Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

The BACS degree will focus on a balance of knowledge in software design and development, and effective and impactful applications of computing. The program will present a framework for making a computing degree accessible to a larger population of students, equipping students with the knowledge to become software designers and developers. The BACS allows for specialization in the Computer Science General track, as well as tracks in Cybersecurity, Game Design, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

The BA degree provides students with strong skills in computing and information technology that can be applied in general or within a variety of specialized areas in business, industry or research contexts. Students in the BA degree program will have the ability to:

• analyze a problem and identify the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;
• apply knowledge of computing and mathematics in a variety of application contexts;
• design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based software system, process, component, or program of varying complexity, to meet desired needs;
• apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices;
• function effectively on multi-disciplinary teams to accomplish shared design, evaluation or implementation goals;
• understand professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities related to the computing profession;
• communicate effectively about computing topics with a range of audiences;
• engage in continuing professional development.

Upper 40% of high school graduating class

ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 1060

The BA in Computer Science requires 120 semester credit hours. A grade of C or better is required for all Computer Science courses, with a cumulative grade point average in all courses of 2.00 or better.

The 120 hours consist of 36 hours of Computer Science technical courses and 12-hours of mathematics along with up to 30 hours to complete university-wide Compass Curriculum requirements. The remaining 42 semester hours (the total remaining hours depends on the classes chosen) can then be allocated to completing one of CS-specific curriculum tracks, minors or even a second major or degree in other academic disciplines.

The Foundation courses will provide a strong introduction to the field of Computer Science along with a sufficient introduction to mathematics to allow students to sample a wide variety of upper division courses in Computer Science, leading to the tracks.

The initial tracks we define are:  General track, Cybersecurity, Game Design, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning.

A student will not be allowed to earn both a BA and BS in Computer Science at UCCS.

For more information, please refer to the Academic Advising Guide.