Department website: https://lcsee.statler.wvu.edu/
Degree Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.C.S.)
Nature of the Program
Computer science is a discipline that involves the understanding and design of computational processes. The discipline ranges from a theoretical study of algorithms and information processing in general, to a practical design of efficient and reliable software that meets given specifications. This differs from most physical sciences, engineering included, that separate theoretical underpinnings of the science from applications within it. The computer science major prepares students for careers in fields such as software development, cybersecurity, machine learning, data analytics, virtual reality, and human computer interfaces. The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Computer Science.
Program Educational Objectives
The Program Educational Objectives (PEO) of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.C.S.) program at West Virginia University is to produce graduates who will apply their knowledge and skills to achieve success in their careers in industry, research, government service or graduate study. It is expected that in the first five years after graduation our graduate will achieve success and proficiency in their profession, be recognized as leaders, and contribute to the well-being of society.
Click here to view the Suggested Plan of Study
Curriculum in Computer Science
General Education Foundations
Please use this link to view a list of courses that meet each GEF requirement.
NOTE: Some major requirements will fulfill specific GEF requirements. Please see the curriculum requirements listed below for details on which GEFs you will need to select.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Foundations | ||
| F1 - Composition & Rhetoric | 3-6 | |
| Introduction to Composition and Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric, and Research | ||
or ENGL 103 | Accelerated Academic Writing | |
| F2A/F2B - Science & Technology | 4-6 | |
| F3 - Math & Quantitative Reasoning | 3-4 | |
| F4 - Society & Connections | 3 | |
| F5 - Human Inquiry & the Past | 3 | |
| F6 - The Arts & Creativity | 3 | |
| F7 - Global Studies & Diversity | 3 | |
| F8 - Focus (may be satisfied by completion of a minor, double major, or dual degree) | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 31-37 | |
Please note that not all of the GEF courses are offered at all campuses. Students should consult with their advisor or academic department regarding the GEF course offerings available at their campus.
Degree Requirements
Students must meet the following criteria to qualify for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree:
- Complete a minimum of 122 credit hours
- Satisfy WVU's undergraduate degree requirements
- Satisfy Statler College's undergraduate degree requirements
- Complete all courses listed in the curriculum requirements with the required minimum grades
- Attain an overall grade point average of 2.00 or better
- Attain a WVU grade point average of 2.00 or better
- Attain a Statler grade point average of 2.00 or better
- A maximum of one math or science courses with a grade of D+, D, or D- may apply towards a Statler College degree
- Complete a survey regarding their academic and professional experiences at WVU, as well as post-graduation job placement or continuing education plans.
The Statler GPA is computed based on all work taken at WVU with a subject code within Statler College (BIOM, BMEG, CE, CHE, CPE, CS, CSEE, CYBE, EE, ENGR, ENVE, ETEC, IENG, IH&S, MAE, MINE, PDA, PNGE, ROBE, SAFM, SENG) excluding ENGR 140, ENGR 150, and CS 101. The WVU GPA is computed based on all work taken at WVU. The Overall GPA is computed based on all work taken at WVU and transfer work.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Requirements | 19 | |
| Fundamentals of Engineering Requirements | 2 | |
| Math and Science Requirements | 28 | |
| Computer Science Program Requirements | 73 | |
| Total Hours | 122 | |
University Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits) | ||
| Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 | 18 | |
| ENGR 191 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 19 | |
Fundamentals of Engineering Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum grade of C- is required in all Fundamentals of Engineering courses. | ||
| ENGR 101 | Engineering Problem Solving 1 | 2 |
| Total Hours | 2 | |
Math and Science Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum grade of C- is required in all Math and Science courses except CS 220, MATH 303, and MATH 378. | ||
| Core Requirements | ||
| MATH 155 | Calculus 1 (GEF 3) | 4 |
| MATH 156 | Calculus 2 (GEF 8) | 4 |
| STAT 215 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (GEF 8) | 3 |
| Lab Science Electives I (GEF 2B) & II (GEF 8): Select two GEF 2B courses and accompanying labs | 8 | |
| Math and Statistics Elective: Select one MATH course numbered 251 or higher or STAT course numbered 300 or higher | 3 | |
| Discrete Mathematics Requirement: Select one option from below: | 6 | |
| Option A | ||
| Discrete Mathematics | ||
Elective: Select one additional MATH course numbered 251 or higher or STAT course numbered 300 or higher | ||
| Option B | ||
