Computer Science (B.S.)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is professionally oriented, and students will learn sound software engineering practices, using object-oriented languages such as Java and C++. Students completing this degree are well prepared for a career or graduate study in the field of computer science. Graduates of the program typically pursue careers in areas such as software engineering and technology management.

The BSCS program (PDF checklist) is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. The program requirements with course descriptions can be found here.  To help students plan their degree, here are some sample 4-year plans.  

Student Enrollment and Graduation Data

Hood undergraduate students declare the major at the end of the sophomore year.

In recent years, we have:

• 2019-20: 42 Majors; class of 2020 - 13 graduates
• 2018-19: 28 majors; class of 2019 - 10 graduates
• 2017-18: 26 majors; Class of 2018 - 4 graduates
• 2016-17: 28 majors; Class of 2017 - 19 graduates
• 2015-16: 34 majors; Class of 2016 - 12 graduates
• 2014-15: 39 majors; Class of 2015 - 13 graduates
• 2013-14: 36 majors; Class of 2014 - 10 graduates

Program Educational Objectives

The graduates of the computer science program will, within a few years after graduation, apply their knowledge and skills to:

1. Establish themselves as practicing technology professionals or pursue advanced study in computer science, information technology, or related areas.
2. Solve applied, real-world problems, individually and in teams, and communicate solutions effectively to diverse audiences.
3. Advance professionally through organized training or self-learning in areas related to computer science and information technology.
4.  Act ethically and responsibly, and remain informed and involved as full participants in our profession and our society.

Program Educational Objectives are reviewed annually by the program faculty and the Computer Science Advisory Board.

Student Outcomes

By the time of graduation, students will demonstrate ability to:

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of computer science.
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to computer science.
6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

The Computer Science Minor

The minor in computer science provides an organized exposure to the discipline. It includes two semesters of programming and three-course electives that allow students to shape their study based on their interests. The Department offers a wide variety of elective courses each semester, ranging from software development, artificial intelligence, and computer architecture to programming languages, database management systems, data science, and machine learning.

The 20.0-credit computer science minor is open to students from any major and provides useful hands-on, problem-solving skills that can complement virtually any area of study. The course and credit requirements for the minor are:

• MATH 207  Discrete Mathematics (3.0 credits)
• CS 201 Computer Science I (4.0 credits)
• CS 202 Computer Science II  (4.0 credits)
• Nine additional credits of computer science courses as electives, six of which must be at the 200-level or above (9.0 credits). Teaching assistantships (CS 335) or internship credits (CS 399) may not be applied toward the minor.

Program Contact

Ahmed Salem

Department Chair of Computer Science and Information Technology

Phone

301-696-3731

Email

salem@hood.edu

Bill Pierce

Coordinator, Computer Science Minor

Phone

301-696-3983

Email

pierce@hood.edu