, and test complex software solutions.
The program emphasizes adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication, preparing graduates to navigate uncertainty, embrace emerging technologies, and solve intricate problems with professionalism and integrity. In addition to fostering career readiness, the program provides a strong foundation for post-baccalaureate studies in areas such as computer architecture and the theory of computation. Graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions to individuals, society, and the profession through innovative and responsible computing practices.
The work of computer scientists falls into three categories:
- Designing and building software
- Developing effective ways to solve computing problems, such as storing information in databases, sending data over networks, providing new approaches to security problems,
- Devising new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision, or digital forensics
Like most Computer Science programs, the YSU Computer Science major requires a significant mathematical background. The program's flexibility allows the student many choices, including a second minor.
This degree may be earned in eight semesters if students average 15 hours per semester.
The benefits of a Computer Science bachelor's degree include:
- The median annual salary of $120,730 for software developers
- 25% projected job growth for software developers through 2031
The advantages of pursuing a Computer Science bachelor's degree at YSU include:
- Multiple terms throughout the year to help you start anytime and complete your degree.
- Access to full-time faculty at any time
- Full-time faculty coverage of core courses
- One of the lowest tuition rates in the nation
- Intensive project-oriented courses
Graduates of the Computer Science Bachelor of Science degree program generally function in roles to:
- Design and build software
- Develop effective ways to solve computing problems, such as storing information in databases, sending data over networks, providing new approaches to security problems
- Devise new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision, or digital forensics
During their first few years after earning the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree at YSU, graduates will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Apply computing theories, techniques, and methodologies to analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate high-quality software and computing systems that address the needs of diverse users.
- Function effectively as team members or leaders, and demonstrate ethical responsibility and professionalism in computing-related professional contexts.
- Pursue further education in graduate programs or achieve success in computing-related careers by demonstrating strong communication skills across diverse formats, as well as analytical and problem-solving abilities essential for professional growth and advancement.
This degree may be earned in eight semesters if students average 16 hours per semester.
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR REQUIREMENT -STUDENT SUCCESS | ||
| YSU 1500 | Success Seminar | 1-2 |
| or YSU 1500S | Youngstown State University Success Seminar | |
| or HONR 1500 | Intro to Honors | |
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENGL 1550 | Writing 1 | 3-4 |
| or ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 with Support | |
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 | 3 |
| Mathematics Requirement | ||
| MATH 1571 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| Arts and Humanities | 6 | |
| Introduction to Professional Ethics | ||
| CL History of American Democracy | ||
| Natural Sciences (2 courses; one course must include a lab) | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 courses) | 6 | |
| General Education Electives (9 s.h.) Any Gen Ed Courses | 9 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| CSIS 2610 & 2610L | Programming and Problem-Solving and Programming and Problem-Solving Lab | 4-6 |
| or CSIS 1595 & 1595L & CSIS 2605 & CSIS 2605L | Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 and Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 Lab and Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 and Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 Lab | |
| CSIS 3700 & 3700L | Data Structures and Objects and Data Structures and Objects Lab | 4 |
| CSIS 3701 | Advanced Object-oriented Programming | 3 |
| CSIS 3740 | Computer Organization | 4 |
| CSCI 3710 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CSCI 5806 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 5801 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSCI 5870 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| CSCI 4890 | Computer Projects At least 2 s.h. | 2-4 |
| ENGL 3743 | Introduction to Professional Writing | 3 |
| or INFO 3704 | Business Communication | |
| Select at least 12 additional upper-division semester hours from CSCI or CSIS courses, or STEM 4890. This must include at least 9 s.h. from the following courses: | 12 | |
| Development of Databases | ||
| Networking Concepts and Administration | ||
| Information Assurance | ||
| Concepts of Programming Languages | ||
| Automata Theory | ||
| STEM Internship | ||
| Mathematics Minor | ||
| MATH 1572 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MATH 3720 | Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory | 3 |
| STAT 3743 | Probability and Statistics | 4 |
| Additional MATH course To meet 18 hour minor | 3 | |
| Free Electives Any courses to meet 120 total hours | 23 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 120-126 | |
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | S.H. | |
| YSU 1500 | Success Seminar or Youngstown State University Success Seminar or Intro to Honors | 1-2 |
| CSIS 2610 & 2610L | Programming and Problem-Solving or Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 and Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 Lab and Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 and Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 Lab | 4-6 |
| MATH 1571 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| ENGL 1550 or ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 or Writing 1 with Support | 3-4 |
| Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 15-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSIS 3700 & 3700L | Data Structures and Objects and Data Structures and Objects Lab | 4 |
| MATH 1572 | Calculus 2 (minor) | 4 |
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 | 3 |
| Gen Ed Natural Science + Lab | 4 | |
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSIS 3701 | Advanced Object-oriented Programming | 3 |
| CSIS 3740 | Computer Organization | 4 |
| PHIL 2625 | Introduction to Professional Ethics (AH) | 3 |
| HIST 2650 | CL History of American Democracy (AH) | 3 |
| Free Elective Any YSU course | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSCI 3710 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| MATH 3720 | Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory | 3 |
| ENGL 3743 or INFO 3704 | Introduction to Professional Writing or Business Communication | 3 |
| Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Elective Any Gen Ed course in AH, NS, or SS | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSCI 5801 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSCI/CSIS Upper Division Elective or STEM 4890 | 3 | |
| STAT 3743 | Probability and Statistics | 4 |
| Free Elective Any YSU Course | 3 | |
| Free Elective Any YSU Course | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSCI/CSIS Upper Division Elective or STEM 4890 | 3 | |
| CSCI/CSIS Upper Division Elective or STEM 4890 | 3 | |
| Math Minor Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Natural Science | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Elective Any Gen Ed course in AH, NS, or SS | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSCI 5870 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| CSCI 4890 | Computer Projects | 2-4 |
| Free Elective Any YSU course | 3 | |
| Free Elective Any YSU course | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Elective Any Gen Ed course in AH, NS, or SS | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 14-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSCI 5806 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSCI/CSIS Upper Division Elective or STEM 4890 | 3 | |
| Free Elective Any YSU course | 3 | |
| Free Elective Any YSU course | 3 | |
| Free Elective Any course | 2 | |
| Semester Hours | 14 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 120-126 | |
Learning Outcomes
Computer science students in the BS degree program will:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.