Computer Science: Algorithms Option (B.A.)
Computer Science: Algorithms Option (B.A.)

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
Kingsbury Hall N229, 33 Academic Way
Durham, NH 03824
Phone: (603) 862.3778
E: office@cs.unh.edu
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.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Computer Science Courses | ||
CS 400 | Introduction to Computing | 2 |
CS 415 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 4 |
or CS 410P | Introduction to Scientific Programming/Python | |
or CS 410C | Introduction to Scientific Programming/C | |
CS 416 | Introduction to Computer Science II | 4 |
IT 403 | Introduction to Internet Technologies | 4 |
CS 420 | Foundations of Programming for Digital Systems | 4 |
CS 501 | Professional Ethics and Communication in Technology-related Fields | 4 |
CS 515 | Data Structures and Introduction to Algorithms | 4 |
CS 520 | Computer Organization and System-Level Programming | 4 |
CS 527 | Fundamentals of Cybersecurity | 4 |
CS 619 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Design and Development | 4 |
CS 791 & CS 792 | Senior Project I and Senior Project II | 4 |
or CS 799 | Thesis | |
Computer Science Electives | ||
Select three courses from the advanced CS course pool 1 | 12 | |
Mathematics Courses | ||
MATH 425 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 531 | Mathematical Proof | 4 |
MATH 539 | Introduction to Statistical Analysis | 4 |
CS 659 | Introduction to the Theory of Computation | 4 |
Science Courses 2 | ||
One Discovery Biological Science (BS) with Discovery Lab | 4 | |
One Discovery Physical Science (PS) with Discovery Lab | 4 | |
Discovery requirements not already covered by required courses | 20 | |
Total Credits | 98 |
- 1
Advanced CS course pool consists of the following:
- Any CS course at the 700-level
- One professional elective from the list of B.S. in Computer Science Electives
- 2
Courses must carry the Discovery attributes of Biological Science or Physical Science and include Discovery lab (DLAB).
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 410C, CS 410P, CS 415, CS 416, CS 420, CS 515, CS 520, IT 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.
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.