Athens State Graduates

2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

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Computer Science (CS)

The degree in Computer Science provides students with a strong foundation in programming, problem analysis, problem solving, and software engineering, significantly supplemented with practical experience using hardware and software resources available in contemporary computer laboratories maintained by the Department.

Students pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science may also apply to earn a certificate in Fundamentals of Software Development, and Advanced Software Development. These are two certificates that the student may earn prior to graduation without taking additional courses. Other certificates are also available for students to consider while pursuing their degree. Students are encouraged to select their elective credit hours in pursuit of additional certificates. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare students to demonstrate competency in theory of computer science, graduate with an experienced level of programming, and to be familiar with databases, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. In addition to the knowledge and skills that the students will obtain, they will also be experienced in writing proper technical documents.

Prior to graduation students will have had exposure to experiential learning through one or more of the following: work-based learning, community-based learning, or research. The Computer Science Program adheres to the following requirements related to course substitutions for both Computer Science options:

  • Introduction to Information Systems and BASIC Programming courses will not satisfy the Computer Science professional elective requirement. Elective courses in professions elective requirement must be at the Junior or Senior level.
  • “System Analysis and Design” courses cannot be substituted for CS 451 or CS 452.
  • “Work-based” credit cannot be substituted for CS 451 or CS 452 or ITE courses.
  • Students who are actively participating in an internship during the time that they are approved to enroll in CS 452 Senior Capstone Project, may petition the professor to allow the internship to be used as part of the requirement of the course (Internship work may not be confidential or contain sensitive information as students will be required to discuss details of what they are working on in three different public forums. Students will be required to obtain permissions from the instructor at the time that Senior Capstone Projects are being assigned to have their internship considered for credit. Students must be actively hired as interns during the semester of their Senior Caps.)
  • The following are industry certifications that will be recognized for the specified course credit:
  1. Security+ or CCNP Security will be accepted for ITE 420 Foundations of Cybersecurity
  2. Network+ or CCNA will be accepted for ITE 305 Fundamentals of Networking
  3. Google UX Design Certificate will be accepted for ITE 350 UX Design
  4. IC3 Digital Literacy Certification (Master Certificate) will be accepted for ITE 301 Problem Solving with Computers

Computer Science Program Student Outcomes:

Upon completion, Computer Science program graduates will demonstrate the following:

  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 the program’s discipline.
  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 the program’s discipline.
  6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Computer Science Program Objectives: 2 - 3 years after graduation

The Bachelor of Science with a major in Computer Science produces graduates who:

PO1. Are academically prepared to continue to graduate study or advance in their workplace,

PO2. Are skilled, competent, and capable of contributing to the workforce in their specialty,

PO3. Use the background they have acquired from their study of a wide range of areas in computer science as a basis for continued self-motivated growth of their professional skills and knowledge,

PO4. Model high ethical standards within the community and profession,

PO5. Use teamwork skills effectively in the development of computer software systems