B.A Computer Science

Course overview

The primary goal of the computer science major is to develop the aptitudes and analytical skills required for the use and understanding of computer science. The curriculum is designed to allow exceptional students to excel in their area of interest. The professors strive to guide the students in discovery and learning of new ideas, rather than just presenting carefully structured theories.
Play Video
Why should I choose this major?
  • At HPU, you have the option of earning either a B.S. or a B.A. in Computer Science. The B.A. degree is ideal for double-majors, while the B.S. degree allows for in-depth research and discovery.
  • B.S. students taking our optional Cybersecurity concentration can hone their skills in a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity lab.
  • We are committed to incorporating the latest trends in technology into our curriculum. You will have access to a variety of hardware platforms and top software.
  • Our students invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology.
  • In the age of technology, the demand for computer programmers continues to expand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for students with a degree in Computer Science is growing faster than most degrees, making your education highly relevant.
Degree Requirements

Core Requirements (36 credits)
CSC 1710. Introduction to Programming (4)
CSC 1720. Advanced Programming (4)
CSC 2212. Database Systems (4)
CSC 2342. Discrete Structures (4)
CSC 2410. Computer Systems (4)
CSC 2710. Advanced Data Structures with Algorithm
Development (4)
CSC 4510. Programming Language Design and Translation (4)
CSC 4710. Software Engineering (4)
MTH 1410. Calculus I or MTH 1415. Mathematics for
Engineers I (4)

 

Mathematics Requirements (8 credits)
Select two courses from the following list:
MTH 1420. Calculus II (4) or MTH 1425. Mathematics for
Engineers II (4)
MTH/PHY 2050. Mathematical Methods in Engineering and
Physics I (4)
MTH 2310. Linear Algebra (4)
MTH 2410. Calculus III (4)
MTH 3150. Probability (4)
MTH 3810. Combinatorics (4)
MTH/CSC 3910. Numerical Methods (4)*
STS 2910. Introduction to Statistical Analysis (4)
STS 3005. Probability and Statistics for Engineers (4)

 

Science Requirement (8 credits)

Select two courses from the following list:
BIO 1500/1501. Principles of Cell Biology/Lab (4)
BIO 2001/2001L. Principles of Genetics/Lab (4)*
CHM 1010/1011. General Chemistry I/Lab (4)
CHM 1020/1021. General Chemistry II/Lab (4)**
PHY 2010/2010L. Fundamentals of Physics I/Lab (4)
PHY 2020/2020L. Fundamentals of Physics II/Lab (4)***
PHY 2100. Electronics (4)
PHY 2200. Computational Physics (4)***
*BIO 1500/1501 is a prerequisite for this course.
**CHM 1010/1011 is a prerequisite for this course.
***PHY 2010/2010L and CSC 1710 are prerequisites for this course

 

Electives (16 credits)
Select any four CSC elective courses at the 2000-level or
above, at least one of which is at the 4000-level (excluding
CSC 4910 and CSC 4920).

 

Computer Science majors who wish to graduate with
departmental honors must (a) complete the courses required for the
B.S. in Computer Science, and (b) complete CSC 4910 and CSC
4920.

Programming Environments
  • C/C++, Swift and Java
  • Cloud based AWS and GitHub
  • Databases: MySQL and Postgres
  • Scripting Languages: Perl, PHP, Python, and JavaScript
  • IDEs such as Xcode, Eclipse and CLion
  • VirtualBox and VMWare
  • Maple and Matlab
  • Microsoft Azure Dev Tools for Teaching
  • Member of Apple iOS Developer Program
Hardware Platforms
  • Advanced Cybersecurity and Networking Lab
  • Classroom labs with iMac workstations
  • Teaching Lab featuring Dell Alienware workstations with Nvidia graphic boards running Ubuntu
  • HPC with 10,000+ core processors including several high-end Nvidia GPUs utilizing CUDA technology
  • Several dual multi-core Intel CPU servers running Red Hat Enterprise
  • 50+ node Linux cluster
  • Raspberry Pi and Arduino
Computer Recommendations

While classroom and lab computers are always available for student use, students often prefer to have their own laptop. If you already have a serviceable laptop, don’t feel like you need to run out and purchase a new one. Check the recommendations below to see if your current computer will do the job. Note that tablets and other lightweight, bare-bones types of computers might be great for taking notes, but they may not be sufficient for actually doing your classwork.

 

Laptop computer recommendations: 
• Operating System: macOS 10.13 or newer, or Windows 10 (but not RT or S versions) or newer 
• Processor: Intel Core i5 Processor or higher 
• Memory: 8-16 GB of RAM 
• Storage: 256 GB or larger 
• Network: 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking 
• Other: Internal or external webcam, carrying case, headphones, microphone 

 

An industry-standard Antivirus program is highly recommended (at least a starter subscription is typically included with a new computer). All students have access to Microsoft Office 365 and 1TB of online storage through the university, and networked printers are widely available, so don’t feel compelled to spend on lots of extra hardware/software. 

Again, if you have questions, please ask! Note that the university provides links to some manufacturer’s sites for student discounts. If interested, feel free to visit www.highpoint.edu/welcomeweek/computer-purchases. 

Pre-Requisite Map

This map illustrates how the courses are related to each other, and which courses are required for your later Computer Science courses.

Meet Anthony Quagliata

Majors: Computer Science and Mathematics

During his time at HPU, Anthony had the opportunity to present at High Point University’s Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium, known as High-PURCS. His presentation was titled “Mixed Reality Research: An Interactive Virtual Scene.” 

Course Structure

This Academic Plan demonstrates how a student can complete the major in 4 years.

Specific individual Plans vary by student choices and options as developed with an advisor.

FRESHMAN

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

SENIOR

NOTES

  1. This plan of study should be used in conjunction with your Undergraduate Bulletin.
  2. Elective credits can be used to take courses of interest or complete a minor.
  3. Open CSC Elective – Any 4 hr CSC course 2000-level or above

Course Outcomes

Course objectives

Prepare graduates for a career as a computing professional. Graduates will be able to:

 

    1. Successfully practice computer science to provide solutions to challenging problems in their profession by applying computer science theory and principles.
    2. Communicate effectively, work collaboratively and exhibit high levels of professionalism and ethical responsibility.
    3. Achieve personal and professional success with awareness and commitment to their ethical and social responsibilities, both as individuals and in team environments.
Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will have an ability to:

 

  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.
Student Success

HPU students are participating in the following computer science programs:

 

  • 1 of 10 U.S. participants in research experience at the University of Michigan REU at CERN Summer Program
  • First place prize winner at the ACM Mid-Southeast Conference with a paper presentation titled, “Improving the Ranking System for the U.S. Census Bureau”
  • Internship at Gilbarco Veeder-Root Research experience at the University of Central Florida funded by the National Science Foundation focused on Computer Vision
  • Designed and built an autonomous golf cart alongside HPU Innovator in Residence and Apple Computer co-founder, Steve Wozniak

Career Opportunities

"HPU helped me build confidence in my professional abilities, which helped me succeed after I graduated."
Alex Palmer, '13
Advanced Development Senior Engineer, Apple

Potential occupations include:

  • Computer Programmer
  • Data Scientist
  • Application Engineer
  • Security Engineer
  • App Developer
  • Software Engineer

Potential employers include:

  • Data processing/Management firms
  • Computer systems design firm
  • Software Developers
  • Contract and temporary employers
  • Most areas of business, government and non-governmental organizations

 

Explore other Programs

Get in Touch

csdept@highpoint.edu

One University Parkway High Point, NC 27268

+1 1300 0909 123