At which campus can I study this program?
Begin Campus
Any Penn State Campus
End Campus
Erie
Program Description
The goals of the Computer Science major at Behrend are to:
- Provide strong fundamentals in both theoretical and applied computer science
- Train our students to solve real-world problems
- Prepare graduates to be employed as a practicing computing professional in fields such as design, research, development, testing, maintenance, and manufacturing
- Assume positions of leadership and responsibility within an organization
- Progress through advanced degree or certificate programs in engineering, science, business, and other professionally related fields.
These goals are consistent with the objectives outlined for the ABET accreditation.
The program consists of a number of core courses in computer programming, algorithm, and computer systems. In addition, the program offers a selection of advanced topics from which students may choose elective courses with concentrations in Cyber Security, Artifical Intelligence and Data Science, and Web Services and Applications. The students will be required to analyze and solve a significant industry sponsored computer problem during the senior year.
What is Computer Science?
Computer science is the study of computational methods, including their principles and foundations, their efficient implementation, their analyses, and their practical application in wide-ranging areas. It includes the foundations of software development, computational problem solving, the principles of system software, and the fundamental principles and limits of computing. It is much more than just programming. It includes the mathematical foundations that support analyzing, evaluating, and proving the correctness of computational solutions. It includes specializations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data mining, high-performance computing, computer networks, computer graphics, computer vision, quantum computing, and others. It is continually evolving with the development of new and faster forms of computation and with the identification of new problems that require computational solutions.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You enjoy math, logic, coding, and programming, and also want to take coursework in the natural sciences.
- You use all of your devices’ capabilities, not just the obvious ones.
- You’d like to work in a specialized field in computer science such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, security, or web development.
Entrance to Major
To be eligible for entrance to the Computer Science (CMPBC) major, a student must have completed MATH140, MATH141, CMPSC121, CMPSC122, and one of the following: BIOL110, or CHEM110 and CHEM111 or PHYS211 with a grade of C or better in each of these courses.
Degree Requirements
For a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, a minimum of 122-123 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 1 |
| Requirements for the Major | 97-98 |
21 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major.This includes: 6 credits of GQ courses, 6 credits of GWS courses, 9 credits of GN courses.
Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned.
Requirements for the Major
A student enrolled in this major must earn at least a grade of C in each 300- and 400-level course in the major field.
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| CMPSC221 | Object Oriented Programming with Web-Based Applications | 3 |
| MATH220 | Matrices  | 2 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| CAS100A | Effective Speech | 3 |
| CMPSC121 | Introduction to Programming Techniques | 3 |
| CMPSC122 | Intermediate Programming | 3 |
| CMPSC312 | Computer Organization and Architecture | 3 |
| CMPSC335 | Fundamentals of Communication Networks | 3 |
| CMPSC360 | Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science | 3 |
| CMPSC421 | Net-centric Computing | 3 |
| CMPSC431W | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CMPSC461 | Programming Language Concepts | 3 |
| CMPSC465 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| CMPSC474 | Operating System & Systems Programming | 3 |
| CMPSC484 | Computer Science Senior Project I | 2 |
| CMPSC485W | Computer Science Senior Project II | 3 |
| ENGL202C | Effective Writing: Technical Writing | 3 |
| MATH140 | Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| MATH141 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| STAT/MATH 318 | Elementary Probability | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Select one of the following sequences: | 10-11 | |
CHEM110 | Chemical Principles I and Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity and Biology: Populations and Communities | |
CHEM110 | Chemical Principles I and Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity and Biology: Molecules and Cells | |
CHEM110 | Chemical Principles I and Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity and Honors Biology: Molecules and Cells | |
CHEM110 | Chemical Principles I and Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity and Biology: Function and Development of Organisms | |
CHEM110 | Chemical Principles I and Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity and Honors Biology: Function and Development of Organisms | |
CHEM110 | Chemical Principles I and Experimental Chemistry I and Chemical Principles II and Experimental Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry I | |
PHYS211 | General Physics: Mechanics and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics | |
PHYS211 | General Physics: Mechanics and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics | |
| Select at least 15 additional science credits from department approved list | 15 | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 6 credits from the school approved list 1 | 6 | |
| Select 9 additional credits from department approved courses in CMPSC, CMPEN, or SWENG | 9 | |
- 1
Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC and/or 6 credits of internship CMPSC495.
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Erie
Naseem Ibrahim, Ph.D.
