Javascript is currently not supported, or is disabled by this browser. Please enable Javascript for full functionality.

Skip to Main Content
University of Pittsburgh    
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Department of Computer Science


Return to Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Return to: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

The Department of Computer Science (CS) of the University of Pittsburgh was established in 1966, which makes it one of the oldest such departments in the country. The Bachelor of Science degree program was begun in 1974 with the following objectives: to provide an opportunity for students to focus their educational efforts on computer science as a discipline; to prepare students for employment and positions of responsibility in an increasingly computer-oriented world; and to prepare students for graduate study in computer science.

The curriculum for the BS degree program is dependent on a set of required core courses followed by elective advanced courses. Five core courses provide an introduction to the fundamental areas and to the basic concepts of computer science. These courses include the study of modern languages such as Java. Also included is a careful investigation of fundamental problem-solving techniques used to solve a variety of computational problems. In addition, the computer science major is required to complete eight upper-level courses, three of which are required. The remaining five courses are selected by the student from major areas such as theory, programming, languages, systems programming, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Finally, three courses in mathematics are required; these courses provide a level of mathematical maturity that is essential to the study of computer science. In addition to the required coursework Computer Science majors must complete a capstone experience, consisting of an internship, directed study, co-op, or designated project course. For more information on the major or the Department of Computer Science, see www.cs.pitt.edu.

The department also offers the scientific computing major jointly with the Department of Mathematics (see Department of Mathematics  listing for information on this major) the Bioinformatics major jointly with the Department of Biological Sciences, and the computer engineering major jointly with the Swanson School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical Engineering (see Swanson School of Engineering  section for more information on this major).

Co-op Program

Through the assistance of the Swanson School of Engineering’s Office of Cooperative Education, formal arrangements are established with industry that permit students to rotate four-month terms between the workplace and the classroom. At the University of Pittsburgh, this rotation begins after the completion of the sophomore year and extends into the senior year, with the co-op student completing at least two four-month work periods. These employment sessions, which are typically with the same employer, allow job duties to increase as the knowledge and skills of the student progress. During the co-op sessions, students earn competitive salaries, thus making this program financially rewarding. The co-op credit does not count toward the 40 computer science credits needed for the completion of the computer science program. It does, however, satisfy the capstone graduation requirement.

Programs

    MajorMinor

    Courses

      Computer Science

      Return to Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Return to: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences



      Catalog Navigation