Approved by: Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Committee
Implementation Date: Spring 2015
Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.
Catalog Copy
Department of
Computer Science
http://cs.uncc.edu
Computer Science is the cornerstone of modern information technology. It has revolutionized how we learn, communicate, entertain, conduct business, perform research, and practice medicine. This information revolution is just beginning and is providing computer scientists with nearly limitless opportunities to make satisfying and enriching contributions to society. We can think of the work of computer scientists as falling into three categories:
- They design and implement software. Computer scientists take on challenging programming jobs. They also supervise other programmers, keeping them aware of new approaches.
- They devise new ways to use computers. Progress in the CS areas of networking, database, and human-computer-interface enabled the development of the World Wide Web. Now, researchers are working to make robots to be practical aides that demonstrate intelligence, are using databases to create new knowledge, and are using computers to help decipher the secrets of our DNA.
- They develop effective ways to solve computing problems. For example, computer scientists develop the best possible ways to store information in databases, send data over networks, and display complex images. Their theoretical background allows them to determine the best performance possible, and their study of algorithms helps them develop new approaches that provide better performance. Computer science spans the range from theory to programming. While other disciplines can produce graduates better prepared for specific jobs, computer science offers a comprehensive foundation that permits graduates to adapt to new technologies and new ideas.
The Department of Computer Science offers a wide variety of programs to match the diverse requirements of employers. The computer science major may pursue a program leading to one of four degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D. in Information Technology. (See the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog for information on the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.) Students are prepared for their profession through a comprehensive program of courses and research opportunities in departmental state-of-the-art computing labs.
Grade Requirements
The GPA requirement for all Computer Science undergraduate degree programs is 2.0 or above in each of the following three categories: (1) all courses applied to the degree, (2) all courses in the major, and (3) all upper division courses in the major.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Science program offers a broad core of computing subjects and allows the student to select a focus concentration area for an in-depth study in Computing Systems, Game Design and Development, Graphics and Visualization, Intelligent Systems, or Networking and Distributed Computing. This program prepares students to continue their education in master’s or doctoral programs, or to enter the business world as a computer scientist.
Degree Requirements
The B.S. in Computer Science requires 120 credit hours of coursework.
Core Courses (58 hours)
ITCS 1212 Introduction to Computer Science I (4)
ITCS 1212L Programming Lab I (0)
ITCS 1213 Introduction to Computer Science II (4)
ITCS 1213L Programming Lab II (0)
ITCS 1600 Computing Professionals (1)
ITCS 2175 Logic and Algorithms (3)
ITCS 2214 Data Structures (3)
ITCS 2215 Design and Analysis of Algorithms (3)
ITCS 3146 Operating Systems and Networking (3)
ITCS 3155 Software Engineering (3)
ITCS 3160 Database Design and Implementation (3)
ITCS 3181 Logic and Computer Systems (3)
ITCS 3181L Computer Systems Lab and Recitation (1)
ITCS 3688 Computers and Their Impact on Society (3) (O, W)
ITCS 4102 Programming Languages (3)
ENGL 2116 Introduction to Technical Communication (3) (W)
ITIS 2211 Ethical Issues in Personal, Professional, and Public Life: Technology (3)
MATH 1241 Calculus I (3)
MATH 1242 Calculus II (3)
MATH 2164 Matrices and Linear Algebra (3)
PHIL 1106 Critical Thinking (3)
STAT 2122 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3)
Focus Concentration Areas (12 hours)
Students select four courses in one of the computer science focus concentration areas below.
