Computer Science, BA

The BA in Computer Science makes a computing degree accessible to a larger population of students, providing them with the knowledge to become software designers and developers, and also allowing for specialization in a few areas within the field of Computer Science. The Computer Science department offers three bachelor degrees in Computer Science:  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Innovation (BI).  Even though the three degrees share many courses, the BS degree focuses on the science and engineering of computing as contrasted to the BA, which focuses on the applications of computing, with strong foundational knowledge of computing.  The BI degree is similar to the BS degree, except that it replaces a number of general education requirements with business and entrepreneurship-oriented classes.  The BA degree focuses on a balance of knowledge in software design and development, and effective and impactful applications of computing. 

The BA degree is recommended for students who want to pursue a career in Computer Science, but seek flexibility to take courses in other areas of interest. A student in BA-CS should be able to easily pursue minors in one or more areas. In addition, with proper planning, a BA-CS student should be able to pursue a bachelor’s degree in another area with efficient use of course credits. 

Learning Outcomes

• An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory and practice.
• An ability to model, design, implement and test software systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the trade-offs involved in design and implementation choices.
• An ability to learn to use new design methodologies, operating systems, languages, and other software development tools within reasonable time constraints.
• An ability to function effectively on teams related to software development.
• An ability to communicate with others, both orally and in writing, about technical subjects.
• An understanding of professional, ethical and social responsibilities.
• Preparation to do continual learning throughout alumni careers, to include such things as pursuing advanced degrees, attending short courses, reading technical or trade journals, participating in sabbaticals, etc.
• Preparation to pursue careers in all branches of computer science including technical development, project management, and technical sales.

Objectives

The BA program’s objectives are production of alumni that within three to five years after graduation:

• are prepared to be valued individual contributors in a software-oriented organization, to be programmers and designers leading small projects and generally beginning preparation for a management career, or to be entrepreneurs, or to succeed in rigorous postgraduate programs, and
• are able to focus their careers on pure computer science technology or to bring computer science expertise to another discipline.