Computer Science Major: Cybersecurity Emphasis - Bachelor of Science (BS)
The cybersecurity emphasis adds to the computer science degree the study of how to craft software systems that remain robust in the presence of intelligent attackers. Students learn cutting-edge techniques to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in software, and then they learn how to remove these vulnerabilities, leaving the software more resilient. This emphasis helps form the knowledge necessary to attack software but more importantly to craft the next generation of software with the level of trustworthiness required by modern society. Potential work after graduation includes opportunities in industry, academia, and government service in fields such as programming, security engineering, penetration testing, and software quality assurance.
(All colleges)
Curriculum
54 credits
Courses listed in more than one category may be counted only once.
Computer science major core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CPE 105 | Introduction to the Computing Environment | 1 |
| CS 120 | Software Design I | 4 |
| CS 220 | Software Design II | 4 |
| CS 225 | Discrete Computational Structures 1 | 4 |
| CS 270 | Introduction to Assembler Programming, C Programming and Computer Organization | 3 |
| CS 340 | Software Design III: Abstract Data Types | 4 |
| CS 364 | Introduction to Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CS 370 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CS 421 | Programming Language Concepts | 3 |
| CS 441 | Operating System Concepts | 3 |
| CS 442 | Structures of Compilers | 3 |
| MTH 207 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
Cybersecurity emphasis requirements (15 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CS 356 | Software Exploitation | 3 |
| CS 440 | Software Design IV: Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS 455 | Fundamentals of Information Security | 3 |
| CS 456 | Secure Software Development | 3 |
| Select three credits of electives (see below) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Computer science major electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CS 202 | Introduction to Web Design | 3 |
| CS 224 | Introduction to Programming Language | 1-3 |
| CS 227 | Competitive Programming | 1 |
| CS 342 | Software Testing Techniques | 3 |
| CS 351 | Simulation | 3 |
| CS 353 | Analysis of Algorithm Complexity | 3 |
| CS 356 | Software Exploitation | 3 |
| CS 372 | Hardware/Software Integration | 3 |
| CS 395 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| CS 402 | Web Application Development | 3 |
| CS 410 | Free and Open Source Software Development | 3 |
| CS 418 | Mobile Application Development | 3 |
| CS 419 | Topics in Computer Science | 1-3 |
| CS 431 | Introduction to Robotics | 3 |
| CS 443 | Topics in Operating Systems | 3 |
| CS 449 | Advances in Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS 451 | User Interface Design | 3 |
| CS 452 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CS 453 | Introduction to Theory of Computation | 3 |
| CS 454 | Digital Image Processing | 3 |
| CS 455 | Fundamentals of Information Security | 3 |
| CS 456 | Secure Software Development | 3 |
| CS 457 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| CS 461 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
| CS 464 | Advanced Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CS 470 | Parallel and Distributed Computing | 3 |
| CS 471 | Computer Networks | 3 |
| CS 472 | Internet of Things | 3 |
| CS 475 | Computer Graphics and Modeling | 3 |
| CS 476 | Data Visualization | 3 |
| CS 499 | Research in Computer Science | 1-3 |
| CPE 212 | Digital Logic | 3 |
| CPE 227 | Introduction to Prototyping | 1 |
| CPE 301 | Introduction to Transient Analysis | 3 |
| CPE 302 | Introduction to Control Systems | 3 |
| CPE 309 | Systems Development | 3 |
| CPE 321 | Introduction to Digital Signal Processing | 3 |
| CPE 395 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| CPE 406 | Architecture of Parallel Systems | 3 |
| CPE 419 | Topics in Computer Engineering | 1-3 |
| CPE 420 | Digital Design | 3 |
| CPE 446 | ASIC Design | 3 |
| CPE 463 | Advanced Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CPE 466 | Code Generation and Optimization | 3 |
| CPE 478 | Virtual Machines | 3 |
| CPE 483 | Engineering Project Management | 1 |
| CPE 499 | Research in Computer Engineering | 1-3 |
| MTH 317 | Graph Theory | 3 |
| MTH 371 | Scientific Computing and Numerical Methods | 4 |
Every student must complete the computer science major field test. This test is used for program assessment not individual assessment.
All students must complete the general education, college core, major/minor, and university degree requirements to qualify for a degree. All enrolled students have access to a degree audit to track all of these requirements.
College of Science and Health (CSH) Bachelor of Science core requirements
B.S. students graduating from the College of Science & Health are required to take:
- Two MTH/STAT courses or one MTH/STAT course and one CS course
Course List Code Title Credits Introduction to Computing 1 Introduction to Python Programming 1 Software Design I 1 Introduction to Computational Thinking 1 Mathematics for Early Childhood and Elementary Teachers I 1 Mathematics for Early Childhood and Elementary Teachers II 1 Mathematics for Decision Making 1 College Algebra 1 Precalculus 1 Mathematics for Business 1 Applied Calculus 1 Calculus I 1 Calculus II 1 Mathematics for Middle School Teachers I 1 Mathematics for Middle School Teachers II 1 Mathematical Models in Biology 1 Elementary Statistics 1
- 1
Course may also satisfy a Core General Education Requirement.
