The Computer Science Major
The computer science program at the University of Dallas focuses on forming algorithms to solve problems, translating those algorithms into programs, and understanding how computers interpret those programs. This process requires both creativity and careful reasoning. Students master these through a rigorous curriculum taught in a small liberal-arts college environment emphasizing teacher-student interaction. All this will prepare students for an outstanding career in computer science.
One of the unique aspects of the UD computer science program is its strong relationship with the outstanding core curriculum of the university. The ability to communicate complex ideas is of essential importance to the design of computer programs and documentation. This ability is best developed through a classical liberal arts program. One of the most important goals of the computer science curriculum is for students to apply the written and oral communication skills they learn in the core program to their work as a computer scientist.
It is anticipated that our graduates will be leaders in computer science who will have not only a technical expertise but also a deep, reflective grasp of the human element in computer science. It is our vision that they will be well-adjusted, morally responsible individuals, with an understanding of how they will perfect themselves and serve their fellow man in and through their continuing work in a rapidly changing field.
Major Requirements
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
Computer Science 1410, 2315, 2316, 3312, 3317, 3352, 3451; Math 1404, 1411, 3321; 9 credits of math or computer science, 6 of which must be at the advanced level (3000 or above); Physics 2311 and 2111, 3363; Philosophy 5332 or Human Sciences 3312. The student must also complete a computer science practicum (an internship, large programming project, or research project). The course sequence is such that computer science majors should plan to go to Rome in the Spring of their sophomore year.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Twelve additional advanced hours in computer science are required including Theory of Computation (MCS 3311) and Research in Computer Science (MCS 4V43), up to six hours.
Comprehensive Examination
Student must pass written and oral exams taken in the senior year over the topics in the required major courses.
Suggested Sequence
The following is a representative sequence of the courses to be taken by students in the computer science major. The exact sequence will depend on the schedule of course offerings and the student's background and interests.
Year I
| Computer Science 1410 | 4 | Computer Science 2315 | 3 |
| Mathematics 1404 | 4 | Mathematics 1411 | 4 |
| English 1301 | 3 | English 1302 | 3 |
| Philosophy 1301 | 3 | Theology 1310 | 3 |
| Language 2311 | 3 | Language 2312 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 17 | TOTAL | 16 |
Year II
| Computer Science 2316 | 3 | Art 2311 (Rome) | 3 |
| Mathematics 3321 | 3 | English 2311 (Rome) | 3 |
| Physics 2311/2111 | 4 | History 2301 (Rome) | 3 |
| English 2312 | 3 | Philosophy 2323 (Rome) | 3 |
| History 2302 | 3 | Theology 2311 (Rome) | 3 |
| TOTAL | 16 | TOTAL | 15 |
Year III
| Computer Science 3317 | 3 | Computer Science 3451 | 4 |
| Major Elective | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
| History 1311 | 3 | History 1312 | 3 |
| Politics 1311 | 3 | Economics 1311 | 3 |
| Philosophy 3311 | 3 | Life Science | 4 |
| TOTAL | 15 | TOTAL | 17 |
Year IV
| Computer Science 3312 | 3 | Computer Science 3352 | 3 |
| Major Elective | 3 | Philosophy 5332 or Human Sciences 3312 | 3 |
| Physics 3363 | 3 | Electives | 6 |
| Electives | 3 | ||
| TOTAL | 15 | TOTAL | 12 |