Computing Systems
ITCS 3110 Compiler Construction (3)
ITCS 3112 Design and Implementation of Object-Oriented Systems (3)
ITCS 3143 Operating Systems (3)
ITCS 3166 Introduction to Computer Networks (3)
ITCS 4145 Parallel Computing (3)
ITCS 4181 Microcomputer Interfacing (3)
Game Design and Development
ITCS 4120 Introduction to Computer Graphics (3)
ITCS 4230 Introduction to Game Design and Development (3)
ITCS 4231 Advanced Game Design and Development (3)
ITCS 4235 Game Engine Construction (3)
ITCS 4236 Artificial Intelligence for Computer Games (3)
ITCS 4237 Audio Processing for Entertainment Computing (3)
Graphics and Visualization
ITCS 3134 Digital Image Processing (3)
ITCS 4120 Introduction to Computer Graphics (3)
ITCS 4121 Information Visualization (3)
ITCS 4122 Visual Analytics (3)
ITCS 4123 Visualization and Visual Communication (3)
Intelligent Systems
ITCS 3134 Digital Image Processing (3)
ITCS 3152 Symbolic Programming (3)
ITCS 3153 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3)
ITCS 4151 Intelligent Robotics (3)
ITCS 4152 Computer Vision (3)
Networking and Distributed Systems
ITCS 3166 Introduction to Computer Networks (3)
ITCS 4141 Computer Organization and Architecture (3)
ITCS 4145 Parallel Computing (3)
ITCS 4146 Grid Computing (3)
ITIS 3200 Introduction to Information Security and Privacy (3)
Capstone Experience (3-6 hours)
ITCS 4155 Software Development Projects (3)
ITCS 4232 Game Design and Development Studio (3)
ITCS 4650 Senior Project I (3)
ITCS 4651 Senior Project II (3)
ITCS 4990 Undergraduate Research (3)
ITCS 4991 Undergraduate Thesis (3)
Outside Concentration (15 hours)
A component of 15 credit hours of approved non-computer science courses forming an integrated program of outside concentration must be included. The business outside concentration consists of a prescribed set of courses from the College of Business and one 3000-level course from a restricted set of choices. The mathematics outside concentration consists of 9 semester hours of approved mathematics courses at the 3000-level or above (6 hours of additional electives must be selected in this case). In general, an outside concentration consists of 6 hours at the 3000-level or above, plus an additional 9 hours of approved non-ITCS courses, forming an integrated program of secondary strength.
Suggested Curriculum
For a suggested curriculum for this degree to map out a path toward completing the major, please see the Academic Plan of Study available online at academics.uncc.edu.
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Arts program requires a more compact set of a computer science core. In addition to a primary CS focus concentration area as in the B.S. program, it also requires 21-24 semester hours of a second focus concentration area in a non-computer science discipline, possibly forming a minor in that discipline area. Graduates from the B.A. program are expected to have knowledge and skill in computer science plus a complementary discipline, such as business, cognitive science, biology, or any other discipline to which computing applies. The emphasis in this program is less theoretical/mathematical, and more on the applied side of computing.
Degree Requirements
The B.A. in Computer Science requires 121 credit hours of coursework.
Core Courses (39 hours)
ITCS 1212 Introduction to Computer Science I (4)
ITCS 1212L Programming Lab I (0)
ITCS 1213 Introduction to Computer Science II (4)
ITCS 1213L Programming Lab II (0)
ITCS 1600 Computing Professionals (1)
ITCS 2175 Logic and Algorithms (3)
ITCS 2214 Data Structures (3)
ITCS 2215 Design and Analysis of Algorithms (3)
ITCS 3146 Operating Systems and Networking (3)
ITCS 3155 Software Engineering (3)
ITCS 3160 Database Design and Implementation (3)
ITCS 3688 Computers and Their Impact on Society (3) (O, W)
ENGL 2116 Introduction to Technical Communication (3) (W)
ITIS 2211 Ethical Issues in Personal, Professional, and Public Life: Technology (3)
PHIL 1106 Critical Thinking (3)
Mathematics and Statistics Courses (12 hours)
Select one group of four courses.
Group 1
MATH 1120 Calculus (3)
MATH 2164 Matrices and Linear Algebra (3)
STAT 1220 Elements of Statistics I (BUSN) (3)
STAT 2223 Elements of Statistics II (3)
Group 2
MATH 1241 Calculus I (3)
MATH 1242 Calculus II (3)
MATH 2164 Matrices and Linear Algebra (3)
STAT 2122 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3)
Focus Concentration Areas (12 hours)
Students select four courses in one of the computer science focus concentration areas below.
