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B.S. in Computer Science: Curriculum

Curriculum Details

120 Total Credits Required

To receive a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University, St. Paul, all undergraduate students must complete the general education requirements. The online bachelor’s degree in computer science also requires 48 credit hours of coursework covering programming with Java, modern web design, database design, computer architecture, and more.

The computer science major can be completed in seven semesters, although your transfer credits and general education coursework will vary the time it takes you to finish.

Required Courses

Credits

Introduction to Programming with Python provides a comprehensive foundation in programming concepts using one of the most versatile and widely used programming languages. The course emphasizes core principles such as variables, data types, control structures, functions, and object-oriented programming. Through hands-on projects and practical exercises, learners develop problem-solving skills and gain the ability to write efficient, readable code. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical understanding with real-world applications, preparing participants for further studies or careers in programming and data-driven fields. By the end of the course, learners will have the confidence to build functional programs and explore advanced topics in Python.

Computational Thinking and Problem Solving introduces the essential skills and strategies needed to approach complex problems systematically and effectively. The course focuses on breaking down challenges into manageable components, designing algorithms, and applying logical reasoning to develop innovative solutions. Emphasizing practical application, learners will engage with real-world scenarios to build problem-solving frameworks that leverage computational tools and methods. The curriculum fosters critical thinking and adaptability, equipping participants with a versatile mindset applicable to technology, data analysis, and beyond. By the end of the course, learners will have a solid foundation in computational approaches to solving diverse and dynamic problems.

Examine the latest advancements shaping the technology landscape and their practical applications across industries. The course explores emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing, and IoT, focusing on their potential to drive innovation and transform businesses. Through case studies and hands-on projects, learners analyze real-world scenarios and develop strategies to leverage these technologies effectively. Graduates will be equipped with forward-thinking insights and skills to navigate and harness the evolving world of cutting-edge technologies.

Explore the principles and practices of developing applications for mobile and immersive platforms, including smartphones, tablets, AR, and VR devices. The curriculum focuses on designing user-centered experiences, utilizing cutting-edge tools and frameworks, and addressing unique challenges such as performance optimization and platform-specific constraints. Hands-on projects provide opportunities to build interactive, responsive, and engaging applications that leverage the capabilities of mobile and immersive technologies. By the end, participants will be prepared to innovate and deliver impactful solutions in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital interaction.(Prerequisite: CST 360)

Explore the fundamentals of creating dynamic, interactive websites that respond to user inputs and adapt to changing data. The curriculum focuses on integrating front-end and back-end technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side frameworks, to build responsive and engaging web applications. Hands-on projects guide learners in designing, developing, and deploying websites that incorporate databases, APIs, and modern development practices. Graduates will be equipped to craft professional, user-friendly web solutions for a variety of real-world needs. (Prerequisites: CST 205 and CST 250)

Data Management and Big Data Systems explores the principles and technologies that underpin the storage, organization, and analysis of large-scale data. The course covers essential topics such as database design, data modeling, and the architecture of big data systems, including distributed storage and processing frameworks. Learners will engage with modern tools and platforms to gain hands-on experience in managing and querying large datasets, ensuring data integrity, and optimizing performance. Emphasizing both theoretical and practical aspects, the curriculum prepares participants to address the challenges of handling massive volumes of data in diverse industries. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to design efficient data solutions and leverage big data technologies for strategic decision-making. (Prerequisites: CST 205 and CST 250)

Delve into the principles and practices of human-centered design, focusing on creating solutions that prioritize user needs, behaviors, and experiences. The curriculum emphasizes empathy-driven research, iterative prototyping, and usability testing to craft intuitive and impactful designs. Through hands-on projects, learners will explore how to address complex challenges by aligning design strategies with real-world contexts and user goals. Graduates will be equipped to innovate thoughtfully and effectively, ensuring their work resonates with and empowers diverse audiences.(Prerequisites: CST 205 and CST 250)