- Two laboratory science courses, one of the two courses must be from a department outside of the student's major department:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Biological Anthropology 1 | ||
| Biology for the Informed Citizen 1 | ||
| General Biology 1 | ||
| Organismal Biology | ||
| Animal Biology | ||
| Plant Biology | ||
| General Chemistry I 1 | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Sport Science I | ||
| Earth Environments 1 | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Earth Surface Processes and Landforms | ||
| Microbes and Society 1 | ||
| Fundamental Physics I 1 | ||
| Fundamental Physics II | ||
| Physical Science for Educators 1 | ||
| Solar System Astronomy 1 | ||
| Stars, Galaxies and the Universe 1 | ||
| General Physics I 1 | ||
| General Physics II |
Notes: Mathematics courses can be pairs, i.e. MTH 150 and MTH 151.
- In addition to all other College of Science and Health core requirements, students from non-exempted programs2 must complete one of the following options. It is recommended that courses are selected in consultation with students’ academic advisor.
- Complete a second major; or
- Complete a minor outside the major; or
- Complete two certificates outside the major with at least 12 combined credits at the 300/400 level; or
- Complete an individualized option, consisting of 18 credits
- At least 12 credits must be earned at the 300/400 level outside the major department.
- The remaining six credits should come from
- 100 level or higher courses outside the major (all courses used to meet these requirements must be in addition to the minimum credits required in the Core General Education Requirements); or
- 300/400 level courses inside major not being used to fulfill major requirements.
- Internship credits may not count toward the individualized option.
- 2
The list of exempted CSH programs is on the CSH catalog page.
Baccalaureate degree requirements
Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degrees must accomplish the following:
- Fulfill the Core General Education Requirements (CGER).
- Complete the courses prescribed by the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee for the degree desired in the respective school or college.
- Earn a minimum of 120 semester credits with at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA.1, 2
- At least 40 credits must be earned in 300/400 level courses. Transfer courses earned or transferred at the 300/400 level apply to this requirement.
- Complete major and minor requirements with at least a 2.00 GPA1, 2 in each major and minor (and concentration or emphasis, if selected).
- A minimum of 30 semester credits in residence at UWL is required for graduation. (See undergraduate resident requirement.)
- Submit an application for graduation via the "Submit Intent to Graduate" link in the WINGS Student Center as soon as the student has registered for his or her final semester or summer term in residence. December and winter intersession graduates should apply by May 1. May and summer graduates should apply by December 1.
- 1
Grade point average requirements for some programs will be considerably higher than 2.00. Re-entering students may be required to earn credits in excess of the 120 needed for graduation in any curriculum to replace credits earned in courses in which the content has changed substantially in recent years. Each case will be judged on its own merit.
- 2
The grade point average recorded at the time the degree is awarded will not be affected by future enrollment.
No degree will be awarded unless all requirements are fulfilled and recorded within 30 days after the official ending date of each term.
Below is a sample degree plan that can be used as a guide to identify courses required to fulfill the major and other requirements needed for degree completion. A student's actual degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). Also, this sample plan assumes readiness for each course and/or major plan, and some courses may not be offered every term. Review the course descriptions or the class timetable for course offering information.
The sample degree plans represented in this catalog are intended for first-year students entering UWL in the fall term. Students should use their degree audit and work closely with their advisor(s) and college dean's office to ensure declaration and completion of all requirements in a timely manner.
Core General Education Program
The Core General Education Requirement (CGER) is the common educational experience for all undergraduates at UWL. Sample degree plans include CGER placeholders to ensure completion of the core general education requirements. The CGER category listed in parentheses indicated the recommended course to help complete CGER and the program requirements. Transferred courses may alter the plan. Courses may be rearranged to fit the needs or recommendations of the student’s program of study. CGER courses may be taken during winter term (January between the semesters) and summer to reduce the course load during regular terms (fall and spring). Students should consult with their advisor and/or the college academic services director in their college/school for assistance with course and schedule planning. Refer to the Core General Education Requirements for more specific details.
At least 40 credits of the 120 credits required must be earned at the 300/400-level.
Note: New students and transfer students with less than 12 credits earned are required to take The Eagle Advantage for College Success (UWL 100, 2 cr.) or FYS 100 First-Year Seminar (3 cr.) during one of their first two semesters at UWL.
This sample degree plan does not establish a contractual agreement. It identifies the minimum requirements a student must successfully complete, to qualify for a degree, in a format intended to assist the student in planning their academic career. Actual degree plans may differ.