| Introduction to the Concepts of Mathematics | ||
| Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Total Hours | 28 | |
Computer Science Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum grade of C- is required in CS 110, CS 110L, CS 111, and CS 111L. | ||
| CS 110 & 110L | Introduction to Computer Science and Introduction to Computer Science Laboratory | 4 |
| CS 111 & 111L | Introduction to Data Structures and Introduction to Data Structures Laboratory | 4 |
| CS 210 | File and Data Structures | 4 |
| CS 310 | Principles of Programming Languages | 3 |
| CS 320 | Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 330 & 330L | Introduction to Software Engineering and Introduction to Software Engineering Laboratory | 4 |
| CS 350 | Computer System Concepts | 3 |
| CS 410 | Compiler Construction | 3 |
| or CS 422 | Automata Theory | |
| CS 450 | Operating Systems Structure | 4 |
| CPE 271 & 271L | Introduction to Digital Logic Design and Digital Logic Laboratory | 4 |
| CPE 310 | Microprocessor Systems | 3 |
| CPE 453 | Data and Computer Communications | 3 |
| CSEE 380 | Engineering for Societal Impact | 2 |
| CSEE 480S | Capstone Project - Design | 2 |
| or CSEE 480 | Capstone Project - Design | |
| CSEE 481S | Capstone Project - Implementation | 3 |
| or CSEE 481 | Capstone Project - Implementation | |
| WRIT 304 | Business and Professional Writing | 3 |
| or WRIT 305 | Technical Writing | |
| or WRIT 403 | Grant Proposal Writing for Community & Industry | |
| Free Elective *, **, *** | 3 | |
| CS Elective **, *** | 3 | |
400-level or higher course in CS subject code | ||
| Interdisciplinary Technical Electives *, **, *** | 12 | |
300-level or higher courses in BIOM, CPE, CS, CSEE, CYBE, EE, or ROBE subject codes | ||
| Gaming Design and Digital Narrative | ||
| Introduction to Quantum Computing | ||
| Statler College Elective **, *** | 3 | |
Course offered by Statler College | ||
| Total Hours | 73 | |
- *
Students choosing an AOE in Cybersecurity are not required to fulfill the Free Elective requirement and must choose only a total of 3 credits from Interdisciplinary Technical Electives.
- **
A maximum of 3 credits from any applicable 490 course may be used toward elective requirements.
- ***
- A maximum of 3 credits from any applicable 491 course may be used toward elective requirements.
Suggested Plan of Study
It is important for students to take courses in the order specified as closely as possible; all prerequisites and concurrent requirements must be observed. A typical B.S. degree program that completes degree requirements in four years is as follows.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CS 110 & 110L | 4 | CS 111 & 111L | 4 |
| ENGR 101 | 2 | ENGL 101 (GEF 1) | 3 |
| ENGR 191 | 1 | MATH 156 (GEF 8) | 4 |
| MATH 155 (GEF 3) | 4 | Lab Science Elective II (GEF 8) | 4 |
| Lab Science Elective I (GEF 2B) | 4 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CS 210 | 4 | CPE 271 & 271L | 4 |
| CS 330 & 330L | 4 | STAT 215 (GEF 8) | 3 |
| ENGL 102 (GEF 1) | 3 | GEF 5 | 3 |
| GEF 4 | 3 | GEF 6 | 3 |
| Discrete Mathematics Requirement Course | 3 | Discrete Mathematics Requirement Course | 3 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CS 310 | 3 | CPE 310 | 3 |
| CS 320 | 3 | CSEE 380 | 2 |
| CS 350 | 3 | Interdisciplinary Technical Elective | 3 |
| WRIT 304, 305, or 403 | 3 | Interdisciplinary Technical Elective | 3 |
| Interdisciplinary Technical Elective | 3 | Math and Statistics Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CS 410 or 422 | 3 | CSEE 481S | 3 |
| CS 450 | 4 | Interdisciplinary Technical Elective | 3 |
| CPE 453 | 3 | CS Elective | 3 |
| CSEE 480S | 2 | Free Elective | 3 |
| GEF 7 | 3 | Statler College Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total credit hours: 122 | |||
Areas of Emphasis
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
Area of Emphasis in Artificial Intelligence
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CS 472 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CS 474 | Introduction to Responsible and Safe AI | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Neural Networks | ||
| Introduction to Big Data Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Data Mining | ||
| Applied Artificial Intelligence Studio | ||
| Introduction to Digital Image Processing | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Area of Emphasis in Cybersecurity
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CPE 453 | Data and Computer Communications | 3 |
| CYBE 366 | Secure Software Development | 3 |
| CYBE 465 | Cybersecurity Principles and Practice | 3 |
| CYBE 467 | Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Computer Incident Response | ||
| Host Based Cyber Defense | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Dual Degree Programs
Lane Department Programs
Students can simultaneously pursue two bachelor’s degrees in the Lane Department. To successfully complete both degrees, students must meet all requirements of both programs and complete a minimum of 150 credit hours. As part of those 150 credit hours, 30 credit hours must be unique from the primary degree course requirements. Exact credit hours and classes will vary per student based on their choice of technical electives and emphasis courses.