Examine the principles and practices of DevOps, emphasizing the integration of development and operations to streamline software delivery. The curriculum covers key concepts such as automation, version control, infrastructure as code, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. Through practical exercises, learners gain hands-on experience in building, deploying, and maintaining scalable and efficient software systems. Participants will be prepared to implement DevOps methodologies to enhance collaboration, accelerate workflows, and improve software quality in dynamic environments. (Prerequisite: CST 460)

Explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence in data science and big data analytics, focusing on extracting insights from massive datasets. The curriculum covers advanced machine learning algorithms, big data frameworks like Hadoop and Spark, and AI-driven predictive modeling techniques. Through hands-on projects, learners will design scalable data pipelines, implement intelligent analysis workflows, and derive actionable insights to solve complex problems. Graduates will be prepared to leverage AI and big data technologies to drive innovation and informed decision-making in diverse industries. (Prerequisite: CST 335)

Dive into the cutting-edge advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence, focusing on next-generation algorithms, architectures, and applications. The curriculum explores topics such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, and generative AI, emphasizing their transformative potential across industries. Hands-on projects enable learners to design, train, and deploy innovative AI models, leveraging state-of-the-art tools and frameworks. Participants will emerge with the skills and insights to lead in the rapidly evolving world of intelligent systems and predictive technologies. (Prerequisite: CST 335)

A forward-thinking exploration of modern cloud infrastructure and containerization technologies, focusing on scalability, efficiency, and adaptability. The course covers container orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes, alongside cutting-edge cloud computing models and deployment strategies. Through hands-on projects, learners gain practical experience in building, deploying, and managing secure, automated, and cost-efficient cloud-native solutions. Graduates will be prepared to leverage containers and cloud computing to drive innovation in dynamic IT environments.

Gain in-depth knowledge of systems programming using RUST, a modern language designed for safety, concurrency, and performance. The curriculum explores advanced concepts such as memory management, multithreading, and low-level programming, alongside best practices for building robust and efficient applications. Through hands-on projects, learners will tackle complex challenges, including developing systems-level software and optimizing performance-critical code. By the end, participants will be equipped to leverage RUST for high-performance, secure, and scalable systems in cutting-edge computing environments. (Prerequisite: CST 470)

Explore the principles and techniques of AI-driven software development, with a focus on creating intelligent bots and automated systems. The curriculum covers key topics such as natural language processing, machine learning integration, and conversational AI frameworks. Through practical projects, learners will design, build, and deploy intelligent bots capable of enhancing user interactions and automating complex tasks. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to develop innovative AI solutions that drive efficiency and improve user engagement. (Prerequisite: CST 335)

Examine the principles of software architecture with a focus on incorporating AI-driven design to create scalable, efficient, and intelligent systems. The curriculum covers key topics such as architectural patterns, AI integration strategies, and designing for performance, security, and adaptability. Hands-on projects guide learners in building robust architectures that leverage machine learning models, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to design forward-thinking software solutions that seamlessly integrate AI capabilities. (Prerequisites: CST 335 and CST 405)

Master the principles and practices of modern API development and integration, focusing on building scalable and secure interfaces for seamless data exchange. The curriculum covers API design best practices, REST and GraphQL standards, and techniques for integrating third-party APIs into applications. Hands-on projects guide learners through creating robust APIs, implementing authentication and versioning, and ensuring interoperability across systems. Participants will gain the skills to design and manage APIs that power dynamic and interconnected digital solutions. (Prerequisite: CST 325)

Learn the principles of defensive programming to design and develop secure, resilient software systems that can withstand potential threats and vulnerabilities. The curriculum emphasizes secure coding practices, input validation, error handling, and proactive strategies for mitigating risks. Hands-on exercises focus on identifying and addressing common security flaws, integrating testing frameworks, and adhering to industry standards. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to build robust, secure software solutions that protect against evolving cybersecurity challenges. (Prerequisites: CST 205 and CST 250)

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