Sample Plan 1 - students taking MTH 151 in first semester
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CPE 105 | 1 | CS 220 | 4 |
| CS 120 (CGER MQR-QR Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning: Quantitative Reasoning) | 4 | CS 225 (may substitute MTH 225) | 4 |
| MTH 151 (CSH Core) | 4 | CST 110 (CGER CL-SL Communication & Literacy: Spoken Literacy) | 3 |
| ENG 110 (CGER CL-WL Communication & Literacy: Written Literacy) | 3 | MTH 207 | 4 |
| UWL 100 or FYS 100 (CGER SBS-FS Social & Behavioral Science: Social Foundation for Success) | 2 | ||
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CS 270 | 3 | CS 364 | 3 |
| CS 340 | 4 | CS 370 | 3 |
| CGER NSWL-ES Natural Science & Wellness: Experiential Science | 4 | CGER HA-AA Humanities & Arts: Arts & Aesthetics | 3 |
| CGER NSW-MBP Natural Science & Wellness: Mind, Body, & Planet | 3 | CGER HA-PDU Humanities & Arts: Pasts that Define Us | 3 |
| University Elective | 2 | CSH Core (Lab Science) | 4 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CS 356 | 3 | CS 441 | 3 |
| CS 440 | 3 | CS 455 | 3 |
| CSH Core (300/400 not CS) or Minor1 | 3 | CS Elective | 3 |
| CGER CP-CW Civics & Perspective: Cultures of Our World | 3 | CGER CL-SWT Communication & Literacy: Stories We Tell | 3 |
| University Elective | 3 | CSH Core (300/400 not CS) or Minor1 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CS 421 | 3 | CS 442 | 3 |
| CSH Core (300/400 not CS) or Minor1 | 3 | CS 456 | 3 |
| CGER CP-CU Civics & Perspective: Communities of the United States | 3 | University Elective | 2 |
| University Elective | 3 | CGER SBS-BS Social & Behavioral Science: Social & Behavioral Studies | 3 |
| University Elective | 3 | CSH Core (300/400 not CS) or Minor1 | 3 |
| Complete CS major field test2 | |||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits: 120 | |||
- 1
See CSH BS Core Requirements for information on completing the individualized option. 300/400 requirements for graduation may be impacted.
- 2
Every student must complete the computer science major field test during their senior year. This test is used for program assessment, not individual assessment.
Sample Plan 2 - students taking MTH 207 first semester
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CPE 105 | 1 | CS 220 | 4 |
| CS 120 (CGER MQR-QR Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning: Quantitative Reasoning) | 4 | CS 225 (may substitute MTH 225) | 4 |
| MTH 207 (CSH Core) | 4 | CST 110 (CGER CL-SL Communication & Literacy: Spoken Literacy) | 3 |
| UWL 100 or FYS 100 (CGER SBS-FS Social & Behavioral Science: Social Foundation for Success) | 2 | CGER SBS-BS Social & Behavioral Science: Social & Behavioral Studies | 3 |
| ENG 110 (CGER CL-WL Communication & Literacy: Written Literacy) | 3 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CS 270 | 3 | CS 364 | 3 |
| CS 340 | 4 | CS 370 | 3 |
| CGER NSWL-ES Natural Science & Wellness: Experiential Science | 4 | CGER HA-PDU Humanities & Arts: Pasts that Define Us | 3 |
| CGER NSW-MBP Natural Science & Wellness: Mind, Body, & Planet | 3 | CGER HA-AA Humanities & Arts: Arts & Aesthetics | 3 |
| University Elective | 2 | CSH Core (Lab Science) | 4 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CS 356 | 3 | CS 441 | 3 |
| CS 440 | 3 | CS 455 | 3 |
| CSH Core (300/400 not CS) or Minor1 | 3 | CGER CP-CU Civics & Perspective: Communities of the United States | 3 |
| University Elective | 3 | CSH Core (300/400 not CS) or Minor1 | 3 |
| University Elective | 4 | University Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CS 421 | 3 | CS 442 | 3 |
| CS Elective | 3 | CS 456 | 3 |
| CGER CP-CW Civics & Perspective: Cultures of Our World | 3 | CSH Core (300/400 not CS) or Minor1 | 3 |
| CSH Core (300/400 not CS) or Minor1 | 3 | CGER CL-SWT Communication & Literacy: Stories We Tell | 3 |
| University Elective | 3 | University Elective | 2 |
| Complete CS major field test2 | |||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits: 120 | |||
- 1
See CSH BS Core Requirements for information on completing the individualized option. 300/400 requirements for graduation may be impacted.
- 2
Every student must complete the computer science major field test during their senior year. This test is used for program assessment, not individual assessment.