Dec 08, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Computing Major, B.S. (Computer Science Concentration)


Department Information


Department of Computing
PO Box 70711
Phone: (423) 439-5328
Fax: (423) 439-7119
Web address: www.etsu.edu/cbat/computing/

The Computer Science concentration is designed for students who wish to apply their knowledge to the development of systems level software programs. These applications include but not limited to: real-time graphics simulations, distributed systems, and operating systems. It will also be an asset for those students who are planning for graduate work in computer science. The CS concentration supplements the computing core curriculum with courses in data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, and operating systems. The concentration also requires additional credits of mathematics and science, including the calculus sequence required of mathematics majors and one additional lab science.

The Bachelor’s of Science in Computing with a Concentration in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Computer Science Program Criteria and Similarly Named Computing Programs Program Criteria.

Grade Requirement Policy


For satisfactory progression in the major or minor, the student must attain:

  1. An overall GPA of 2.5 or better; and
  2. A GPA of 2.5 or better in all computing courses; and
  3. A grade of B- or better in CSCI 1250   and CSCI 1260  .
  4. A grade of “C-” or better in all other major requirements. This includes both common core and concentration-specific courses and all courses from other departments that satisfy major requirements.
  5. A minimum grade of “C” in ENGL 1010   and ENGL 1020  .

All computing majors or minors may attempt CSCI courses a maximum of three times. An attempt is defined as registering for and remaining in a class until the last day to drop the course without a ‘W’ grade as specified in the Academic Calendar. (Earning a grade in the class, including W or WF, counts as an attempt.)

If a student, following a third attempt to take a given course, fails to earn a grade that meets the Department’s standard for minimal performance in that course as specified in the Catalog, the student will be barred from further opportunity to enroll in that class. If this class is integral to that student’s current program of study, the student will be required to change his/her program of study. Depending on the course, this may disqualify the student from continuing in a minor; in one or more concentrations; or in the major.

A student may file an appeal with the Chair of the Department of Computing requesting a fourth attempt to take a course. Such an appeal can only be made once by a student concerning any and all CSCI courses.

All concentrations must complete 124 credits, including the ETSU General Education Requirements, the common computing core, and the concentration-specific courses.

CISC majors must pass the proficiency exam or complete  CSCI 1100 - Using Information Technology   prior to accumulating 30 credits.

Graduation Policy


Graduation Requirement:

Students must successfully complete the Computing Senior Exam (CSE) before graduation. Students are eligible to complete the CSE during the student’s last semester at East Tennessee State University. The CSE is administered in-person within the Testing Center on ETSU’s main campus, at approved off-campus instructional sites, or other department-approved locations. Students who do not successfully complete the CSE must retake the CSE at a time and location designated by the Department and continue to retake the CSE until completion. For more information about completing the CSE, please contact the Department’s Academic Advisor.

Degree Requirements: 124 credits


Compass Core Curriculum

40-43 credits
Major Total Requirements 76 credits
     Major Core    (36 credits)
     Concentration    (28 credits)
     Advisor Approved Electives    (12 credits)
Free Electives 5-8 credits
TOTAL 124 credits

Suggested Four-Year Program of Study: CISC-BS (CSCS)  


Compass Core Curriculum  

These requirements include earning 40-43 credits in Strengthening Foundations, Understanding Natural and Social Worlds, Exploring Connections, Cultivate Artistic Awareness, and Growing as an Individual and Global Citizen categories.

Major Specific courses listed in Compass Core Curriculum Requirements:  

  • MATH 1910   
  • 8 credits of Natural Science excluding those for non-science majors

Total Requirements for Computing Major: 76 credits


Advisor Approved Electives: 12 credits


Four approved CSCI electives (at least two at the 3000-4000 level) for a total of 12 credits.

No Minor Required


Free Electives: 6-7 credits


Additional Information


Click here to view Degree and Graduation Requirements  for all ETSU students.

CSCI 1100  or Proficiency exam: Must be completed to meet Bachelor’s Degree Requirements. CSCI 1100  has a required lab course, CSCI 1150 .

Most minors range from 18-24 credits. Those few minors with more than 24 credits may affect the number of free electives allowed.

International Student Seminar Policy


International Students : Must complete 4 credits of International Student Seminar  as part of their undergraduate program.