Computing Systems
ITCS 3110 Compiler Construction (3)
ITCS 3112 Design and Implementation of Object-Oriented Systems (3)
ITCS 3143 Operating Systems (3)
ITCS 3166 Introduction to Computer Networks (3)
ITCS 4145 Parallel Computing (3)
ITCS 4181 Microcomputer Interfacing (3)
Game Design and Development
ITCS 4120 Introduction to Computer Graphics (3)
ITCS 4230 Introduction to Game Design and Development (3)
ITCS 4231 Advanced Game Design and Development (3)
ITCS 4235 Game Engine Construction (3)
ITCS 4236 Artificial Intelligence for Computer Games (3)
ITCS 4237 Audio Processing for Entertainment Computing (3)
Graphics and Visualization
ITCS 3134 Digital Image Processing (3)
ITCS 4120 Introduction to Computer Graphics (3)
ITCS 4121 Information Visualization (3)
ITCS 4122 Visual Analytics (3)
ITCS 4123 Visualization and Visual Communication (3)
Intelligent Systems
ITCS 3134 Digital Image Processing (3)
ITCS 3152 Symbolic Programming (3)
ITCS 3153 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3)
ITCS 4151 Intelligent Robotics (3)
ITCS 4152 Computer Vision (3)
Networking and Distributed Systems
ITCS 3166 Introduction to Computer Networks (3)
ITCS 4141 Computer Organization and Architecture (3)
ITCS 4145 Parallel Computing (3)
ITCS 4146 Grid Computing (3)
ITIS 3200 Introduction to Information Security and Privacy (3)
Capstone Experience (3-6 hours)
ITCS 4155 Software Development Projects (3)
ITCS 4232 Game Design and Development Studio (3)
ITCS 4650 Senior Project I (3)
ITCS 4651 Senior Project II (3)
ITCS 4990 Undergraduate Research (3)
ITCS 4991 Undergraduate Thesis (3)
Secondary Focus Concentration (21-24 hours)
A component of approved non-computer science courses forming an integrated program of secondary focus concentration must be included in the B.A. in Computer Science program. In general, a secondary focus concentration consists of 9 hours at the 3000-level or above, plus an additional 12 hours of approved non-ITCS non-computer science courses, forming an integrated program in a complementary (or applied) area to computer science, possibly forming a minor in that discipline area. A three-hour bridge course is included in the 21-24 hours. This course bridges between computer science and the secondary focus discipline, which can be an ITCS a computer science course or a course in the other discipline. The secondary focus concentration requirement is quite flexible and can be tailored to a student’s interest upon the approval of his/her academic advisor. To illustrate this, here are two possibilities:
Business
ACCT 2121 Principles of Accounting I (3)
ACCT 2122 Principles of Accounting II (3)
ECON 2101 Principles of Economics – Macro (3)
ECON 2102 Principles of Economics – Micro (3)
INFO 3231 Business Applications Development (3)
INFO 3234 Business Information Systems Analysis and Design (3)
INFO 3236 Business Analytics (3)
or INFO 3240 eBusiness Systems (3)
ITCS 2231 Introduction to Business Programming (3)*
or INFO 2231 Introduction to Business Programming (3)*
Cognitive Science
ITCS 3216 Introduction to Cognitive Science (3)*
ITIS 3130 Human Computer Interaction (3)
PSYC 3115 Sensation and Perception (3)
PSYC 3116 Human Cognitive Processes (3)
Plus three of the following:
ENGL 4161 Modern English Grammar (3)
ENGL 4167 The Mind and Language (3)
ENGL 4263 Linguistics and Language Learning (3)
ITIS 3131 Human and Computer Information Processing (3)
PSYC 3122 Cognitive and Language Development (3)
PSYC 3313 Neuropsychology (3)
PSYC 4316 Cognitive Neuroscience (3)
*Bridge course
Suggested Curriculum
For a suggested curriculum for this degree to map out a path toward completing the major, please see the Academic Plan of Study available online at academics.uncc.edu.
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science with Concentration in Financial Services Informatics
The B.A. in Computer Science with a Concentration in Financial Services Informatics consists of courses in computer science, financial services, and informatics.
Degree Requirements
The B.A. in Computer Science with a Concentration in Financial Services Informatics requires a total of 121 credit hours of coursework.
