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Computer Science Majors

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Sample 4-Year Plan: Computer Information Technology B.S.

Sample 4-Year Plan: Computer Science B.S.

Bachelor of Science with a major in Computer Information Technology

A major in computer information technology requires between 51 and 57 credit hours of coursework, depending on whether a student "places out" of selected courses.

Students in computer information technology study a core of courses that include basic informatics topics and fundamentals of computer and network administration. Students may choose between two tracks: one centered on network security, the other on database and website administration.

The computer information technology major (network/security track), combined with a minor in business informatics, is available in an evening, nontraditional format for adult learners through PACE, the Program for Adult Centered Education.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.S. – Computer Information Technology


Core Courses in Informatics		Credits
INF 120	Elementary Programming (or placement*)			0-3
INF 282	Introduction to Databases			3
INF 286	Introduction to Web Development (or placement*)			3
Core Credits in Informatics		6-9
Core Courses in Computer Information Technology
CIT 130	Information Technology Fundamentals				3
CIT 247	Networking Fundamentals				3
CIT 271	Windows Administration				3
CIT 371	Unix Systems				3
CIT 383	Scripting I				3
Core Credits in Computer Information Technology			15
Core Courses in Other Disciplines
MAT 109	Algebra for College Students (or placement**)				0-3
MAT 185	Introductory Discrete Mathematics				3
PHI 210	Ethics of Information Technology				3
ENG 347	Technical Writing				3
Core Credits in Other Disciplines		9- 12
TOTAL CORE CREDITS		30- 36
Students who have prior experience in computer programming or web development, but who have no college-level coursework in these subjects, may elect to take the respective competency tests in these subjects. Students who pass these tests will not be required to take INF 120 Elementary Programming, INF 286 Introduction to Web Development respectively. *Students who have a math ACT score of at least 23 or a math SAT score of at least 540 are not required to take MAT 109.


Network / Security Track		Credits
CIT 380	Securing Computer Systems		3
CIT 447	Network Design and Troubleshooting		3
CIT 470	Advanced Network and System Administration		3
CIT 484	Network Security		3
Three additional CIT courses at the 300 or 400 level not counted above		9
TOTAL TRACK CREDITS		21
Total Core Credits		30-36
TOTAL CREDITS		51-57


Database / Web Track		Credits
MIN 221	Visual Design for Digital Media		3
INF 260	Object-Oriented Programming I		3
CSC 360	Object-Oriented Programming II
	OR		3
CIT 483	Scripting II
CSC 301	Web Programming		3
CIT 436	Web Server Administration		3
CIT 472	Database Server Administration		3
CSC 456	Advanced Web Application Development
	OR		3
One additional 300- or 400-level CIT course
TOTAL TRACK CREDITS		21
Total Core Credits		30-36
TOTAL CREDITS		51-57

Bachelor of Science with a major in Computer Science

A major in computer science requires between 60 and 69 credit hours of coursework, depending on whether a student "places out" of selected courses.

Students in computer science begin their study with a basic core of informatics coursework, then move on to a chain of courses designed to build their software development skills. The program is rounded out by a set of electives sampled from a variety of application areas (such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and computer security). The major culminates in a team-project capstone course in software engineering.

Because of the large number of mathematics courses required for the computer science major, many computer science majors choose a minor in mathematics, which requires only two additional mathematics courses numbered 110 or above.


