Computer Science, Bachelor of Science

Philosophy

The Wilmington University undergraduate degree program in Computer Science prepares students for some of the most innovative and essential fields in today's growing information economy.  With technical knowledge in the principal areas of study including computer programming, computer network, information security, web applications, and artificial intelligence, students will learn to solve real-life problems involving the design, development, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia and systems integration services. Students who successfully complete this degree are prepared for work in the computer technology industry, developing commercial and industrial applications or computer models.

Program Competencies

Students completing the Computer Science B.S. program will be able to:

• Analyze requirements for the process of creating programming from script to screen.
• Analyze requirements for computer hardware, network security, and software applications using best practices and current methodologies.
• Appraise the needs of the audience and then speak in a clear and succinct manner.  Research, construct, and deliver professional presentations using a variety of communication tools and techniques.
• Write with clarity and precision using correct English grammar: mechanics and usage. Correctly and ethically exhibit competence in writing for specific purposes, diverse audiences, and genres.
• Apply Computer Science best practices and current methodologies to create, deliver, and support information technology projects and its importance in the world of technology.
• Demonstrate personal skills in innovation and problem solving. Employ critical thinking strategies such as quantitative, qualitative, and scientific reasoning to analyze consequences and outcomes and then determine logical solutions.
• Practice the use and employ the benefit of library resources, including subscription services and other sources generally accepted as legitimate and valid.
• Apply the ethical and legal principles required of computer science professionals.

Experiential Learning

The Office of Experiential Learning takes a 360^◦ approach to experiential learning. Whether you come to Wilmington University with a vast amount of professional experience and are awarded Credit for Prior Learning. (CPL), or you participate in a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunity (Internships or Cooperative Education) embedded in your curriculum for credit, we provide a pathway to completing your degree.

Cooperative Education Option

The Cooperative Education option is an alternative to the CSC490-Internship course.  In order to be eligible, students must first have at least 60 credits, plus a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students must contact the Office of Work-Integrated Learning and their Program Chair one semester before they would like to begin a co-op assignment.   For additional information on cooperative education, please visit: https://www.wilmu.edu/coel/work-integrated-learning.aspx

Accelerated Graduate Certificate Option

Students in the Computer Science B.S. degree program may choose an accelerated option with:

Management Information Systems Graduate Certificate; or

Technology Project Management Graduate Certificate

Students selecting this option can complete both their undergraduate degree and the graduate certificate by completing 120 credits (105 undergraduate credits and 15 graduate credits).  The five graduate courses (15 credits) needed for the graduate certificate would count as five courses (15 credits) towards undergraduate electives in your degree.

Students who complete the Management Information Systems or Technology Project Management Graduate Certificates also receive the benefit of completing five graduate level courses that count towards a Master’s degree in Information Systems Technologies (MS-IST).  Students selecting this option are not required to pursue the MS-IST degree.

Admission requirements include:

• A minimum GPA of 3.25
• Completion of at least 60 credits towards your degree program
• A meeting with an academic advisor to submit an Accelerated Option Intent (AOI) form upon completion of at least 30 credits; and
• Recommendation of the Program Chair

Note:  Students will not be eligible to register for graduate level courses until they have successfully completed at least 60 credits towards their bachelor’s degree and have an approved AOI form.  Students must receive their B.S. degree in order to receive the graduate certificate.

Minimum Grade Policy: Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their graduate courses in order to earn the certificate.