Financial Services Courses (27 hours)
ACCT 2121 Principles of Accounting I (3)
ACCT 2122 Principles of Accounting II (3)
ECON 2101 Principles of Economics – Macro (3)
ECON 2102 Principles of Economics – Micro (3)
FINN 3120 Financial Management (3)
FINN 3221 Financial Institutions and Markets (3)
FINN 3226 Financial Theory and Practice (3)
ITCS 1301 Introduction to Financial Services (3)
or ITIS 1301 Introduction to Financial Services (3)
ITCS 3301 Introduction to the Regulatory Environment for Financial Services Firms (3)
or ITIS 3301 Introduction to the Regulatory Environment for Financial Services Firms (3)
Informatics Courses (39 hours)
ITCS 1212 Introduction to Computer Science I (4)
ITCS 1212L Programming Lab I (0)
ITCS 1213 Introduction to Computer Science II (4)
ITCS 1213L Programming Lab II (0)
ITCS 1600 Computing Professionals (1)
ITCS 2301 Financial Services Computing Environment (3) or
ITIS 2301 Financial Services Computing Environment (3)
ITCS 3155 Software Engineering (3)
ITCS 3160 Database Design and Implementation (3)
ITCS 3688 Computers and Their Impact on Society (3) (O, W)
ITIS 1210 Introduction to Web-Based Information Systems (3)
ITIS 2300 Web-Based Application Development (3)
ITIS 3130 Human-Computer Interaction (3)
ITIS 3200 Introduction to Information Security and Privacy (3)
ITIS 3300 Software Requirements and Project Management (3)
ITIS 4220 Vulnerability Assessment and Systems Assurance (3)
Other Required Courses (21 hours)
COMM 2105 Small Group Communication (3)
ENGL 2116 Introduction to Technical Communication (3) (W)
ITIS 2211 Ethical Issues in Personal, Professional, and Public Life: Technology (3)
MATH 1120 Calculus (3)
PHIL 1106 Critical Thinking (3)
STAT 1220 Elements of Statistics I (BUSN) (3)
STAT 2223 Elements of Statistics II (3)
Capstone Courses (6 hours)
ITIS 4640 Financial Services Informatics Industry Foundations Capstone I (3)
ITIS 4641 Financial Services Informatics Industry Foundations Capstone II (3)
Suggested Curriculum
For a suggested curriculum for this degree to map out a path toward completing the major, please see the Academic Plan of Study available online at academics.uncc.edu.
Minor In Computer Science
Requirements for the Minor in Computer Science include completion of 20 hours of computer science:
ITCS 1212 Introduction to Computer Science (4)
ITCS 1212L Programming Lab I (0)
ITCS 1213 Introduction to Computer Science II (4)
ITCS 1213L Programming Lab II (0)
ITCS 2175 Logic and Algorithms (3)
ITCS 2214 Data Structures (3)
ITCS 2215 Design and Analysis of Algorithms (3)
ITCS 3688 Computers and Their Impact on Society (3) (O, W)
Undergraduate Certificate in Game Design and Development
The Undergraduate Certificate in Game Design and Development (GDD) provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to reach a demonstrated level of competence in game design and development. Course-work towards the certificate in GDD can be used for credit towards the Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. However, its primary purpose is to provide a well-defined target for students who want to advance their knowledge of modern game design and development techniques and work with a variety of professionals, from artists to writers, to being the vision for an interactive game or media product to life. The certificate may be pursued concurrently with any of the undergraduate degree programs at UNC Charlotte.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted into the Undergraduate Certificate in Game Design and Development, students must meet the general University requirements for admission into Undergraduate Certificate Programs. These University-level requirements include:
- An undergraduate degree or admission to an undergraduate degree program at UNC Charlotte.
- An application submitted to the Registrar if applicant already holds an undergraduate degree, or to the department offering the program if applicant does not hold an undergraduate degree.
- Official transcripts for previous degree(s) and course work
- A Declaration of Program form (Change of Major/Minor form) listing the certificate program.
In addition, the program expects a current working knowledge of two higher-level languages, including at least one procedural language; and a familiarity with computer applications. The following minimal background in mathematics is also required: two semesters of calculus and one semester of discrete structures. Individuals who have worked at a high professional level in the computer industry may be able to substitute work experience for specific subject area admission requirements.
Students who anticipate applying certificate courses toward an undergraduate degree program should seek advice from that program prior to enrolling. Admission to an undergraduate degree program does not ensure admission into a discipline-related certificate program.
