2022-2023 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog 
    
    Oct 07, 2024  
2022-2023 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, B.S.


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The Computer Science program prepares students for roles across the breadth of computer science, in industry, service, and research. Our approach to computer science includes a rigorous and balanced core of mathematical, theoretical, and practical knowledge about computation. Students in our department spend more instructional hours on topics central to computer science than at many similar institutions, while electives in topics like robotics and Linux challenge students to deeply employ the tools of their discipline. Our approach also emphasizes active engagement of students in the learning process both in and beyond the classroom. To support this approach, faculty vigorously pursue professional development.

Majors have access to a departmental lab with a variety of language compilers, in addition to other on-campus computing resources. Our Internet Teaching Laboratory (ITL) provides an isolated network for network design experimentation and student investigations in computer security. Servers for n-tier application development are also available to students.

Students participate in the Computer Science Club, affiliated with the national Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Many students enjoy internship opportunities. Faculty typically hold memberships with professional organizations including the ACM, IEEE Computer Society, and the Consortium for Computing in Small Colleges.

Numerous careers are available to graduates in this major, including software engineering and development; network maintenance, implementation, and design; database design and web interface development; scientific computing; and innumerably more. Many of our students pursue graduate studies in areas such as computer graphics, parallel computing, man-machine interfaces, data communications, computational philosophy, expert systems, artificial intelligence, embedded computer applications, distributed systems, and networking. 
The job forecast for computer specialists is outstanding. More than 540,000 new jobs will be created between 2018 and 2028, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports consistently high wage growth across the industry.

Oral and written communication skills are central to success in college science majors, including computer science. Prospective students should take as many English, speech, and mathematics courses as possible, as well as general science courses.

Students transferring from a community college should also take courses meeting the Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for computer science. We strive to quickly graduate students meeting the TMC and general education requirements.

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree


A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements .

Requirements for the Major (63-64 Units)


A minimum grade of C- must be earned in all courses required for the major. Prerequisite courses must be passed with a minimum grade of C-.

Elective Courses (6 Units)


Complete at least two elective courses from the list below, totaling at least 6 units.

Computer Science, B.S. Program Learning Outcomes


Students who graduate from this program will have demonstrated:

  • computational thinking, a way of problem solving which draws upon central computing concepts, such as abstraction, virtualization, algorithmic development and analysis, recursion, resource management, and induction
  • self-directed learning, whereby graduates may maintain their currency in the field by formulating their own learning goals, identifying learning strategies, identifying available resources, implementing learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes
  • communicating and collaborating, which pairs the written and oral skills to deliver information with the ability to respect and embrace the diversity others bring to a team
  • the ability to produce and digest technical documents

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