Computer Science

College of Arts and Sciences

221 Hayes Hall, 419-372-2337

The rapid advances in computer technology in today's highly technological society have resulted in a continuing demand for computer science graduates. The computer science professional applies the basic principles of computing and the latest technological advancements to solve problems in business, education, and government. Graduates may work as systems analysts who design solutions to specific problems, applications programmers who translate these solutions into software, or technical support professionals who resolve a wide range of problems related to computer applications and use. Other career possibilities are system administrators, computer network administrators, or systems programmers.

Admission Requirement

A student who wishes to declare the major of Computer Science under either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science must meet one of the following admission criteria:

  • SAT - prior to March 2016: a score of 520 or higher on the Math section; or
  • SAT - starting March 2016: a score of 550 or higher on the Math section; or
  • ACT - an ACT math score of 22 or higher; or
  • Prior completion of MATH 99 or MATH 1210, or equivalent.

Bachelor of Arts

BA Computer Science Major (36 hours) - minor required - Fall 2019 course requirements

Program Education Objectives

Within 5 years after graduation, the graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science program at Bowling Green State University will have demonstrated their ability to:

  • Advance their careers or pursue graduate studies in the highly dynamic and continually changing field of computer science or computing-related areas;
  • Acquire new skills and master new technologies in order to successfully approach and solve real-world problems;
  • Participate in and successfully complete both independent and collaborative projects.

Learning Outcomes

By the time of graduation, the students in the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science program at Bowling Green State University are expected to be able to:

  • Analyze a given problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;
  • Use current computing techniques, skills, and tools in a real-world environment;
  • Apply mathematical foundations and computer science theory as appropriate in modeling and solving problems;
  • Understand the impact of professional, ethical, and social issues in computing;
  • Understand design and development principles in the construction of software systems;
  • Communicate effectively with others.

Transfer courses included in the major carry a maximum of three hours of credit per course.

Students with a minor or joint major in MATH need not complete the MATH courses listed in "Other requirements."

Students who do an internship may take four years and one additional semester (fall, spring, or summer) to complete their degrees.

Business Systems Specialization: A student interested in the application of computer science to business systems is required to take ACCT 2210 and 2220. The student may then select four additional business-related courses to complete the specialization. See the Department of Computer Science for a list of approved courses. This specialization can be used to satisfy the minor requirement for a bachelor's degree in computer science.

BA Computer Science - Business Systems Specialization - Fall 2019 course requirements

Bachelor of Science

BS Computer Science Major (46 hours) - minor required - Fall 2019 course requirements

Program Educational Objectives
Within five years after graduation, the graduates of the Bachelor of Science Computer Science program at Bowling Green State University will have demonstrated their ability to:

  • Advance their careers or pursue graduate studies in the highly dynamic and continually changing field of computer science;
  • Acquire new skills and master new technologies in order to successfully approach and solve real-world problems;
  • Participate in and successfully complete both independent and collaborative technical projects.
Learning Outcomes

By the time of graduation, the students in the Bachelor of Science Computer Science program at Bowling Green State University are expected to be able to:

  • Analyze a given problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;
  • Use current techniques, skills, and tools in computing practice;
  • Apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory as appropriate in modeling and solving real-world problems;
  • Understand the impact of professional, ethical, and social issues in computing;
  • Apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity;
  • Communicate effectively with large audiences using oral, written, and electronic mediums;
  • Contribute effectively to professional teams in order to accomplish a common goal.

Transfer courses included in the major carry a maximum of three hours of credit per course.

Students with a minor or joint major in MATH need not complete the MATH courses listed in "Other requirements."

One departmentally approved internship (fall, spring or summer) is required.

Business Systems Specialization: A student interested in the application of computer science to business systems is required to take ACCT 2210 and 2220. The student may then select four additional business-related courses to complete the specialization. See the Department of Computer Science for a list of approved courses. This specialization can be used to satisfy the minor requirement for a bachelor's degree in computer science.

BS Computer Science - Business Systems Specialization - Fall 2019 course requirements

The increase in computer crimes and cyber-attacks is generating much demand for digital forensics professionals. The Digital Forensics specialization gives students a foundation in data collection, recovery, and analysis of digital artifacts from computers, network and mobile devices that are relevant in exploring such intrusions. A student interested in the application of computer science to digital forensics is required to take either CS 3210 or CS 3320. The student then takes CS 4320, CS 4330 and CRJU 4400 to complete the specialization.

BS Computer Science - Digital Forensics Specialization - Fall 2019 course requirements

Computer Science Minor (18 hours)

  • CS 2010, 2020 (6)
  • CS electives (12)

Transfer courses included in the minor carry a maximum of three hours of credit per course. Credit at the 1000-level is limited to three hours. Credit for CS 1000, CS 3900, CS 3901, CS 3950 may not be counted toward the minor. CS courses included in a major (such as IS) may not be counted toward the minor.

Updated: 10/18/2019 03:35PM