Course Requirements
The certificate will be awarded upon completion of five to six undergraduate level courses (15-18 credits) in the area of game design and development. Up to a maximum of six transfer credits may be applied to the certificate. Course substitutions may be made at the discretion of the GDD Certificate Coordinator. The certificate program requires all courses taken for the certificate to be passed at the C level or above, and a GPA in all certificate courses of 2.5 or above.
Required Compulsory Courses (12 credits)
ITCS 4120 Introduction to Computer Graphics (3)
ITCS 4230 Introduction to Game Design and Development (3)
ITCS 4231 Advanced Game Design and Development (3)
ITCS 4232 Game Design and Development Studio (3)
Concentration Courses (3-6 credits)
Students should take one two-course sequence from the following:
Artificial Intelligence (18 credits total)
ITCS 3153 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
ITCS 4236 A.I. for Computer Games
Computation (18 credits total)
ITCS 4237 Audio Processing for Entertainment Computing
A computation-related course approved by the GDD Certificate Coordinator
Graphics (15 credits total)
ITCS 4120 Introduction to Computer Graphics (this is already a required compulsory course)
ITCS 4235 Game Engine Construction
Networking (18 credits total)
ITCS 3166 Introduction to Computer Networks
A game-networking related course approved by the GDD Certificate Coordinator
Other (15-18 credits total)
A sequence of two related courses (generally from ITCS/ITIS at the 3000-level or above) approved by the GDD Certificate Coordinator.
Early Entry: Master of Science in Computer Science
Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may be accepted into the Early Entry Program for the Master of Science in Computer Science and begin work toward a graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree. The criteria for admission are the following:
- A student may be accepted into the Early Entry Program at any time after completion of 75 semester hours of undergraduate work applicable to the appropriate degree although it is expected that close to 90 hours will have been earned by the time the first graduate course is taken.
- The application process and all required documentation (e.g., test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation) are the same for early entry students as for other applicants to the program. Admission must be recommended by the Department of Computer Science and approved by the Graduate School. The admission status will be “provisional” pending the award of the undergraduate degree.
- To be accepted into this program an undergraduate student must have at least a 3.2 overall GPA and a minimum 3.3 GPA in the department of Computer Science.
- If an Early Entry student has not met the normal graduate admission requirements of a 2.75 overall undergraduate GPA and a 3.0 junior senior GPA at the end of his/her baccalaureate degree, she/he will be dismissed from the graduate program.
- Students accepted into an Early Entry Program will be subject to the same policies that pertain to other matriculated graduate students. Generally, it will be assumed that Early Entry students will finish their baccalaureate degrees before they complete 15 hours of graduate work.
- This Early Entry Program is also accelerated in which up to 12 hours earned at the graduate level may be substituted for required undergraduate hours. In other words, up to 12 hours of graduate work may be "double counted" toward both the baccalaureate and graduate degrees.
Approved Course Substitutions for Early Entry into the M.S. in Computer Science program
|
Required CSCI U/G |
Graduate substitutions |
|
ITCS 3160 Database Design & Implementation |
ITIS 5160 Applied Database, (applies for graduate credit only if entering the MSIT program), or ITCS 6160 Database Systems, (applies for graduate credit only if entering the MS Computer Science program) |
|
ITCS 3143 Operating Systems |
ITCS 6144 Operating Systems Design |
|
ITCS 3155 Software Engineering |
ITCS 6112 S/W Systems Design & Implementation |
|
ITCS 4102 Programming Languages |
ITCS 5102 Survey of Programming Languages |
|
ITCS 3181 Logic & Computer Systems + ITCS 3181L Computer Systems Lab & Recitation OR ITCS 3182 Computer Organization & Architecture |
ITCS 5141 Computer Org & Architecture |
|
ITCS 3183 Hardware Systems Design |
ITCS 6182 Advanced Computer Architecture |
|
ITCS 3166 Intro to Computer Networks |
ITCS 6166 Computer Communications & Networks |
|
ITCS 3XXX/4XXX (up to 9 credit hours) |
Any graduate courses from CCI that are not otherwise used in a substitution above (up to 9 hours) |