The most common Lane Department major combinations are:
- Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering and Computer Science
Please refer to the catalog descriptions of each individual program for course and academic requirements which can include minimum grades and GPA, and elective choices.
B.S.C.S. Computer Science and B.S. Robotics Engineering
Degree Requirements
Students must meet the following criteria to qualify for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering degree:
- Complete a minimum of 152 credit hours
- Satisfy WVU's undergraduate degree requirements
- Satisfy Statler College's undergraduate degree requirements
- Complete all courses listed in the curriculum requirements with the required minimum grades
- Attain an overall grade point average of 2.00 or better
- Attain a WVU grade point average of 2.00 or better
- Attain a Statler grade point average of 2.00 or better
- A maximum of one math or science courses with a grade of D+, D, or D- may apply towards a Statler College degree
- Complete a survey regarding their academic and professional experiences at WVU, as well as post-graduation job placement or continuing education plans.
The Statler GPA is computed based on all work taken at WVU with a subject code within Statler College (BIOM, BMEG, CE, CHE, CPE, CS, CSEE, CYBE, EE, EMGT, ENGR, ENVE, ETEC, IENG, IH&S, MAE, MINE, MPGE, MSEN, PDA, PNGE, ROBE, SAFM, SENG) excluding ENGR 140, ENGR 150, and CS 101. The WVU GPA is computed based on all work taken at WVU. The Overall GPA is computed based on all work taken at WVU and transfer work.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Requirements | 16 | |
| Fundamentals of Engineering Requirements | 2 | |
| Math and Science Requirements | 30 | |
| Computer Science and Robotics Engineering Program Requirements | 104-105 | |
| Total Hours | 152-153 | |
University Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits) | ||
| Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 5, 6, and 7 | 15 | |
| ENGR 191 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
Fundamentals of Engineering Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum grade of C- is required in all Fundamentals of Engineering courses. | ||
| ENGR 101 | Engineering Problem Solving 1 | 2 |
| Total Hours | 2 | |
Math and Science Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum grade of C- is required in all Math and Science courses except CS 220. | ||
| CS 220 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 155 | Calculus 1 (GEF 3) | 4 |
| MATH 156 | Calculus 2 (GEF 8) | 4 |
| MATH 251 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 261 | Elementary Differential Equations | 4 |
| PHYS 111 & 111L | General Physics 1 and General Physics 1 Laboratory (GEF 2B) | 4 |
| PHYS 112 & 112L | General Physics 2 and General Physics 2 Laboratory (GEF 8) | 4 |
| STAT 215 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (GEF 8) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Computer Science and Robotics Engineering Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CPE 271 & 271L | Introduction to Digital Logic Design and Digital Logic Laboratory | 4 |
| CPE 310 & 310L | Microprocessor Systems and Microprocessor Systems Laboratory | 4 |
| CPE 453 | Data and Computer Communications | 3 |
| CS 110 & 110L | Introduction to Computer Science and Introduction to Computer Science Laboratory | 4 |
| CS 111 & 111L | Introduction to Data Structures and Introduction to Data Structures Laboratory | 4 |
| CS 210 | File and Data Structures | 4 |
| CS 310 | Principles of Programming Languages | 3 |
| CS 320 | Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 330 & 330L | Introduction to Software Engineering and Introduction to Software Engineering Laboratory | 4 |
| CS 350 | Computer System Concepts | 3 |
| CS 410 | Compiler Construction | 3 |
| or CS 422 | Automata Theory | |
| CS 450 | Operating Systems Structure | 4 |
| ECON 201 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| EE 221 & 221L | Introduction to Electrical Engineering and Introduction to Electrical Engineering Laboratory | 4 |
| EE 251 & 251L | Digital Electronics and Digital Electronics Laboratory | 4 |
| MAE 202 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| MAE 211 & 211L | Mechatronics and Mechatronics Laboratory | 3 |
