Computer Science: Algorithms Option (B.A.)

Computer Science: Algorithms Option (B.A.)
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The Computer Science” Algorithms option major at UNH dives deep into algorithm design and analysis, preparing you for cutting-edge careers in software development, data science, and AI. With hands-on experience at the renowned UNH Interoperability Lab, you'll gain real-world skills testing and developing new technologies. This program equips you with the knowledge to excel in high-demand industries, making you a sought-after expert in computer science innovation


What is computer science with an option in algorithms?

The B.A. in computer science will allow you to combine the study of computer science with the study of another field. Given the emergence of computational approaches to virtually all areas of scholarship and creative expression, it is important to offer this flexibility. The algorithms option is tailored to students who want to focus on fundamental concepts in the areas of algorithms, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Why study computer science at UNH?

You’ll have access to the UNH InterOperability Lab, where you’ll work alongside top tech companies to test their equipment before it hits the marketplace. All computer science students are encouraged to conduct research through capstone projects and independent studies. Many of UNH’s student organizations are a natural fit for computer science majors, such as the Cyber Security Club, the Linux Club, and Wildcat Women in Computer Science. Plus, the Programming Assistance Center offers walk-in support and tutoring.

Potential careers

  • Application developer
  • Computer and information research scientist
  • Database developer
  • Data security specialist
  • Network architect
  • Product development manager
  • Quality assurance analyst
  • Software engineer
  • Software systems developer
  • User experience designer
  • Web developer
  • Computer science cybersecurity student
    Meet a Wildcat: Computer Science
    Patrick O'Neil is a senior computer science major in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Read more to learn about why he loves being a  computer science student at UNH.
    Learn More

Curriculum & Requirements

The B.A. in Computer Science will allow students to combine the study of computer science with the study of another field. Given the emergence of computational approaches to virtually all areas of scholarship and creative expression, it is important to offer this flexibility. The three tracks in the B.A. program contain the same computer science core as the B.S. program, but give more control to the student to choose the complementary and advanced courses. 

Sample Degree Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CS 400 Introduction to Computing 2
CS 415 Introduction to Computer Science I 4
IT 403 Introduction to Internet Technologies 4
MATH 425 Calculus I 4
Discovery I (or Foreign Language) 4
 Credits18
Spring
CS 416 Introduction to Computer Science II 4
CS 420 Foundations of Programming for Digital Systems 4
MATH 539
or MATH 531
Introduction to Statistical Analysis
or Mathematical Proof
4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing 4
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
CS 515 Data Structures and Introduction to Algorithms 4
CS 518
or CS 527
Introduction to Software Engineering
or Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
4
CS 501 Professional Ethics and Communication in Technology-related Fields (or Discovery II) 4
MATH 531
or MATH 539
Mathematical Proof
or Introduction to Statistical Analysis
4
 Credits16
Spring
CS 520 Computer Organization and System-Level Programming 4
CS 527
or CS 518
Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
or Introduction to Software Engineering
4
Discovery II (or CS 501) 4
Discovery III (or Foreign Language) 4
 Credits16
Third Year
Fall
CS 619 Introduction to Object-Oriented Design and Development 4
CS 659 Introduction to the Theory of Computation 4
CS 700-level Elective I 4
Discovery IV 4
 Credits16
Spring
CS 700-level Elective II 4
Discovery V 4
General Elective I 4
General Elective II 4
 Credits16
Fourth Year
Fall
CS 791 Senior Project I 2
CS 700-level Elective III 4
Discovery VI 4
General Elective III 4
General Elective IV 4
 Credits18
Spring
CS 792 Senior Project II 2
Discovery VII 4
General Elective V 4
General Elective VI 4
 Credits14
 Total Credits130

Discovery (7): Historical Perspectives, Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts, Social Science, World Cultures, Physical Science Discovery Lab, Biological Science Discovery Lab.

One Discovery or General Elective course must have the Writing Intensive (WI) attribute.

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: Yes

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Computer science majors must maintain an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all required computer science, mathematics, and computer engineering courses in order to graduate. If at the end of any semester, including the first, a student's cumulative grade-point average in these courses falls below 2.0, the student may not be allowed to continue as a CS major.

The following courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better: CS 410CCS 410PCS 415CS 416, CS 420CS 515CS 520IT 403

If a student wishing to transfer into the computer science major has any coursework that is applicable to the major, the grades in those courses must satisfy the minimum grade requirements for the B.S. degree in computer science. The student must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all courses taken at the university.

Computer Science Courses
CS 400Introduction to Computing2
CS 415Introduction to Computer Science I4
or CS 410P Introduction to Scientific Programming/Python
or CS 410C Introduction to Scientific Programming/C
CS 416Introduction to Computer Science II4
CS 420Foundations of Programming for Digital Systems4
IT 403Introduction to Internet Technologies4
CS 501Professional Ethics and Communication in Technology-related Fields4
CS 515Data Structures and Introduction to Algorithms4
CS 518Introduction to Software Engineering4
CS 520Computer Organization and System-Level Programming4
CS 527Fundamentals of Cybersecurity4
CS 619Introduction to Object-Oriented Design and Development4
CS 791
CS 792
Senior Project I
and Senior Project II
4
or CS 799 Thesis
Computer Science Electives
Select three additional CS courses numbered 690-79912
Mathematics Courses
MATH 425Calculus I4
MATH 531Mathematical Proof4
MATH 539Introduction to Statistical Analysis4
or MATH 644 Statistics for Engineers and Scientists
CS 659Introduction to the Theory of Computation4
Science Courses 1
One Discovery Biological Science (BS) with Discovery Lab4
One Discovery Physical Science (PS) with Discovery Lab4
Discovery requirements not already covered by required courses20
Total Credits102
1

Courses must carry the Discovery attributes of Biological Science or Physical Science and include Discovery lab (DLAB).

Graduates of the UNH B.A. CS programs will have an ability to:

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
  • Learn independently about new technologies, and have the skills needed to understand them.

Explore Program Details

Those interested in the Computer Science: Algorithms Option major may also be interested in the following advanced degrees. Students in the program also have the opportunity to participate in the UNH accelerated master’s program.

Computer Science M.S.

Computer Science Ph.D.

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