Courses in Informatics		Credits
INF 120	Elementary Programming (or placement*)			0-3
INF 260	Object-Oriented Programming I			3
INF 282	Introduction to Databases			3
INF 284	Introduction to Networks and Data Communication
	OR			3
CIT 247	Networking Fundamentals
INF 286	Introduction to Web Development (or placement*)			3
Credits in Informatics		12-15
Courses in Computer Science
CSC 360	Object-Oriented Programming II			3
CSC 362	Computer Systems			3
CSC 364	Data Structures and Algorithms			3
CSC 402	Advanced Programming Methods			3
CSC 439	Software Testing and Maintenance			3
CSC 440	Software Engineering			3
CSC 460	Operating Systems			3
CSC 485	Theory of Computation			3
One CSC course at the 300 or 400 level not included above			3
Two CSC courses at the 400 level not included above			6
Credits in Computer Science			33
Courses in Other Disciplines
MAT 109	Algebra for College Students (or placement**)		0-3
MAT 119	Pre-Calculus Mathematics (or placement***)		0-3
MAT 128	Calculus A		3
MAT 227	Calculus B		3
MAT 228	Calculus C		3
STA 250	Probability and Statistics I		3
MAT 385	Discrete Mathematics		3
Credits in Other Disciplines		15-21
TOTAL CREDITS		60-69
Students who have prior experience in computer programming or web development, but who have no college-level coursework in these subjects, may elect to take the respective competency tests in these subjects. Students who pass these tests will not be required to take INF 120 Elementary Programming, INF 286 Introduction to Web Development respectively. Students who have a math ACT score of at least 23 or a math SAT score of at least 540 are not required to take MAT 109. **Students who have a math ACT score of at least 25 or a math SAT score of at least 570 are not required to take MAT 119.


FIRST YEAR Get to know your fellow students by attending departmental social events and student research talks. Make sure you allow time in your programming courses for experimentation and fun; that is the best way to learn.	Fall Semester		Spring Semester
	MAT 109 Algebra for College Students	3	MAT 185 Introductory Discrete Mathematics	3
	CIT 130 Information Technology Fundamentals	3	INF 120 Elementary Programming	3
	Gen Ed: Communication; Written I	3	Gen Ed: Communication; Oral	3
	Gen Ed: Self and Society; Individual and Society	3	Gen Ed: Self and Society; Cultural Pluralism	3
	Gen Ed: Culture and Creativity I	3	Gen Ed: Culture and Creativity II	3
	TOTAL	15	TOTAL	15
SECOND YEAR Speak with your adviser and professors about possible coop and research opportunities. Think carefully as you choose a minor. Try out for the cyberdefense team.	Fall Semester		Spring Semester
	CIT 247 Networking Fundamentals	3	CIT 271 Windows Administration	3
	INF 282 Introduction to Databases	3	INF 286 Introduction to Web Development	3
	Gen Ed: Communication; Written II	3	PHI 210 Ethics of Information Technology	3
	Gen Ed: Self and Society; Individual and Society II	3	Minor	3
	Gen Ed: Global Viewpoints	3	Gen Ed: Scientific and Quantitative Inquiry; Natural Sciences with lab	4
	TOTAL	15	TOTAL	16
THIRD YEAR Make a point to read professional IT publications such as Information Week, to stay abreast of new developments in the field. Consider becoming a mentor to newer students.	Fall Semester		Spring Semester
	CIT 371 Unix Systems	3	CIT 447 Network Design / Troubleshooting	3
	CIT 383 Scripting I	3	CIT 380 Securing Computer Systems`	3
	Minor	3	Minor or elective	3
	Minor	3	Minor or elective	3
	Minor or elective	3	Minor or elective 300 level or above	3
	TOTAL	15	TOTAL	15
FOURTH YEAR Attend programs run by the Career Development Center to get your resume in shape and polish your interview skills.	Fall Semester		Spring Semester
	CIT 470 Advanced Network and System Administration	3	CIT 484 Network Security	3
	CIT elective 300 level or above	3	CIT elective 300 level or above	3
	ENG 347 Technical Writing	3	CIT elective 300 level or above	3
	Minor or elective 300 level or above	3	Minor or elective 300 level or above	3
	Minor or elective 300 level or above	3	Minor or elective 300 level or above	3
	TOTAL	15	TOTAL	15
GRAND TOTAL OF CREDITS				121
Notes This degree plan is for students who do not require any developmental courses (courses numbered below 100). Students with a mathematics ACTE of 23 or higher will not need to enroll in MAT 109. A total of 45 credits of courses 300 level or above are required for graduation. INF 120 will meet one of the general education natural science requirements.

Northern Kentucky University

Computer Science Majors

Sample 4-Year Plan: Computer Information Technology B.S.

Sample 4-Year Plan: Computer Science B.S.