| MAE 212L | Introduction to Computer Aided Design | 1 |
| MAE 241 | Statics | 3 |
| MAE 242 | Dynamics | 3 |
| MAE 243 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| MAE 316 | Analysis of Engineering Systems | 3 |
| MAE 342 | Dynamics of Machines | 3 |
| MAE 411 & 411L | Advanced Mechatronics and Advanced Mechatronics Laboratory | 3 |
| MAE 460 | Automatic Controls | 3 |
| ROBE 313 | Fundamentals of Robotic Systems | 3 |
| ROBE 412 | Mobile Robotics | 3 |
| ROBE 413 | Robotic Manipulators | 3 |
| ROBE 414 | Robot Autonomy | 3 |
| WRIT 304 | Business and Professional Writing | 3 |
| or WRIT 305 | Technical Writing | |
| or WRIT 403 | Grant Proposal Writing for Community & Industry | |
| Capstone Design Sequence | 6-7 | |
| Engineering for Societal Impact and Capstone Project - Design and Capstone Project - Implementation | ||
| Principles of Engineering Design and Engineering Systems Design | ||
| CS 4xx Technical Elective * | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 104-105 | |
- *
See BSCS degree for list of electives with the CS subject code in 400-level or higher.
Suggested Plan of Study
It is important for students to take courses in the order specified as much as possible; all prerequisites and concurrent requirements must be observed. A typical B.S.C.S. / B.S. Robotics degree program that completes degree requirements in four and a half years is listed below.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CS 110 & 110L | 4 | CS 111 & 111L | 4 |
| ENGL 101 | 3 | ENGL 102 | 3 |
| ENGR 101 | 2 | MATH 156 | 4 |
| ENGR 191 | 1 | PHYS 111 & 111L | 4 |
| MATH 155 | 4 | ||
| GEF 5, 6, or 7 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CS 210 | 4 | CPE 271 & 271L | 4 |
| MAE 202 | 1 | MAE 211 & 211L | 3 |
| MAE 241 | 3 | MAE 212L | 1 |
| MATH 251 | 4 | MAE 242 | 3 |
| PHYS 112 & 112L | 4 | MATH 261 | 4 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CS 220 | 3 | CPE 310 & 310L | 4 |
| CS 330 & 330L | 4 | CS 310 | 3 |
| EE 221 & 221L | 4 | CS 320 | 3 |
| ROBE 313 | 3 | EE 251 & 251L | 4 |
| MAE 243 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| MAE 316 | 3 | CS 350 | 3 |
| MAE 342 | 3 | ECON 201 (GEF 4) | 3 |
| ROBE 412* | 3 | ROBE 413* | 3 |
| STAT 215 | 3 | WRIT 304, 305, or 403 | 3 |
| GEF 5, 6, or 7 | 3 | GEF 5, 6, or 7 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fifth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CPE 453 | 3 | CS 450 | 4 |
| CS 410 or 422* | 3 | MAE 460 | 3 |
| MAE 411 & 411L | 3 | ROBE 472S or CSEE 481S* | 3 |
| ROBE 414* | 3 | CS 400-level Technical Elective | 3 |
| ROBE 471S or CSEE 480S* | 3 | ||
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Total credit hours: 152 | |||
- *
Courses only taught in given semester
Program Educational Objectives
The Program Educational Objectives (PEO) of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.C.S.) program at West Virginia University are to produce graduates who will apply their knowledge of programming languages and paradigms, software development processes, hardware, services, the theory of computation, and other computing topics to achieve success in their careers in industry, research, government service, or academia. It is expected that early career graduates will demonstrate their adaptability to new technologies as they achieve success and proficiency in their profession, become recognized as leaders, and contribute to the betterment of society.
Student Outcomes
Upon graduation, all Bachelor of Science students in Computer Science will have an ability to:
- 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.The Program Educational Objectives (PEO) of the computer science program at West Virginia University are to produce graduates who will apply their knowledge of programming languages and paradigms, software development processes, hardware, services, the theory of computation, and other computing topics to achieve success in their careers in industry, research, government service, or academia. It is expected that early career graduates will demonstrate their adaptability to new technologies as they achieve success and proficiency in their profession, become recognized as leaders, and contribute to the betterment of society.