Program Chair, Associate Professor
Burke 173
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6184
nii1@psu.edu
Melanie Ford
Advising Coordinator
Burke 211
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6685
mrf11@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
Computer Science, B.S. at Erie Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CMPSC121*#† | 3 | CMPSC122*# | 3 |
| ENGL15 or 30H†‡ | 3 | MATH141*‡#† | 4 |
| MATH140*‡#† | 4 | Science Sequence Course†3 | 4 |
| PSU7 | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Science Sequence Course (GN)#†3 | 4 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 15 | 15.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CAS100‡† | 3 | CMPSC360* | 3 |
| CMPSC221 | 3 | ENGL202C‡† | 3 |
| MATH220 | 2 | STAT318* | 3 |
| Science Sequence Course†3 | 2-3 | Computer Science and Science Elective | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 14.5-15.5 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CMPSC312*1 | 3 | CMPSC421*2 | 3 |
| CMPSC335*1 | 3 | CMPSC431W2 | 3 |
| CMPSC465* | 3 | CMPSC474* | 3 |
| SWENG411 (Computing Elective)* | 3 | Computer Science and Science Elective | 3 |
| Computer Science and Science Elective | 3 | Supporting and Related Area | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CMPSC461*1 | 3 | CMPSC485W*2 | 3 |
| CMPSC484*1 | 2 | Computing Elective | 3 |
| Computing Elective or Computer Science and Science Elective | 3 | Computer Science and Science Elective | 3 |
| General Education Selection (GA/GH/GS) | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Computer Science and Science Elective | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Supporting and Related Area | 3 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 122-123 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
- 1
This course is only offered in the FALL SEMESTER
- 2
This course is only offered in the SPRING SEMESTER
- 3
Students need to complete one of the following three semester science (GN) course sequences, which will also count toward their general education.
- Biology: CHEM110, BIOL110S, and BIOL220W or BIOL230W or BIOL240W
- Chemistry: CHEM110, CHEM111, CHEM112, CHEM113, and CHEM210
- Physics: PHYS211, PHYS212, and PHYS213 or PHYS214
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
School-Approved Electives for Computer Science and Science Electives (15 credits):
Students may choose one of the below options in Computer Science (9 credits):
- Cyber Security – CMPSC440, CMPSC443 and SWENG455
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science – CMPSC440, CMPSC441 and CMPSC445
- Web Services and Applications – CMPEN461, CMPSC475 and SWENG465
Students may choose from the following courses in Natural Science, MATH, STAT or other CMPSC courses (6 credits):
- 300 and 400-level courses in CMPSC
- ASTRO291 or higher; BIOL 110 or higher; CHEM110 or higher
- GEOG160 or higher, MATH 200-level or higher (Not MATH311), METEO101 or higher
- PHYS211 or higher, except PHYS250 or PHYS251
- STAT 300-level or higher
NOTE: Students who take the Chemistry Science Sequence will need to include one course with Natural Science (GN) credit.
School-Approved Computing Electives (9 credits):
Students may choose any courses from:
- Software Engineering: SWENG 411 or higher
- Computer Engineering: CMPEN270 or higher (except CMPEN441)
- IE418
- Other CMPSC 400-level courses
School-Approved Supporting and Related Area Courses (6 credits):
Students may choose from the following:
- 300- and 400-level courses in GAME, MIS, ACCTG, ECON, FIN, PSYCH and ROTC (except MIS336)
- CMPSC494 – Research, CMPSC495 – Internship, and/or CMPSC496 – Independent Study
- 300 and 400-level courses in CMPSC, CMPEN (except for CMPEN441), and SWENG (except SWENG311)
Career Paths
Typical beginning careers for B.S. in Computer Science graduates include applications programmer, systems programmer, systems analyst, systems administrator, and network administrator. You also can prepare for emerging careers in data science, cognitive computing, and artificial intelligence. Penn State Behrend has a comprehensive support system to help you identify and achieve your goals for college and beyond. Meet with your academic adviser often and take advantage of the services offered by the Academic and Career Planning Center beginning in your first semester.
Careers
Students entering the workforce with a degree in computer science will find many opportunities in business, industry, government, and academia, and particularly in organizations with a science emphasis. These include traditional and emerging careers such as application programming, systems programming, systems analysis, systems administration, bioinformatics, network administration, and computer modeling. Employers of recent Behrend B.S. in Computer Science graduates include Amazon, Erie Insurance, Genesys, IBM, Larson Texts, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Graduate programs in computer science often delve more deeply into the intersections of computer science and the natural sciences, leading to careers in bioinformatics, computational chemistry or physics, or scientific visualization. Or, you can use a master’s degree to learn management skills; Penn State Behrend offers a Master of Manufacturing Management (M.M.M) degree program for aspiring organizational leaders.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Penn State Behrend is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs.
Contact
Erie
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
242 Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center
5101 Jordan Road
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6153
engineering@psu.edu
