StudyQA — Bachelor: Computer Science

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Computer science is a broad field that draws its foundation from a number of disciplines, requiring students to utilize concepts from different fields. At the core of our curriculum, students must learn to integrate computer science theory with practice. In a field that evolves as rapidly as computer science, the Department of Computer Science focuses on preparing students for long term learning that enables them to not only understand today's technologies, but also understand how to tackle challenges of the future.

The Department of Computer Science supports multiple programs for undergraduates including general science courses for students in the Georgetown College, an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and minor in Computer Science. We also offer an Accelerated Master of Science in Computer Science for those who are completing a Bachelor of Science.

The BS is our most technical undergraduate offering, designed to prepare students for careers in industry or for advanced study in computer science.

First Year

Computer Science I and II (COSC-051, 052)
Mathematical Methods for Computer Science (COSC-030). Students may elect to take instead Introduction to Proofs and Problem Solving (MATH-200) and Analysis I (MATH-310). MATH-200 must be taken as a pre-requisite to Data Structures (COSC-160).
Calculus I and II (MATH-035, 036)

Second Year

Data Structures (COSC-160)
Advanced Programming (COSC-150)
Computer Hardware Fundamentals (COSC-120)
Computer System Fundamental (COSC-121)
Two additional math electives from Probability and Statistics (MATH-040), Multivariable Calculus (MATH-137), Introduction to Mathematical Statistics (MATH-140), Linear Algebra (MATH-150), Abstract Algebra (MATH-203), Number Theory (MATH-211), Numerical Analysis (MATH-212), Combinatorics (MATH-223), Graph Theory (MATH-224), Optimization (MATH-225), Mathematical Statistics I (MATH-233), Mathematical Statistics II (MATH-234), and Symbolic Logic (PHIL-378)

Third and Fourth Years

Programming Languages (COSC-252)
Introduction to Algorithms (COSC-240)
Operating Systems (COSC-255)
Four computer science electives, selected from COSC courses numbered 100 and higher
Optional: Senior Thesis

The senior thesis consists of taking a one credit Senior Thesis Seminar (COSC-300), attending department colloquia while enrolled in COSC-300, writing a substantial senior thesis, and presenting the thesis publicly. Students interested in this option must apply to individual faculty members. If accepted, the faculty member serves as thesis advisor and overseas the project. The adviser and the student pick a thesis committee consisting of three faculty members, including the adviser. Once completed, the committee determines if the thesis is acceptable. The senior thesis must also be presented to the faculty. If approved by the thesis committee, the thesis is published as a technical report. Senior Thesis Independent Study (COSC-301) is for directed research in support of the thesis project and may substitute for an elective.

Graduating with Honors in Computer Science

As of Fall 2010, students who meet the following criteria may apply to graduate with honors in computer science:

Complete the BS in computer science
Graduate with a 3.67 overall grade-point average and a 3.67 grade-point average in computer science classes
Complete a senior thesis approved by the faculty

An application consists of a formal written request to graduate with honors submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Studies. A student who does not meet the above criteria may petition the faculty for consideration to graduate with honors. Applications and petitions must be submitted by April 1st for spring graduates and November 1st for fall graduates.

Procedure for Undergraduate Curriculum-Related Requests

Requests relating to curricular matters, including requests for course credit from other universities and for external course credit from Georgetown departments, should be addressed to the Director of Undergraduate Studies. The request will be forwarded to the department's Curriculum Committee.

During the academic semester, the Curriculum Committee will review and respond to requests at its next scheduled meeting. During breaks, the committee will wait until the academic semester restarts to review requests. When making a request, students must submit the following documentation:

cover letter, which should include:
- A brief explanation of the request.
- The GU computer science course name(s) and number(s) for which credit is sought.
External course information:
- University offering course
- Course name and number
- Course description
- Syllabus
- Relevant assignments (optional)

SAT - Georgetown's SAT code is 5244. Georgetown only considers the critical reading and math portions of the SAT, not the writing section. If an applicant takes the SAT more than once, the admissions committees will consider the highest critical reading score and the highest math score from multiple test sessions when reviewing the application.
ACT - Georgetown's ACT code is 0668. Georgetown accepts the ACT in lieu of the SAT. Applicants who take the ACT more than once will have their highest composite score considered in the evaluation process. The optional writing section on the ACT is not required, nor is the writing subscore used in the application review process.
SAT Subject Tests - It is strongly recommended that all candidates, whether they have taken the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT, submit three SAT Subject Tests scores. The scores from writing portion on the SAT Reasoning Test and the optional writing portion of the ACT will not be used in place of a Subject Test.
TOEFL - Georgetown's TOEFL code is 5244. TOEFL is recommended for candidates studying in non-U.S. educational systems and whose native language is not English. Georgetown also does accept results from the IELTS. Please contact either the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the American College Testing Program (ACT) for details about this exam.
If you will graduate from a school with a final examination such as the British A-Levels, Cambridge Pre-U, German Abitaur, French Baccalaureat, or International Baccalaureate, you will need to submit both Projected and Final results. These should be included in the Secondary School Report sent from your college counselor, teacher or the Head of School.